Limits Local Rules on Farm Activities
Virginia · HB509 · Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Why it matters
Owners of extra homes on Virginia farms could rent them for 30 days or more without local bans. Neighbors would have less say over farm events and noise.
What it does
- Bars localities from banning 30-day-or-longer rentals of accessory homes on farms
- Does not apply to areas within a town
- Limits local rules on farm events like agritourism and food sales unless public health or safety is at risk
- Bars localities from requiring special permits for those farm activities on agricultural land unless there is a substantial public impact
- Limits local noise rules for farm activities to no stricter than the general noise ordinance, except amplified music
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would bar localities from banning 30-day-or-longer rentals of farm accessory homes and limit local rules on farm activities, unless public health or safety is affected.
Zoning; agricultural operations, rental of accessory dwellings.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Farm groups would likely say local limits can make it hard to run farm events and sales. They say rental income helps farms stay in business.
💬 The case against
Some nearby residents would likely say louder farm events could disturb them. They may also worry local officials lose the power to set limits.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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