Alexandria City Council Seeks Public Comment Regarding Airbnb Regulations
ALEXANDRIA, VA-The City of Alexandria has completed an evaluation on the affect of short-term residential rentals (aka Airbnbs). The study focused on five areas: Number of Units, Property Value Impacts, Tax Revenue, Complaints, and Benefits. Interestingly, it found there would be minimal impact on current property values because of the low number of current short-term rentals. Yet, the Department of Planning and Zoning, which conducted the study, advised continued monitoring. The study also pointed out that in Fiscal Year 2023, the city generated $3.5 milion in tax revenue, more than the state, which collected $100,000 less.
The study is part of a process by City Council to determine what, if any changes or additions, need to be made regarding how short-term rentals are managed. Now, Council wants to hear the feedback of residents. Have your voice heard by completing the online form HERE.
Residents have expressed a need for more regulations, according to the city’s Zoning webpage. In addition, the study says that even though calls to Alex311 and APD during the time period of January 2018 to March 2024 were small in number, concerns mirror those of other jurisdictions, such as noise, trash, and parking.
Below is a timeline of the process:
August 15-September 15-Share information with community and gather initial feedback. Draft recommended regulations based on public comments and develop draft Zoning Ordinance text amendment language.
September 20-Planning Commission workshop on proposed text amendment language
October dates TBD– Community engagement following Planning Commission workshop
December-Planning Commission and City Council public hearings on recommendations and proposed text amendment
Alexandria established its short-term rental registry in 2018. The year before, the Virginia General Assembly adopted a law permitting registries in the state’s localities. Alexandria’s registery is maintained by the Department of Planning and Zoning.
SEE ALSO: $150K Grant to Aid in Digitial Preservation of Alexandria Library Sit-In Documents
