(All information derived solely from the documents you supplied. No additional internet research was performed.)

1. Overview – Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed?

Explicit answer: Yes – short‑term rentals are not expressly prohibited in the Town of Kenbridge or Lunenburg County.

• The Joint Comprehensive Plan 2025‑2030 (see § 6. Policy Area 3 and § 8. Policy Area 8) repeatedly acknowledges the existence of STRs and discusses future regulation (permitting, occupancy limits, neighborhood‑character standards).
• The Kenbridge Zoning Ordinance (Article 2 – Development Standards) does not list “short‑term rental” as a prohibited use. STRs can therefore be treated as a permitted residential use or, depending on the zoning district, a conditional/special use that would require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or Special Use Permit (SUP).
• No city‑specific STR ordinance (e.g., registration fee, caps, or tax) was found in the provided documents, nor was any local “home‑share” licensing system listed.

Bottom line for investors: You may legally operate an STR, but you must verify the current zoning designation of the parcel and determine whether a CUP/SUP is required. Expect the county to adopt a formal STR framework in the near future, so staying in contact with the Planning Department is essential.

2. How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Kenbridge

| Step | Action | Why It Matters | |------|--------|----------------| | 1. Verify Zoning | Identify the zoning district of the property (R‑1, R‑2, B‑1, etc.) on the Kenbridge Zoning Map or through the Planning Office. | Determines whether the STR is a permitted accessory use or requires a CUP/SUP. | | 2. Consult the Planning Department | Schedule a pre‑application meeting (phone (434) 222‑1125 or email planning@lunenburgcountyva.gov) to discuss: <br>• Need for a CUP/SUP <br>• Any pending STR ordinance drafts <br>• Neighborhood‑compatibility standards | Early guidance avoids costly re‑design later. | | 3. Secure Zoning Relief (if needed) | If the zoning district does not list STR as a by‑right use, file a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) / Special Use Permit (SUP) application. Submit site plan, floor‑plan, parking layout, and a narrative describing the STR operation. | Provides the legal basis to operate an STR in a residential zone. | | 4. Obtain a Business License | Apply for a Lunenburg County Business License (occupational tax). Use the county’s “Business License Application” form (available on the county website). | Required for any commercial activity, including renting rooms or the entire dwelling. | | 5. Register for State Taxes | • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) – Virginia levies a 5 % tax on gross receipts of lodging stays of < 30 days. <br>• Sales Tax – 5.3 % on the transaction (if applicable). <br>• State Business Registration (Virginia Department of Taxation) – file Form BR‑1. | Operators must collect and remit TOT and applicable sales tax. | | 6. Comply with Building & Fire Codes | Ensure the unit meets the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 standards (e.g., smoke detectors, egress, fire extinguishers). | Safety inspections are required before opening. | | 7. Obtain Insurance | Secure a commercial general liability policy and, if using a platform, verify coverage for short‑term rentals (some hosts add an “host guarantee”). | Protects against property damage and guest injuries. | | 8. Set Up Tax‑Collection & Remittance Systems | Integrate a reliable accounting platform (e.g., QuickBooks, STR‑specific software) to track nightly rates, fees, and taxes for monthly TOT filings. | Simplifies compliance and avoids penalties. | | 9. Launch Marketing | List on Airbnb, Vrbo, etc., after all approvals are in place. Include the Kenbridge Business License number and any required permit numbers in the listing. | Transparency builds trust with guests and authorities. |

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

| Document / Permit | Issuer | Typical Content | Renewal / Frequency | |-------------------|--------|----------------|---------------------| | Zoning Confirmation Letter | Planning Department | Parcel address, zoning district, permitted uses | Not a renewal – obtained once per property | | Conditional/Special Use Permit (CUP/SUP) | Planning & Zoning Board | Site plan, floor plan, parking layout, narrative, neighbor comment period