Chesapeake heavily restricts where short-term rentals are permitted. Under the Zoning Ordinance, short-term rentals operate only in the A-1 Agricultural District and the Historic and Cultural Preservation (HC) Overlay District, and only with a Conditional Use Permit. Long-term rental of an authorized accessory dwelling is governed by the conditions on its approval. Operating an unauthorized STR is a zoning violation and a Class 1 misdemeanor for unpaid transient occupancy tax under Code Chapter 30, Article XIV.
Chesapeake limits short-term rental operations to two zoning districts: A-1 Agricultural and the HC Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District. Each STR must obtain a Conditional Use Permit through the Planning Commission and City Council. Properties built after November 15, 2001 generally cannot operate as bed-and-breakfast or vacation rentals in the HC district. Operators must hold a Chesapeake business license and collect and remit short-term rental occupancy tax under City Code Chapter 30, Article XIV, with a Class 1 misdemeanor penalty for willful failure to pay. Long-term rental (30 days or more) of an authorized accessory dwelling unit is governed by the specific conditions imposed at approval; many CUPs prohibit any rental of the accessory unit or require owner-occupancy of one of the two dwellings. Virginia Code section 15.2-983 authorizes localities to maintain a short-term rental registry and enforce penalties.
Operating an STR outside permitted zoning districts or without a Conditional Use Permit is a zoning violation enforceable under Virginia Code section 15.2-2209 with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day for repeated violations. Failure to remit short-term rental occupancy tax is a Class 1 misdemeanor under City Code Chapter 30, Article XIV. Renting an unauthorized accessory dwelling violates both the zoning and the conditions of any CUP, exposing the owner to enforcement and possible CUP revocation.
Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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See how Chesapeake's adu rental restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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