VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (WAVY) — As new proposed short term rental regulations make their way through the approval process, those who oppose stronger rules may see a temporary victory.
At a Virginia Beach City Council workshop Tuesday, a majority of councilors expressed interest in having the ability to delay the implementation of whatever new ordnance is ultimately adopted concerning short term rentals.
Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson brought up that some rental operators are already taking reservations for the 2019 tourist season — and are looking for assurance they won’t be penalized if new regulations are passed.
“People are anxious, some of them have a livelihood at stake and it could be disrupted,” Wilson said.
Since 2015, the city has been debating on how to regulate short term rentals such as Airbnb’s and “Event Homes.” Some neighbors living in Sandbridge have complained that the constant flow of strangers coming and going is disruptive.
Parking, trash and noise issues have also been brought up as a reason for stronger regulations.
Last week, council sent new rule proposal to the Virginia Beach Planning Commission for review.
The proposal includes stipulations that short term rentals shall have no more than one rental contract during any consecutive seven day period; no more than two people per bedroom (plus four more) per night; and a logbook of all guests must be presented upon city request.
None of the former rules are in the proposal.
“It is not our intent to hurt current rentals,” said Councilman John Uhrin.
No timeline has been set for the planning commission to return the proposal to city council for a final vote, but Councilwoman Barbara Henley felt the new regulations should be able to go into effect before the new year.
“We are going to allow another year of this thing?” Henley said. “I don’t know why they are assuming it will take so long. We have been delaying this and that’s the problem.”
Vice Mayor James Wood recommended the council pass a resolution about the intent to grandfather all rentals in 2019. However, the majority wanted to let the planning commission report their findings before moving forward.