What's Happening in Williamsburg, VA…

Williamsburg City Council is currently in discussion over how and where such short-term accommodations should be allowed.

Much of the Virginia city’s economy is based on tourism; Colonial Williamsburg draws visitors from all over the world, most of whom come for only a short time and stay in short-term rental properties.

At present, the city allows short rentals at timeshares, bed and breakfasts, motels, and hotels. However, with the increasing popularity of services like Airbnb, which places clients in private homes, clarification is needed.

State legislators have left it to municipalities to determine their approach to short-term rentals, which has led to a variety of approaches. In some cities, special permits are required for any parts of the city that allow such rentals. In others, short-terms rentals are restricted to certain areas, or owners are limited in the number of rooms they can rent to visitors.

Paul Freiling, Williamsburg’s mayor, said finding a policy dealing with short-term rentals is important for the city, or the state government will conclude Williamsburg is disinterested in having local control of the matter.

Staff members have recommended allowing short-term rentals only in portions of the city where the number of renters is already sizeable. Discussions will continue on the issue.

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