Planning Commission recommends changes to short term rental requirements

City Council is expected to vote on changes to the ordinance at the end of the month

RICtoday_STRs_Map_Richmond

Short-term rentals tend to be clustered in certain neighborhoods around Richmond.

Screenshot via city documents

The Planning Commission is recommending that City Council approve an ordinance that would shift short-term rental (STR) requirements in the city — with a few amendments.

The ordinance is one of three zoning changes the city has been pursuing for over a year. If adopted, it would increase the permit fees for STRs from $300 to $600.

The commission is also suggesting capping the number of units that can be STRs in a multi-family dwelling either to 10 or to one third of the units — whichever is lesser. Additionally, it recommends that STRs in residential districts should be located on the same lot as the operator’s primary residence and verified by the DMV or the city registrar.

The commission heard public comments at its meeting yesterday. Richmonders can also provide their thoughts when City Council discusses the issue later this month.