Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Short Term Rental topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Warren County approves short-term rental at 345 Donna Court with health and setback conditions
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit for a short-term tourist rental at 345 Donna Court in Shenandoah Farms, granting a setback waiver and imposing health, septic and testing conditions recommended by planning staff and the Planning Commission.
The Warren County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 3 approved a conditional use permit for a short-term tourist rental at 345 Donna Court in the Shenandoah Farms Riverview subdivision.
Planning staff presented CUP2024-07-01 and told the board the property has a Warren County Health Department operation permit limiting occupancy to six and that the applicant seeks a waiver of the 100-foot setback requirement because the existing distances to neighboring dwellings are approximately 35 feet to the east and 37 feet to the west. Planning staff recommended approval with five conditions, including compliance with county and state health, building and fire regulations; occupancy capped by the health permit; submission of health records before a zoning certificate issues; annual well testing for E. coli and coliform; and septic maintenance with pumping every five years.
Applicant Jonathan DeHart, who identified himself as the owner of 345 Donna Court and said, "I'm actually a pastor," said the neighborhood is ‘‘not super conducive for families long term’’ and described his intention to retain a local property manager and primarily offer the home as a retreat to nonprofit and faith-sector guests while listing on Airbnb or Vrbo when it is otherwise available.
Board members discussed steep site conditions and setback concerns during deliberations. One supervisor said the slope made them uncomfortable for small children; another noted nearby neighbors had submitted supporting letters. Supervisor Stanmeyer moved to approve the CUP with the planning-commission recommended conditions; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call (Stanmeyer — Aye; Butler — Aye; Madam Chair — Aye; Dr. Jamieson — Aye; Mrs. Cook — No). The motion passed 4–1.
The permit is approved subject to the conditions recorded in the planning staff report, including annual well testing and periodic septic service, and the zoning certificate will not be issued until the required health records are on file.
