Alexandria council approves short-term rental rules, adds director discretion for central area

Alexandria City Council on Saturday approved a zoning text amendment that creates a permitting system and new operating standards for short-term residential rentals in the city, with a late amendment giving the planning director discretion on parking arrangements inside the enhanced transit area.

The ordinance, proposed by city staff and recommended by the Planning Commission, is intended to curb problems residents and staff cited most often — noise, trash, parking and large “party” gatherings — while preserving short-term lodging options and tourism revenue.

Staff framed the change as modest and targeted. Tony Lecola, land use services division chief, told the council the city’s third‑party monitoring found roughly 600–700 short‑term listings at peak season and 62 complaints reported to the city between 2018 and 2025. “We want responsible short‑term rental operations that benefit visitors and address the most common concerns we’ve heard from residents,” Lecola said.

Under the new rules the city will: require a permit for any short‑term rental operating more than 10 days a year;…