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Rockingham County adopts short‑term rental ordinance setting permits, occupancy limits and wastewater standards
Summary
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance OA25‑0486 to establish an administrative permit for short‑term rentals, set overnight‑occupancy limits, require public sewer or VDH‑approved septic systems (disallowing pit privies and similar systems), and provide a one‑year grace period for existing operators to apply (deadline Dec. 31, 2026).
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance OA25‑0486, revising Chapter 9 of the County Code to create an administrative permitting process for short‑term rentals and to add health, safety and welfare standards to their operation. County Attorney Thomas H. Miller opened the discussion and reviewed draft provisions, including permit requirements, occupancy limits, waste disposal standards, appeal procedures and a grace period for existing operators.
The Board adopted maximum overnight‑occupancy rules on a motion by Supervisor Leila C. Longcor: properties served by public sewer may host not more than two occupants per bedroom plus four additional occupants; properties on septic systems are limited to two occupants per bedroom. That motion carried unanimously (5–0). County Attorney Miller said occupancy must align with building permits and certificates of occupancy as part of the fire marshal’s review.
On waste disposal, the Board debated two options. It adopted “Option A,” which requires short‑term rentals to be served by public sewer or a septic system approved by the Virginia Department of Health and explicitly disallows pit privies, incinerator toilets, composting toilets, vault privies, and portable privies. That vote carried 4–1 with Supervisor Sallie Wolfe‑Garrison dissenting.
The Board considered the appeals process and chose to have appeals heard by the Board of Supervisors rather than a newly formed Board of Appeals (Option B). That motion passed 3–2. County Attorney Miller explained appeal timing and fees; a final decision of the Board may be appealed to the Circuit Court within thirty days.
The Board agreed to a one‑year grace period for properties already operating as short‑term rentals, giving existing operators until December 31, 2026, to submit applications; that implementation timetable passed unanimously. The ordinance provides that permits are valid for one year, are nontransferable, and may be renewed with an affidavit of compliance and payment of the renewal fee. The Department of Community Development will require a property management plan with a fire safety and evacuation plan, site layout, occupancy limits and Responsible Agent contact information.
The ordinance states membrane structures (for example, yurts) are allowed only if they meet applicable provisions of the Virginia Construction Code and manufacturer specifications. The Department of Community Development, in consultation with the fire marshal and building official, retains authority to require additional documentation or design‑level review for particular components.
The ordinance was adopted by roll call vote, with Supervisor Rick L. Chandler moving the adoption and Supervisor Leila C. Longcor seconding. Voting on the final adoption was recorded as CHANDLER – AYE; HENSLEY – NAY; LONGCOR – AYE; RITCHIE – AYE; WOLFE‑GARRISON – NAY; the ordinance was approved by the majority vote.
Next steps: the Department of Community Development will administer the application process, verify required inspections and approvals (including VDH verification for septic systems where applicable), and post the Responsible Agent contact information to adjoining property owners as required by the ordinance. Operators whose permits are revoked may not operate, advertise, or offer the property as a short‑term rental for 12 months following revocation.
