Warren County approves multiple short-term rental permits and adopts new rules to expire dormant CUPs

FRONT ROYAL, Va. — On March 18, 2025, the Warren County Board of Supervisors approved a series of conditional use permits (CUPs) allowing short-term tourist rentals and related land-use changes and adopted a zoning amendment that establishes an expiration process for dormant CUPs.

The board voted to approve CUPs for properties in the Shenandoah Farms subdivision and other parts of the county, including permits that set occupancy limits enforced by the county health department. The board also approved a zoning text amendment that requires the zoning administrator to notify permit holders when a permitted use has not been established or appears abandoned and gives permit holders 60 days to request an extension; a $100 fee will apply to extension requests. The ordinance allows the board to deny expiration extension requests and prevents reapplication for substantially the same CUP for six months after denial.

The zoning amendment was presented by county planning staff and was described as addressing long‑standing enforcement and administrative gaps. Planning staff said the expiration procedures will apply where a permitted use has not been established within three calendar years or where a permitted use has been abandoned for three years. The planning commission recommended approval with the changes the board considered earlier in February, including lengthening the extension-notice period to 60 days and shortening the reapplication restriction to six months. The board approved the amendment by roll call vote; Supervisor Cullors voted and did not abstain on the ordinance adoption.

The board approved multiple land-use requests during the meeting: - A CUP for a one‑bedroom dwelling at 268 Vaught Drive in Shenandoah Farms, where the county health department had approved the septic system for a maximum of two occupants. The planning staff recommended approval with standard conditions: compliance with Warren County Health Department, building inspections, and the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code; annual well testing for E. coli and coliform; and septic servicing every five years. The motion to approve passed by roll call (aye votes recorded from Supervisors Cullors, Stanmeyer, Chairman Butler, Dr.…