Overview

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Edinburg, VA. Edinburg operates under Shenandoah County regulations, which have established comprehensive frameworks permitting two primary types of short-term rentals: Homeshares and Short-Term Rentals. Both are defined as accommodations for 30 consecutive days or less without meal preparation for guests. The county has implemented a structured permitting system that allows properties with 4 bedrooms or less by right, while larger properties and non-dwelling structures require special use permits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Edinburg, VA

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

Additional Restrictions:

• 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

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

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

• Phone: 540-984-5600

Municipal Contact:

Town of Edinburg

• Phone: 540-984-8521

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:

• Online permit platform: shenandoahcountyva.munirevs.com/
• GovOS system for permit tracking and approvals

Source Links

• Shenandoah County STR FAQ: www.shenandoahcountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1450/Short-Term-Rental-FAQ-PDF
• County STR Information Page: www.shenandoahcountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/606
• Online Permit Application: shenandoahcountyva.munirevs.com/
• Visit Shenandoah County Tourism Website: VisitShenandoahCounty.com

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 in Edinburg should contact the county directly for specific property evaluations and current application procedures.