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

Explicit Answer: Short-term rentals (STRs) are not explicitly defined or permitted as a standalone use in the unincorporated areas of Tazewell County (Eastern District) under the current zoning ordinance.

However, STR-like activities may fall under two existing categories:

1. Bed and Breakfast (B&B): Permitted by special exception in R-1 (Rural Residential) and R-2 (Residential) zones (Section 300-100.03 & 300-200.03). Must be owner-occupied with ≤5 bedrooms.
2. Hotel/Motel: Defined under "Commercial Use Types" but not listed as permitted in R-1/R-2 zones (Section 200-102.09). Only allowed in P-1 (Permissive Use) districts if not prohibited (e.g., strip clubs, junkyards are banned).

Key Implication:

• Operating an STR as a "Hotel/Motel" in R-1/R-2 is prohibited without rezoning.
• A B&B model (owner-occupied, <5 rooms) is the only viable STR option in residential zones.
• Unincorporated areas fall under county zoning; incorporated towns (e.g., Tazewell, Bluefield) may have separate rules (not covered here).

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Confirm Zoning Compliance

• Verify your property’s zoning district on the Official Zoning Map.
• R-1 (Rural Residential): STRs must operate as a Bed & Breakfast with special exception approval.
• R-2 (Residential): Same as R-1.
• P-1 (Permissive Use): STRs may be allowed if not explicitly prohibited (e.g., adult entertainment, junkyards).

Step 2: Apply for Permits

• Zoning Permit: Required to verify legal use (Section 600-104).
• Special Exception Permit: Mandatory for B&Bs in R-1/R-2 (Section 600-124). Submit to Planning Commission.
• Building Permits: If altering structures (Section 600-106).

Step 3: Ensure Compliance with Other Standards

• Floodplain Overlay District: Properties in flood zones must comply with FEMA regulations (Section 300-500).
• Ridgeline Protection District: Development near ridgelines requires special approvals (Section 300-700).
• Airport Overlay District: Properties near airports must meet FAA/safety standards (Section 300-600).

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses

| Requirement | Details | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Zoning Compliance Certificate | Confirms property conforms to zoning rules (Section 600-108). | | Special Exception Permit | Required for B&Bs in R-1/R-2; includes site plan review (Section 600-124). | | Building Permit | Needed for structural changes, additions, or new construction. | | Floodplain Development Permit | Mandatory if property is in a flood zone (Section 300-500). | | Business License | Check Virginia state requirements for lodging businesses. | | Safety Inspections | Fire, health, and safety checks may apply (e.g., emergency exits, smoke detectors). |

3. Specific Regulations for STRs

Zoning Districts:

• R-1 (Rural Residential):
  • Bed & Breakfast allowed by special exception.
  • Must comply with:
    • Owner occupancy (Section 400-202.05, General Standards).
    • Maximum 5 bedrooms for guests (Section 200-102.09: Bed and Breakfast definition).
• R-2 (Residential):
  • Identical rules to R-1 for B&Bs.
• P-1 (Permissive Use):
  • STRs allowed unless listed as prohibited (e.g., medical waste facilities, nuclear plants).

General Restrictions:

• Home Occupation Rules: Apply if STR is considered an accessory use (Section 400-202.03). Prohibits:
  • Outside storage of guest-related equipment.
  • Customer traffic exceeding residential norms.
  • Operating hours before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
• Buffer Yards: May apply if adjacent to incompatible uses (Section 500-400).

State-Level Context:

• Virginia has no statewide STR regulations; rules vary by locality.
• Adhere to health/safety codes (Virginia Department of Health).

4. Contact Information for Local Authority

| Department | Contact Details | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Zoning Administrator | Phone: (276) 988-1225 <br>Email: Not provided <br>Website: Tazewell County Planning | | Building Safety Department | Phone: (276) 988-1225 <br>Email: Not provided <br>Website: Building Safety | | Planning Commission | Phone: (276) 988-1225 <br>Address: 100 East Main Street, Tazewell, VA 24651 |

5. Source Pages

• Primary Zoning Ordinance: Eastern District Zoning Ordinance Draft (Nov 2015)
• Official Zoning Map: Referenced in Section 100-110 (included in PDF above).

Critical Notes for STR Investors:

1. No "Rent Your Whole Home" Model: Renting an entire non-owner-occupied home is prohibited in R-1/R-2 zones. Only B&B-style operations (owner-occupied, ≤5 rooms) are viable.
2. P-1 Districts Offer Flexibility: Properties in P-1 (Permissive Use) zones may permit STRs but must avoid prohibited uses.
3. Unincorporated Areas Only: This guide applies to unincorporated Tazewell County. Incorporated towns (e.g., Tazewell Town) may have stricter rules (verify separately).
4. Regulatory Evolution: The zoning ordinance is a draft; consult the county before investing.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based solely on the provided zoning document. Investors should consult the Tazewell County Zoning Administrator to confirm interpretations and current regulations.