The Urbanna Planning Commission is taking an in-depth look at the towns ordinance on short-term rentals (STRs), and has asked for citizen input through a five-question online survey.
“We are not alone in finding it challenging to balance interests in preserving the residential quality of our neighborhoods, our important historic area, our very small commercial footprint, supporting tourism, and providing economic opportunity for residents,” said Town Councilor Merri Hanson, who also serves as chairman of the planning commission.
The survey can be found here. Citizens are asked to reply by Thursday, Aug. 24.
The survey’s five questions include:
- What will best preserve the residential quality of our neighborhoods?
- What can we do to protect the character of Urbanna’s historic area?
- What can we do to protect Urbanna’s small commercial footprint?
- What can we do to prevent the loss of rental housing stock?
Each of the above questions list choices for respondents to choose.
The final general question asks, “What else would you like us to consider about the permitting and regulation of short-term rentals in Urbanna?”
Those who have questions should email Merri Hanson at m.hanson@urbannava.gov.
Ordinance
The town council approved an STR ordinance in October 2020. In April 2023 it came to light that some town STRs are operating without a $25 town permit and have not met other requirements, Town Treasurer Michele Hutton told council. In April, Hutton told council the town has 11 short-term rentals, and six of them are not in compliance with the town ordinance. Enforcement is difficult and time consuming, Hutton said.
In her research, Hutton learned that short term rentals nationwide have increased by 800% since 2011, she said.
At the Aug. 10 meeting, Hanson said Town Zoning Administrator Roy Kime has taken action on enforcement on STRs. “The further we get into this the more there is to it, and we want to get it right,” said Hanson.
Another issue raised is that residences used for short term rentals take away full time rental housing. Property owners can get more revenue from a short term rental than a full-time rental.
Proposed state law
The 2023 Virginia General Assembly failed to approve a short-term rental bill that would limit a locality’s control if the short-term rental is managed by a Virginia Realtor. Although it failed to get approval, the measure came close to becoming law.
There has been a reoccurring lobbying effort in the Virginia General Assembly to get legislation approved that would restrict a locality’s ability to restrict short-term rental properties if it is managed by a Virginia Realtor.
“It got very far this year and almost passed,” Middlesex’s County Attorney Heather Lewis told the Middlesex County Board of Supervisors at its March 7 meeting.
