We have a parcel larger than 5 acres. We hold the property in an LLC that is wholely owned by our family. When we applied for our homestay application we were told that we could not apply with an LLC as the owner. I understand that Albemarle County does not want corporations coming in and setting up rental properties, but in this case, we are a family owned farm - the LLC is just there to limit our liability - farms have a lot of liability. It is easy to verify that the LLC is owned by our family - it is registered with the state. If the goal is to keep Albemarle's farms in tact and preserve the rural nature of our county, please eliminate this administrative barrier so that real family owned farms can get approved for Homestays so we can earn some money to pay expenses.
We operate a homestay which is grandfathered in under a B&B permit from 2018. We're on one acre in a rural areas neighborhood, but have more than 2 guest rooms and are closer than 125' to the nearest neighbor -- perhaps 60' wall to wall at the closest.
I am pleased to see that you might reconsider the 125' setback requirement. That has long seemed excessive to me. Our homestay attracts families wanting to get some sleep, or groups of friends wanting to spend some time together -- it is so much less impactful than other kinds of commercial operations. We are in the same house, with our own children, and find it very low-impact; people in entirely different houses just wouldn't notice.
I also hope that you reconsider the restriction to 2 guest rooms, or at least be open to granting more exceptions. We think that our homestay does not adversely impact our neighbors, and adds economic value for our family and the County. Other people without lots of land should get the same opportunity.
We have a parcel larger than 5 acres. We hold the property in an LLC that is wholely owned by our family. When we applied for our homestay application we were told that we could not apply with an LLC as the owner. I understand that Albemarle County does not want corporations coming in and setting up rental properties, but in this case, we are a family owned farm - the LLC is just there to limit our liability - farms have a lot of liability. It is easy to verify that the LLC is owned by our family - it is registered with the state. If the goal is to keep Albemarle's farms in tact and preserve the rural nature of our county, please eliminate this administrative barrier so that real family owned farms can get approved for Homestays so we can earn some money to pay expenses.
We operate a homestay which is grandfathered in under a B&B permit from 2018. We're on one acre in a rural areas neighborhood, but have more than 2 guest rooms and are closer than 125' to the nearest neighbor -- perhaps 60' wall to wall at the closest.
I am pleased to see that you might reconsider the 125' setback requirement. That has long seemed excessive to me. Our homestay attracts families wanting to get some sleep, or groups of friends wanting to spend some time together -- it is so much less impactful than other kinds of commercial operations. We are in the same house, with our own children, and find it very low-impact; people in entirely different houses just wouldn't notice.
I also hope that you reconsider the restriction to 2 guest rooms, or at least be open to granting more exceptions. We think that our homestay does not adversely impact our neighbors, and adds economic value for our family and the County. Other people without lots of land should get the same opportunity.