§ 420-11.3 V (Short-Term Residential Rental)

The provisions of this section, and the requirements described herein, shall not apply to a residential unit participating in a charitable fund-raising effort wherein a residential dwelling unit is occupied by transient guests who, in return for their stay, donate directly to a charity. ...

A short-term rental business located in a commercial zoning district (C-1 and C-2) or in the Residential-Light Commercial Zoning District (R-LC), where such businesses are permitted, is not limited by the requirements of this subsection.

The owner of a short-term rental unit located in a Commercial zoning district (C-1 and C-2) or in the Residential Light Commercial zoning district (R-LC), where such businesses are permitted, is not required to meet the primary resident requirement.

During each stay at the short-term rental unit, a principal guest shall be designated as the contact person for City officials in the event of safety or behavioral issues at the unit. The host shall provide this information upon request to authorized City officials.

The penalty shall be a fine of $500 per occurrence in accordance with § 15.2-983 of the Code of Virginia for an operator required to register who offers for short-term rental a property that is not registered.

The principal guest of a short-term rental unit shall be at least 18 years of age.

The name and telephone number of the host or the host's designee shall be conspicuously posted within the short-term rental unit. The host shall answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of each short-term rental to address any problems associated with the short-term rental unit.

The City may inspect any short-term rental once per year for compliance with applicable building codes.

The unit shall meet all applicable sections of the life safety requirements in the building code.

The maximum number of adult guests in a short-term rental unit is limited to two adults per bedroom.

A valid registration will permit a maximum 104 nights of type A and type B rentals in each calendar year for a 45-nights-or-less rental business located in the R-1, R-2, and R-M residential zoning districts. Of these 104 nights of rentals, no more than 45 nights may be type B rentals.

A host is permitted a maximum 104 nights of type A and type B rentals in each calendar year for a short-term rental business located in the R-1, R-2, and R-M residential zoning districts. Of these 104 nights of rentals, no more than 45 nights may be type B rentals.

The host shall not permit occupancy of a short-term rental unit for a period of less than overnight.

No recreational vehicles, buses, or trailers shall be parked on the adjoining street or visible on the property in conjunction with the short-term rental use.

Before any suspension or cancellation can be effective, the Zoning Administrator shall give written notice to the short-term rental host. The notice of suspension or cancellation issued under the provisions of this chapter shall contain: [1] A description of the violation(s) constituting the basis of the suspension or cancellation; [2] If applicable, a statement of acts necessary to correct the violation; and [3] A statement that if no written response by the host is received by the Planning Department within 30 days from the date of the notice, the registration will be suspended or cancelled.

A host may only obtain a registration and operate one residential dwelling unit in all of the residential zoning districts (R-1, R-2 and R-M) citywide as a short-term rental.

Any short-term rental business in violation of zoning regulations, including operation without a license, are subject to all relevant penalties as set forth by the City.

In all residential zoning districts, the dwelling unit used for short-term rentals must be the host's primary residence, which means that he or she resides there for at least 185 days during each year.

The registration form shall include the following information: [1] The name, telephone number, address, and email address of the host. [2] A reminder about the importance of having appropriate levels of insurance that covers the homestay unit, the host and the guests.

No host shall operate a short-term rental business without the host first having registered with the Department of Planning and Development in accordance with § 15.2-983 of the Code of Virginia.

The Planning and Development Department will report all registrations to the Commissioner of Revenue for the collection of the transient lodging tax as set forth in Chapter 366, Article III of the City Code.

The building (dwelling) will have an approved address placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be minimum of four inches high with a minimum stroke of 0.5 inches or as otherwise approved by the fire code official. Structures obscured from street view or access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall additionally post the numerical address at the roadway entrance.

Any residential dwelling unit which, at the time of adoption of this chapter, is being operated as a short-term rental business and is properly licensed by the Commissioner of Revenue of the City shall not be subject to the provisions of this section 'short-term rental' set forth below until December 31, 2018. ...

A short-term rental registration may be suspended or cancelled for the following reasons: [1] Failure to collect and/or remit the transient occupancy tax. [2] Three or more substantiated complaints (including, but not limited to, parking on grass, noise, excess trash) within a twelve-month period. [3] The failure of any short-term rental host to maintain his or her principal place of residence or domicile at the dwelling unit (as required in the residential zoning districts) used as a limited residential lodging.

The dates for trash and recycling collection shall be posted prominently in the short-term rental unit.

The registration shall be valid January 1 (or from whatever date the registration first occurs) through December 31 of the calendar year, and shall be renewed annually.

Off-street parking shall be provided in compliance with Article XII of this chapter. The physical and aesthetic impact of required off-street parking shall not be detrimental to the existing character of the house and lot or to the surrounding neighborhood.

Off-street parking may upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission and made part of a conditional use permit by the City Council not be required or may be reduced in number for short-term rentals located in the R-1, R-2, R-M, and R-LC Zoning Districts, provided: [a] The required off-street parking is provided in a remote parking lot which is within 500 feet measured along lines of public access from the principal use. ... [b] Located in a residential historic district where a streetscape would be marred by off-street parking and there is support from adjacent property owners showing agreement to reduce or delete the requirement for off-street parking; or [c] Public parking is provided within 500 feet of the principal use and can reasonably provide the required off-street parking.