Lexington County Implements New Short-Term Rental Rules

News Summary

Starting January 1, 2025, Lexington County will impose new regulations on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Property owners will be required to pay an annual fee and abide by stricter rules, including minimum stays and occupancy limits. The county aims to address local concerns about noise, traffic, and waste through these changes. The new ordinance was approved last spring and will undergo a permitting process with specific compliance measures. While some homeowners welcome the regulations, others are worried about their impact on the tourism industry.

Lexington County Sets New Rules for Short-Term Rentals Starting January 2025

Lexington County, known for its picturesque landscapes and thriving tourism, is taking significant steps to regulate short-term rentals in its unincorporated areas. A new ordinance is set to come into effect on January 1, 2025, marking a shift in how property owners will manage their vacation rentals. This change was greenlit by the county council last spring and aims to address multiple concerns from residents and local officials.

A Closer Look at the New Ordinance

Under this exciting new ordinance, owners of short-term rental properties—those defined as being rented out for less than 30 days—will face an annual fee of $320 per property. With around 600 short-term rentals already identified in the county, the regulations are expected to impact many homeowners. These properties can include a range of accommodations, from cozy cottages to luxurious getaways and can be either owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied.

The Permitting Process Explained

To ensure compliance, the county will be partnering with a compliance company to help monitor and enforce these new rules. Every owner will receive general letters with details about the changes, with around 50 letters being sent out each month. This means that if you own a short-term rental, you should keep an eye on your mailbox! Property owners will need to respond within 30 days, which requires them to submit an application and provide necessary details such as a sketch plan of their property. The entire permitting process is expected to take between 12 to 18 months.

Why the Change?

The changes aren’t merely bureaucratic; they come in response to concerns from the community. Local officials pointed out issues related to traffic, noise, and the accumulation of trash as prominent reasons for introducing these regulations. To address these issues, several important rules will be put in place.

New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

Minimum Stay Requirement: Rentals will now require a minimum stay of two nights.
Age Restrictions: Guests must be at least 25 years old to book a stay.
Parking Regulations: Each rental property will need to provide one parking space per bedroom while prohibiting any overnight street parking.
Occupancy Limits: Rentals must not exceed two adults per bedroom (children under five are exempt), and total occupancy cannot exceed the septic tank capacity approved by the health department.
Complaint Plan: Hosts must establish a plan to handle potential nuisances, such as noise or parking complaints.
Possible Inspections: The county reserves the right to conduct inspections with 24 hours notice.
Annual Renewals: Permits must be renewed every year, and violations could lead to permit revocation or other penalties.

The Impact on Rentals and Community Voices

As part of this initiative, the county has even hired two new employees specifically to manage the short-term rental program. Interestingly, officials have clarified that while the fees will cover the implementation costs of this program, they won’t generate additional revenue for the county.

However, not everyone is on board with these changes. Some rental owners are expressing dissatisfaction, citing a lack of proper communication and voicing concerns over the potential negative impact on the tourism industry. It’s clear this conversation will continue as the community adjusts to new regulations.

What’s Next?

As we move closer to the effective date of these regulations, property owners are encouraged to prepare to ensure compliance. If you own a short-term rental in Lexington County, it’s time to get organized and be ready. The county’s efforts to create a more structured rental environment might just be what it needs to maintain its charm while serving the needs of residents and visitors alike.