Chesapeake Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Chesapeake

Chesapeake, Virginia has specific regulations governing short-term rentals, which are primarily found in the city's zoning ordinance and planning code. These rules dictate where and how short-term rentals can operate within the city. It is essential for individuals interested in starting a short-term rental business in Chesapeake to be well-versed in these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.

The short-term rental market in Chesapeake has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. However, this growth has also raised concerns among city officials and residents about the potential impact of short-term rentals on neighborhoods, property values, and the availability of long-term housing.

In response to these concerns, the city has implemented a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at balancing the interests of short-term rental operators, residents, and the broader community. These regulations are designed to ensure that short-term rentals are operated in a responsible manner and do not disrupt the character of residential neighborhoods.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Chesapeake

To operate a short-term rental in Chesapeake, individuals need to be familiar with the current rules and regulations surrounding investment properties in the city. Short-term rentals are only permitted to operate in the A-1 Agricultural District and the Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District (HC District) of Chesapeake.

Obtaining a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a crucial requirement for operating a short-term rental in Chesapeake. The CUP application process involves submitting detailed information about the proposed rental property, including its location, size, and intended use. The city's planning department reviews each application to ensure that the proposed short-term rental complies with all applicable zoning regulations and does not pose a significant impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

Required Documents for Chesapeake Short Term Rentals

Short-term rentals in Chesapeake require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate, as stipulated by the city's zoning ordinance. The required documents for short-term rentals in Chesapeake may include the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and adherence to signage rules as per the city's zoning ordinance.

In addition to the CUP, short-term rental operators may also be required to obtain a business license and comply with other local regulations, such as fire safety codes and noise ordinances. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines, penalties, or even the revocation of the CUP.

Chesapeake Short Term Rental Taxes

The short-term rental property tax in Chesapeake is collected from the lessee in accordance with Section 58.1-625 of the Code of Virginia. This tax is typically collected by the short-term rental platform (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) and remitted to the city on behalf of the property owner.

In addition to the short-term rental tax, property owners may also be required to pay other taxes, such as personal property taxes and real estate taxes, depending on the specific circumstances of their rental operation.

Chesapeake-wide Short Term Rental Rules

Throughout most of Chesapeake, it is illegal to run a short-term rental property. Properties built after November 15, 2001 can't be used as bed and breakfasts or vacation rentals in the HC district of Chesapeake, VA. This restriction is designed to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods and prevent the proliferation of short-term rentals in areas that are primarily zoned for single-family homes.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. As mentioned earlier, short-term rentals are permitted in the A-1 Agricultural District and the Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District (HC District), subject to obtaining a Conditional Use Permit and complying with other applicable regulations.

Does Chesapeake strictly enforce STR rules?

Chesapeake strictly enforces its short-term rental rules and is not considered Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities. Hosts are required to adhere to the city's regulations, and it is illegal to operate a short-term rental in most of Chesapeake.

The city's enforcement efforts are aimed at ensuring that short-term rentals do not disrupt the quality of life in residential neighborhoods or create safety hazards. Violations of the short-term rental regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even the revocation of the Conditional Use Permit.

One example of the city's strict enforcement approach is the case of a Chesapeake homeowner who was fined $3,000 for operating an illegal short-term rental in a residential neighborhood. The homeowner had been renting out a room in their home through Airbnb without obtaining the necessary permits or complying with the city's zoning regulations.

Is Chesapeake Airbnb friendly? (Compared to other cities)

Compared to other cities in the region, Chesapeake is generally not considered to be Airbnb-friendly. The city's strict regulations and limited areas where short-term rentals are permitted make it more challenging for Airbnb hosts to operate legally.

For example, in nearby Virginia Beach, short-term rentals are permitted in most residential areas, subject to obtaining a permit and complying with certain regulations. This more permissive approach has made Virginia Beach a popular destination for Airbnb hosts and guests alike.

Similarly, in Norfolk, Virginia, short-term rentals are allowed in most residential areas, provided that the property owner obtains a permit and meets certain requirements. Norfolk's regulations are generally considered to be more accommodating to short-term rental operators than those in Chesapeake.

Do hosts operate in Chesapeake despite the rules?

Despite the strict regulations and enforcement efforts in Chesapeake, some hosts continue to operate short-term rentals illegally, either out of ignorance or willful disregard for the rules.According to discussions on online forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit, some hosts in Chesapeake have reported operating short-term rentals without the necessary permits or in areas where they are not permitted. These hosts often cite the potential for high rental income as justification for their actions, despite the legal risks involved.

However, it is important to note that operating an illegal short-term rental in Chesapeake can result in significant fines and penalties, as well as potential legal action from the city. Additionally, hosts who operate illegally may not be protected by the insurance policies or legal protections offered by platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Chesapeake

• Familiarize yourself with the current rules and regulations surrounding investment properties in Chesapeake, including the zoning ordinance and planning code.
• Identify the zoning district where short-term rentals are permitted to operate, which is currently limited to the A-1 Agricultural District and the Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District (HC District).
• Obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by submitting a detailed application to the city's planning department. This application should include information about the proposed rental property, its location, size, and intended use.
• Ensure compliance with the city's zoning ordinance, including signage rules and any other applicable regulations, such as fire safety codes and noise ordinances.
• Obtain a business license and any other necessary permits or licenses required for operating a short-term rental in Chesapeake.
• Collect and remit the appropriate taxes, including the short-term rental tax and any other applicable taxes.
• Maintain compliance with all regulations and permit requirements throughout the operation of your short-term rental business.

Who to contact in Chesapeake about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For inquiries about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Chesapeake, Virginia, individuals can contact the following:

Chesapeake City Hall
306 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 382-2489

Chesapeake Planning Department
306 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322
Phone: (757) 382-6176

These offices can provide detailed information about the city's zoning ordinances, permitting requirements, and other regulations related to short-term rentals.

What do Airbnb hosts in Chesapeake on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

While there are no specific Reddit or Bigger Pockets responses available to provide insights into the opinions of Airbnb hosts in Chesapeake regarding local regulations, discussions on these forums suggest that some hosts find the city's regulations to be overly restrictive and burdensome.

On the Bigger Pockets forum, one user expressed frustration with the limited areas where short-term rentals are permitted in Chesapeake, stating that it "severely limits the potential for Airbnb hosts in the city". Another user on the same forum suggested that the city's regulations are "outdated and need to be revised to reflect the changing landscape of the short-term rental market".

Similarly, on Reddit, some users have criticized Chesapeake's strict enforcement of short-term rental regulations, with one user claiming that the city is "cracking down on Airbnb hosts in a way that is unfair and excessive".

However, it is important to note that these opinions represent a small subset of hosts and may not be representative of the broader community. Additionally, many hosts recognize the importance of regulations in maintaining the character of residential neighborhoods and ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and residents alike.

In conclusion, while Chesapeake's short-term rental regulations may be perceived as restrictive by some hosts, they are designed to balance the interests of various stakeholders and maintain the integrity of the city's residential neighborhoods. Prospective short-term rental operators should carefully review and comply with these regulations to avoid potential legal and financial consequences.