WASHINGTON — Fairfax County, Virginia, is considering whether (or how) to regulate private short-term rentals, such as those facilitated by websites like Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, FlipKey and Roomarama.
Right now, short-term rentals aren’t allowed.
“The zoning ordinance does offer a bed-and-Breakfast special exception, but that requires approval from the board of supervisors,” said Donna Pesto, Fairfax County’s deputy zoning administrator. “We don’t have any of those.”
Back in the 1980s, there was a single legal B&B in Fairfax County, but Pesto said it’s no longer operating.
About 7,400 people already filled out a now-closed online survey exploring thoughts such as where and how often rentals should be allowed, what types of properties can be rented and by how many people.
And there will be no shortage of opportunities for additional public input: Three upcoming public meetings will allow interested parties to share similar thoughts and ask questions.
“We want to hear from everybody who has a concern in favor or opposed,” Pesto said.
All three meetings begin at 7 p.m.
- Sept. 5
Hunter Mill District Community Room
1801 Cameron Glen Drive
Reston, Virginia - Sept. 13
South County Government Center
8350 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, Virginia - Sept. 25
Dranesville District Community Room
1437 Balls Hill Road
McLean, Virginia
You can also email comments or concerns to ordadmin@fairfaxcounty.gov.
On Oct. 3, the board of supervisors will give zoning staff guidance about arranging public hearing dates before the board and the Planning Commission. There also may be some kind of public-input session for the Planning Commission in October or early November, Pesto says, schedule permitting.
Zoning staff hope to provide the board of supervisors with specific ordinance changes for consideration by year’s end.
