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Planning commission backs short-term rental rules, permit system to curb parties and parking
Summary
After hours of public comment, the Alexandria Planning Commission unanimously recommended a zoning text amendment that would set occupancy rules, parking minimums, a 24/7 local contact requirement and a permit for short-term residential rentals operating more than 10 days a year.
The Alexandria Planning Commission voted 7-0 on Feb. 4 to recommend a zoning text amendment that would regulate short-term residential rentals and require permits for properties rented more than 10 days per year.
The proposal, presented by Tony Cola of the Department of Planning and Zoning, sets maximum occupancy at two people per bedroom plus two additional guests (capped at 10 people), prohibits events or parties in residential zones that exceed the maximum occupancy, establishes minimum parking requirements, and requires operators to provide a “good neighbor” guide and a local 24/7 contact. Staff also proposed a third-party 24/7 hotline for after-hours complaints and use of the city’s Alex311 system for tracking and enforcement.
Commissioners and staff said the measure is intended to address the most frequent neighbor complaints — noise, trash, parking and so-called party houses — while preserving short-term lodging options. Cola said the city’s data show between about 575 and 735 listings…
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