It’s my 3rd year hosting, in Virginia Beach And they implemented new zoning ordinances in Nov 2019. We have never had any major issues or problems over the entire course of hosting, but our neighbor decided to complain because she hates me and can’t stand to see young people living out their dream. (There is a long list of others, not just young people, who she harasses in the neighborhood, I guess she just has nothing better to do.) It is a stand alone house, she literally does not have to interact or hear my guests at all... I guess she can’t handle seeing strangers on the street from time to time.
I have been registered and permitted with business license and Commissioner of the Revenue, and paying taxes to the city the whole time (8%!) she would have complained long ago but obviously figured out that she can get me now because the new zoning laws require 1 off street parking space per bedroom, which I do not have and probably will not be able to provide.
So an inspector came by, I was told by a different neighbor who tried to stand up for me. And then I received a letter in the mail to register with Zoning. They didn’t explicitly tell me I had violated something nor did they suggest I shut down nor did they say what the consequences would be if I didn’t comply. The second page however said I needed to appeal the decision/violation within 30 days if I wished to make an appeal.
I emailed the contact listed on the letter and all he said was to submit my docs to zoning... and that even if I was grandfathered in (to start a new Airbnb now you must have a hearing for a special use permit) I would still have to comply with the new ordinances. We have many reservations for the rest of the summer I would hate to cancel for people.
I’d like to honor my reservations on the calendar through Sept 15, but I’m worried about winding up with some insane fines or some legal repercussions. Very sad situation for me as without short term rental income I will likely have to sell the house.
