The Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Alliance (VB STRA) believes that fair and effective short-term rental (STR) policies are achieved through compromise and collaboration, not with bans or over restriction. The following policy framework can serve as a foundation for a comprehensive and enforceable solution and alleviate the resource-consuming CUP process. The VB STRA remains committed to an open dialogue with the City of Virginia Beach and community members in the weeks and months ahead.
1. Oceanfront Resort Overlay + RT Zone
- STRs allowed by right.
- No density caps.
2. Remove North End and East Shore Drive Overlays
3. All areas outside of the Oceanfront Resort Overlay and RT Zone (excluding Sandbridge)
- Density Cap: 1% of total housing units (excluding grandfathered STRs & Sandbridge).
- Currently this equates to about 1,800 STRs total (1% of the reported 186,464 total housing units on Census.gov).
- Eliminate resource-consuming CUP process.
- Implement a simple registration process with the Planning Department with a safety inspection.
- Three Strike Rule: With three verified complaints, the Planning Department could recommend the removal of an STR’s registration and ability to operate.
4. All STR Registration Holders (Sandbridge exempt):
- No annual zoning permit requirement. Zoning enforcement to be self-funded via STR tax revenue.
- 52 contracts per year, allowing 2 contracts per week for flexibility across seasons.
- One parking space for the first two bedrooms, one space for each bedroom thereafter.
- Occupancy limit of two people per bedroom, excluding kids under 16.
- Responsible party able to respond to a call in 30 minutes and be on-site within 2 hours of notification.
- Fine for non-compliance.
- No requirement for signage that publicly displays contact information. This is a safety hazard as it invites break-ins during vacancies.
5. Community Engagement and Continued Review of STR Program
- Advisory board that meets every other month to provide guidance and recommendations on administration, enforcement, and other policies pertaining to STR permitting.
- Members shall consist of STR hosts, non-hosts, industry stakeholders, and elected officials.