Planning Commission unanimously approves bed-and-breakfast permit on Harding Road

The Montgomery County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve SUP-26-3, allowing a 1,178-square-foot, owner-occupied home at 2087 Harding Road to operate as a bed-and-breakfast for short-term stays during Virginia Tech events.

Staff told the commission the operator, Laura Owens, will continue to live on the parcel, lease the home only during high-demand university events, limit occupancy to six guests, restrict parking to three vehicles, prohibit pets and parties, and not provide meals as part of the lodging. Staff recommended approval after confirming the parcel is outside FEMA flood hazard areas, has health-department approval for short-term rental use, and that VDOT raised no objection. "Staff is recommending approval of the special use permit request to allow a bed and breakfast inn within an existing single-family dwelling," the planner said during the presentation.

Ms. Owens spoke briefly at the hearing, saying the proposal was "pretty straightforward." No members of the public testified against the request; the chair opened and closed the public hearing after noting only one sign-up and that neighbors’ concerns had been addressed. Commissioners then moved and seconded approval. The roll call recorded all present commissioners voting in favor, and the motion carried unanimously.

The approval includes conditions: occupancy limited to six guests, registration for meals and occupancy taxes with the Commissioner of Revenue, and required building department permits and Montgomery County Code standards for bed-and-breakfast inns must be met prior to issuing any zoning permit. The commission’s action allows the applicant to proceed with required permitting steps at the county level.