SB 544 (Bagby), as amended in committee, prohibits a locality from adopting a local ordinance that requires a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit be obtained for the use of a residential dwelling as a short-term rental where the dwelling unit is also legally occupied by the property owner as his or her primary residence. SB 544 passed in the Senate Local Government Committee by a vote of 11-4 and will be considered on the Senate floor later this week. VACo opposes SB 544.
Action Required – Contact members of the Senate to vote “NO” on SB 544.
KEY POINTS
- Local governments have the authority to regulate and address any potential impacts from the operation of short-term rentals within their community.
- Mandated changes to this authority that make short-term rentals a “by right” use erodes the ability of local elected officials to address impacts from their operation.
VACo Contact: Joe Lerch, AICP