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Planning commission backs bed-and-breakfast homestay on Murray River Road
Summary
The Rockbridge County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval June 11 for a bed-and-breakfast homestay at a 1.35-acre R-1 property owned by Michael W. Godfrey and Lori Anne Lanfer, finding the proposed use fits the county definition of an owner-occupied, 1–3 room bed-and-breakfast.
The Rockbridge County Planning Commission on June 11 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a special-exception permit for Michael W. Godfrey and Lori Anne Lanfer to operate a bed-and-breakfast homestay at their 1.35-acre R-1 property on the south side of Murray River Road.
Community development staff told commissioners that, under Rockbridge County Land Development Regulations (section 604.03-1), a bed-and-breakfast homestay is defined as a short-term rental in an owner-occupied private home that provides one to three guest rooms and occasional breakfast; the primary use of the property must remain residential. Staff said five similar approvals in roughly the last six years carried no additional conditions.
Applicants Michael W. Godfrey and Lori Anne Lanfer described the proposal as modest: the couple lives full time in the five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home and seeks approval to rent two attached one-bedroom suites that have separate entrances and access through the mudroom. Lanfer said the rooms were converted from part of the garage and attic and that the couple will use code locks and in-house cameras; they said they have no interest in renting the entire home as a lodging establishment.
Commission members asked whether conditions were typical for prior bed-and-breakfast homestays; staff replied none of the recent approvals carried conditions. Commissioners noted the land-use definition itself limits owner-occupancy and number of guest rooms, and one commissioner suggested adding a standard compliance requirement for the county’s general lighting rules; staff said that would be redundant with existing regulations but could be added if the commission preferred.
Anthony Sabrizzi moved the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to approve the special-exception permit; Bob Kramer seconded. The planning commission’s voice vote was unanimous in favor, and no members of the public offered comment during the hearing.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action. If the board approves the permit consistent with the county’s land development regulations, the use will be allowed as an owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast homestay limited to one to three guest rooms.
