Planning commission approves short-term rental at 1430 Harding Road with occupancy limits

Miss Wright, the county planning staffer, presented a special-use permit request from Hokei Hill LLC owner George Trible to allow short-term tourist rentals in an existing three-bedroom single-family dwelling at 1430 Harding Road. She said the parcel is zoned R2, is served by a private well and septic, is outside FEMA flood hazard areas, and that VDOT had taken no exception to the request. Staff recommended approval with conditions including occupancy limited to eight occupants pending VDH approval, registration for meals and occupancy taxes, required building permits, no gatherings, no pets, provision of outdoor cameras for security, and quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily.

Trible answered commissioners' questions about bedroom sizes and said the additional occupants would likely be accommodated on a pullout couch. After staff opened and then closed the public hearing (no public speakers), commissioners discussed the supplemental regulations and management plans; staff said the applicant plans to meet with adjacent property owners and that fire and building-safety issues will be handled during the permitting process. The commission moved and took a roll-call vote; all voting commissioners approved the permit.

The permit carries conditions that staff will verify during zoning and building permit review, including occupancy limits tied to VDH approval, registration with the Commissioner of Revenues for applicable taxes, and compliance with Montgomery County code for short-term tourist rentals. The commission recorded a unanimous approval and the special-use permit will proceed to zoning permit issuance steps and any required VDH review.