Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Gordonsville, VA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Gordonsville, Virginia. The Town of Gordonsville has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits short-term rentals across all zoning districts where residential use is permitted. As of August 21, 2023, the Town Council adopted amendments to the Land Development Ordinance that specifically allow short-term rentals as a permitted use in residential (R-1), multi-family/townhouse (R-2), professional/residential (R-3), and general business (B-1) districts.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gordonsville

Step 1: Zoning Verification

Before proceeding, confirm that your property is located within Gordonsville town limits and is zoned for residential use. Short-term rentals are permitted in the following districts:

• R-1 (Residential) - Single-family residential areas
• R-2 (Multi-family/Town House) - Multi-family and townhouse developments
• R-3 (Professional/Residential) - Mixed professional and residential uses
• B-1 (General Business) - Commercial areas with residential-over-retail allowances

Step 2: Complete Registration Requirements

All operators must register with the Town's Zoning Administrator before offering short-term rentals. This is a mandatory requirement under Chapter 17, Article V of the Town Code.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

Since short-term rentals are considered retail sales under Virginia Code, you must also obtain a separate annual business license fee from the Town Treasurer.

Step 4: Compliance Setup

Ensure your property meets all applicable health and safety regulations, and establish procedures for guest communication and emergency contact protocols.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Registration Requirements

1. Short-Term Rental Registration Form

• Cost: $35.00 (cash or check only)
• Renewal: Annual renewal required by January 1st of each year
• Process: Submit completed registration to Town Zoning Administrator

Required Information:

• Legal name of property owner
• Owner's residence address
• Owner contact information (phone and email)
• Name of operator (if different from owner)
• Operator residence address and contact information
• Physical addresses of all properties being offered for short-term rental within Gordonsville

2. Business License

• Separate annual business license required from Town Treasurer
• Short-term rentals are classified as retail sales under Virginia Code
• Contact Town Treasurer for current fee schedule

3. Optional Information (Recommended) While not mandatory, the registration form includes these voluntary disclosures:

• Liability insurance status for personal/property damage
• Whether owner/operator will be present during guest stays
• Confirmation of compliance with health and safety regulations

Property Posting Requirements

If the property owner is not present on-site, owner contact information must be clearly posted in each rental unit or room.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Gordonsville (Gordonsville Town Code - Chapter 17, Article V)

Definition: Short-term rental means the provision of a room or space suitable for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes for fewer than 30 consecutive days in exchange for a charge for occupancy.

Registration Requirements:

• Mandatory annual registration with Town Zoning Administrator
• $35 registration fee per property
• Renewal deadline: January 1st annually
• Registration is ministerial in nature - no discretionary approval required

Exemptions from Registration: The following are exempt from registration requirements:

• Licensed real estate licensees or property owners represented by real estate licensees
• Properties registered under the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act
• Properties licensed/registered with the Department of Health for lodging
• Properties licensed/registered with the Town for rental/management of real property (hotels, motels, campgrounds, bed & breakfast establishments)
• Licensed real estate professionals

Compliance and Penalties:

• First Violation: 30-day written notice followed by $250 penalty per violation
• Fourth Violation: Prohibition from registering and offering the specific property for short-term rental
• Persistent Violations: Prohibition from offering the property for short-term rental upon the fourth violation of applicable state/local laws (zoning, health, parking, noise, building code, etc.)

Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Permitted Use Status: Short-term rentals are listed as permitted uses (without limitation) in all districts where residential use is permitted. The specific requirements vary by zoning district:

R-1 (Residential):

• Short-term rental permitted with registration requirement
• Owner contact posting required when owner not on-site

R-2 (Multi-family/Town House):

• Short-term rental permitted with registration requirement
• Owner contact posting required when owner not on-site

R-3 (Professional/Residential):

• Short-term rental permitted with registration requirement
• Owner contact posting required when owner not on-site

B-1 (General Business):

• Short-term rental permitted with registration requirement
• Owner contact posting required when owner not on-site

Regulatory Oversight: The Town retains all existing authority to regulate short-term rentals through general land use and zoning authority. The ordinance does not supersede or limit private contracts, recorded declarations, covenants, condominium instruments, or property owners association rules.

State-Level Regulations (Virginia)

Virginia Code § 15.2-983: Establishes the statutory authority for municipalities to create registries for short-term rental properties.

Classification: Short-term rentals are considered retail sales under Virginia Code, requiring appropriate business licensing.

Health and Safety: Properties must comply with all applicable Virginia health and safety regulations for lodging facilities.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Gordonsville - Zoning Administrator

• Name: D. Kendall
• Address: Post Office Box 276, 112 South Main Street, Gordonsville, Virginia 22942
• Phone: (540) 832-2233
• Fax: (540) 832-2449
• Email: dkendall@gordonsville.org

Additional Town Contacts:

• Town Treasurer: For business license processing and fee payment
• Town Clerk: Janet W. Jones

Important Notes for Investors

1. Growth Areas: If investing in properties within designated growth areas, verify any additional county-level requirements that may apply.

2. Property Management: Property managers can complete registration forms on behalf of owners with appropriate authorization.

3. Insurance: While not required in registration, liability insurance is strongly recommended for investor protection.

4. Compliance Monitoring: The Town actively monitors compliance and has established penalties for violations, including potential prohibition of rental operations for repeat offenders.

Source Links

• Town of Gordonsville STR Registration Form: www.townofgordonsville.org/document_center/Business/registration%20form%20-%20%20registry%20for%20short%20term%20rentals%20-%20air%20bnb%20-%20final.pdf
• Town Council STR Ordinance Amendment (August 21, 2023): www.townofgordonsville.org/document_center/Town%20Council/2023%20Agenda%20&%20Minutes/August%2021,%202023/new%20business_b_ldo_amendments_short_term_rental.pdf
• CBS19 News Article on Louisa County STR Ordinance: www.cbs19news.com/new-ordinance-on-short-term-rentals-about-to-go-into-effect/article_04c9ec92-ad7d-5c5d-9cb5-301585c0fb20.html

This regulatory framework provides a clear path for short-term rental investment in Gordonsville, with predictable requirements and reasonable operating conditions for compliant operators.