(Based on the Adopted Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Marion, VA – November 20 2023)

1. Overview – Are STRs Allowed in Marion?

Yes. Short‑term rentals are permitted in the Town of Marion, but they must be registered with the Town Clerk and comply with the Town’s registry ordinance (Virginia Code § 15.2‑983). The ordinance treats a short‑term rental as any “room, space, or residence that is suitable or intended for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for a fee.” The Town may charge a reasonable annual registration fee to cover the cost of maintaining the registry.

2. Zoning & Land‑Use Compatibility

| Zoning District | STR Allowed By Right? | Notes | |-----------------|-----------------------|-------| | R‑1 (Single‑Family Low‑Density) | No – STR is not listed in the R‑1 permitted‑use table. | Use R‑2 or higher if you want to operate an STR. | | R‑2 (Single‑Family / Duplex Moderate‑Low Density) | Yes – “Short‑term residential rentals” appear under “Permitted by Right.” | Must still register and meet all building‑code & safety standards. | | R‑3 (Multi‑Family Moderate‑High Density) | Yes – Permitted by right for apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and single‑family dwellings. | Same registration & compliance requirements. | | R‑4 (Mobile‑Home / Multi‑Family High Density) | Yes – Permitted by right for mobile‑home parks and multi‑family units. | Same registration & compliance requirements. |

Investor Take‑away: Verify the parcel’s zoning classification before purchase. Only properties in R‑2, R‑3, or R‑4 can be operated as STRs without a special‑use permit.

3. How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business

1. Select a Compliant Property – Confirm the parcel is zoned R‑2, R‑3, or R‑4 (or obtain a rezoning if needed).
2. Complete the STR Registration – Submit the Short‑Term Rental Registration Form (available on the Town’s website or in the Clerk’s office).
3. Obtain a Rental Certificate – The Town issues a “rental certificate” after registration; this certificate must be kept on‑site and renewed annually.
4. Secure Liability Insurance – While not explicitly required by the ordinance, most platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) and lenders will require a minimum liability policy (commonly $1 million).
5. Comply with Building‑Code Safety Requirements – Install smoke detectors, carbon‑monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and any other items required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC).
6. If Operating as a Bed‑&‑Breakfast – Obtain a Town business license (through the Town Clerk) and, if serving food, a health‑department permit from the Virginia Department of Health.
7. Set Up Tax Handling – Collect and remit Virginia’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and any local taxes as required by the State.
8. Publish Your Listing – Include the Town‑issued registration number in any online listing (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) as required by the platform’s policies.

4. Required Documents, Permits & Licenses

| Item | Who Issues