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Shenandoah

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STR Regulations for Shenandoah, Virginia

Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Shenandoah, VA?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Shenandoah County, Virginia. The county has established comprehensive regulations that permit two types of short-term rentals: Homeshares and Short-Term Rentals, both defined as accommodations for 30 consecutive days or less without meal preparation for guests.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Shenandoah County

Step-by-Step Process

For Properties with 4 Bedrooms or Less (Permitted by Right):

  1. Initial Contact: Contact the Building Inspections/Community Development office at 540-459-6185 or email MAllen@shenandoahcountyva.us to obtain your activation code and account number.

  2. Online Application: Complete the Short Term Rental Annual Permit Application at shenandoahcountyva.munirevs.com/

  3. Staff Review: County staff will review your permit application and verify septic capabilities and occupancy limits with the Virginia Department of Health if your property uses private septic.

  4. Life/Safety Inspection: After review approval, staff will contact you via email to schedule a mandatory life/safety inspection.

  5. Final Approval: Once the inspection passes, the Zoning Administrator will approve your Annual Permit on GovOS, and you'll receive email notification with a PDF record.

For Properties with More Than 4 Bedrooms or Non-Dwellings (Special Use Permit Required):

  1. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the county office at 540-459-6185 before making any application.

  2. Technical Review Team Meeting: Attend a TRT meeting to obtain preliminary agency comments after discussing your request with staff.

  3. Special Use Permit Application: Submit the application with a $500 non-refundable fee plus public noticing fees.

  4. Public Hearing Process: Your application will go through public hearings with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors for final approval or denial.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation:

  • Annual Zoning Permit ($225 fee, renewable annually)
  • Business registration form (included in online application)
  • Special Use Permit (if applicable - $500 fee)
  • Life/safety inspection approval
  • Virginia Department of Health septic approval (for private septic systems)

Business Registration Requirements:

  • Complete business registration form during the permit application process
  • Register for Transient Occupancy Tax collection
  • Obtain necessary insurance coverage

Occupancy Limits:

  • Private septic systems: Occupancy determined by Virginia Department of Health based on septic capabilities
  • Public water and sewer: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests overall (Example: 3-bedroom house = 8 guests maximum)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Definitions and Types:

Homeshare: A dwelling unit where rooms are rented to guests for 30 days or less by an owner who uses the dwelling as their principal residence and occupies it during rentals. Maximum 4 guest bedrooms allowed.

Short-Term Rental: Either:

  • A dwelling unit (other than homeshare) where rooms or entire dwelling are rented for compensation
  • Non-dwelling structures (yurts, tents, tiny homes, RVs, trailers) rented for overnight stays

Zoning Compliance:

Properties with 4 bedrooms or less are permitted by right (with Annual Zoning Permit) in:

  • C-1 Conservation
  • A-1 Agriculture
  • R-1 Low Density Residential
  • R-2 Medium Density Residential
  • R-3 High Density Residential
  • R-4 Rural Growth Residential
  • B-1 Local Business
  • B-2 General Business

Properties with more than 4 bedrooms require Special Use Permit in all above-mentioned zoning districts.

Non-dwellings require Special Use Permit only in:

  • C-1 Conservation
  • A-1 Agriculture
  • R-1 Low Density Residential
  • B-1 Local Business
  • B-2 General Business

Mandatory Safety Requirements (§ 165-32.4):

Fire Safety:

  • Fire extinguishers must be provided and visible in all kitchen/cooking areas and non-dwellings
  • Smoke detectors required per Uniform Statewide Building Code in all locations and all non-dwellings

Sanitary Facilities:

  • All rentals must have Virginia Department of Health-approved sanitary facilities
  • Portable bathrooms are prohibited

Emergency Preparedness:

  • Emergency information must be conspicuously posted inside the property
  • Must include contact information for the party responsible for rental management

Address and Parking:

  • All non-dwellings must have a 911 address clearly posted outside
  • Off-street parking required per § 165-86C(8): one parking space per guest room/unit, plus one additional space per 10 guest rooms, plus required restaurant/assembly space parking, plus one space per employee on maximum shift

Setback Requirements:

  • All non-dwellings and related structures must maintain at least 50-foot setback from adjoining property lines

Tax Obligations:

Transient Occupancy Tax:

  • 5% rate (effective October 1, 2023; previously 2%)
  • Monthly reporting required by the 20th of each month
  • Must report even if no rentals occurred ($0 sales)
  • Penalties apply for late filing
  • Online platform available for reporting

Business Property Tax:

  • Applied to all short-term rental operations
  • Collected by Commissioner of Revenue

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary STR Authority:

Building Inspections/Community Development

  • Phone: 540-459-6185
  • Email: MAllen@shenandoahcountyva.us
  • Primary contact for STR permits and regulations

Supporting Departments:

Commissioner of Revenue (Tax-related inquiries)

  • Phone: 540-459-6170

Shenandoah County Tourism and Economic Development

  • Phone: 540-459-6227
  • Email: tourism@shenandoahcountyva.us
  • Services: Business workshops, visitor guides, promotional support

Virginia Department of Health (Septic/sanitary approvals)

  • Phone: 540-459-3733

Municipal Contacts:

  • Town of Woodstock: 540-459-3621
  • Town of Mt. Jackson: 540-477-2121
  • Town of Strasburg: 540-465-9197
  • Town of New Market: 540-740-3432
  • Town of Edinburg: 540-984-8521
  • Town of Toms Brook: 540-436-8000

Additional Benefits and Services

Tourism Promotion:

  • All permitted STRs are listed on VisitShenandoahCounty.com
  • Free visitor guides and brochures provided
  • Access to free business classes and workshops throughout the year

Technical Support:

Important Compliance Notes

  • No meal preparation allowed for guests
  • Maximum stay: 30 consecutive days per guest
  • Annual permit renewal required at the same time each year
  • Inspection compliance mandatory before operation
  • Zoning verification essential before starting application process

This comprehensive regulatory framework demonstrates Shenandoah County's commitment to supporting the short-term rental industry while maintaining community standards and safety requirements. Property owners should contact the county directly for specific property evaluations and current application procedures.

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Shenandoah

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Photos of Shenandoah

Overview of Shenandoah

Shenandoah, Virginia is a small town nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and serene environment. The town has a population of approximately 2,300 people and is situated about 100 miles west of Washington, D.C. This small, yet charming town is part of Page County and offers a quaint escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

One of the significant attractions near Shenandoah is the Shenandoah National Park, accessible via Skyline Drive, which runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This park offers over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bears. You can learn more about it here.

The Shenandoah River runs through the town, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. The town's River Park (more info here) is a great spot for a picnic or to launch a canoe.

For history enthusiasts, Shenandoah's rich heritage is showcased at the Shenandoah Town Museum, located in the town's historic district. Information about the museum can be found here.

Shenandoah is also home to unique architectural sites such as the Stevens Cottage and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Depot, reflecting the town's significant role in the development of the railway industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The town's proximity to the Luray Caverns, just 20 miles north, makes it a perfect home base for visiting this popular tourist attraction. More information on Luray Caverns can be found here.

With its scenic beauty, proximity to natural landmarks, and rich history, Shenandoah, VA, offers an appealing destination for short-term rentals, attracting tourists looking for a peaceful getaway.