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Short-Term Residential Rentals
A short-term residential rental is the provision of a room or space that is suitable or intended for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for a charge for the occupancy.
In 2018, Loudoun County established a short-term residential rental registration ordinance intended to help the county monitor and evaluate the growing industry of short-term residential rentals. The registry established by the ordinance created a channel for the county to provide operators of short-term residential rentals with important business-related information and resources.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment Regarding Short-Term Rentals
Following the adoption of the registration ordinance, the county began evaluating public safety and land use/zoning issues associated with short-term residential rentals, with an eye toward amending the county’s Zoning Ordinance to adopt standards for such rentals.
This process resulted in a proposed ZOAM that includes separate standards for the short-term rental of an owner-occupied residence, which would be an “accessory use”, and for the rental of a non-owner-occupied dwelling, which would constitute a principal “whole-house commercial use.
Board Forwards Item to February 22, 2023, Transportation and Land Use Committee Meeting
The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing January 11, 2023, regarding the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment related to short-term residential rentals. The Board voted to forward the item to the Board's Transportation and Land Use Committee meeting scheduled for February 22, 2023:
- Read the staff report prepared for Board of Supervisors January 11, 2023, public hearing.
- View the Board discussion's of the proposed Short-Term Rentals Zoning Ordinance Amendment.
October 13, 2022, Planning Commission Work Session
The Planning Commission held a work session October 13, 2022, and forwarded the Short-Term Rental Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOAM-2018-0001) to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval.
September 8, 2022, Planning Commission Work Session
The Planning Commission held a work session on September 8, 2022.
June 28, 2022, Planning Commission Public Hearing
The Planning Commission held a public hearing Tuesday, June 28, 2022, regarding the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment related to short-term residential rentals
- View the June 28 meeting video
- Read the June 28 Staff Report: Draft Text - Attachments 1, 2 and 3 (PDF)
February 22, 2022, Public Information Meeting
Loudoun County held a virtual public information meeting Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. to present a proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOAM) related to short-term residential rentals.
- View the February 22 meeting video.
- Read the February 22 meeting presentation (PDF)
- View the draft amendment.(PDF)
Stay Informed About the Zoning Ordinance Amendment Process
Registration Requirements for Short-Term Residential Rentals
Operators of short-term residential rentals in Loudoun are required to register their properties online annually.
Registration is free.
After completing the registration form, operators will receive a confirmation e-mail with a copy of the registration for their records. Operators who do not register with the county may face a fine of $500 per violation.
The State Code of Virginia provides for exemptions to the registration requirement. (See Section B.2).
Information about the registration process and the exemptions may be found in this Short-Term Residential Registration Fact Sheet (PDF) that you may download or print.
Other Regulations Regarding Short-Term Residential Rentals
Anyone who currently operates, or is considering operating, a short term residential rental in Loudoun County should consider the following:
Taxes
Are short-term residential rental operators currently subject to local taxes?
- Yes. Short-term residential rental operators are currently required to file and pay all applicable taxes if they meet the filing requirements.
- The filing requirement for the transient occupancy tax is the ability to “lodge four or more persons at one time.” For the Business, Professional, and Occupational License tax, the requirement is the provision of “in excess of seven bedrooms.”
- For questions, email the Commissioner of the Revenue or call 703-777-0260.
Permits
- Contact Zoning Administration if you have questions about using your property for a short-term residential rental based on the Zoning Ordinance . They will also determine if you will need a Zoning Permit. You can contact zoning administration by submitting a request online, or by calling 703-777-0246.
- Contact the Health Department to determine what is required for a short-term residential rental. You can contact the department by email or by phone at 703-777-0234.
- The Health Department reviews the specifics of the rental to determine if the property meets the definition of a Bed and Breakfast.
Towns and HOAs
- If you live in a homeowners or condo association, contact your association to verify their regulations regarding short-term rentals.
- If you live in an incorporated town, contact the town for information regarding their regulations.