Friday, February 9, 2018

HCA / RA / COUNTY PROHIBIT SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Several years ago, an Airbnb short-term rental of a Hickory Cluster Goodman House caused an uproar from nearby neighbors and much discussion and legal research by the HCA Board of Directors.  In response to similar situations throughout the community, more recently Reston Association established a Home-Sharing Policy based on current Fairfax County rules and Zoning Ordinances, summarized as follows:  " ... Reston has a duty to its Members to enforce the covenants and restrictions put in place to preserve the character and serenity that has made Reston the community it is today.  As the County has now officially determined that short-term rentals violate the Zoning Ordinance, Reston has a duty to enforce the covenants incorporating the Zoning Ordinance and to take action against Members in violation thereof. ... "  To align with current County and RA policies, and to protect very limited HCA Common Area parking from transient tenant "free parking on premises" impacts, HCA Directors agreed during the January 2018 Regular Meeting to prohibit unauthorized HCA short-term rentals.  HCA Members can file formal compliance complaints with Fairfax County as advised in the notice above, or in writing with RA or HCA.  UPDATE ... March 20:  The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized public hearings for proposed new zoning rules on short-term lodgings, such as those offered through Airbnb, VRBO and Flipkey.  Please note the following dates are subject to change:  Planning Commission Public Hearing on May 3, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., and Board of Supervisors Public Hearing on June 19, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.  For more information, see the recent County press release.