By Barbara Coe and Valerie Bagby – June 2025

Short Term Rentals (STR’s) continue to be a hot topic at Lake Anna.  Quality of Life is important to both full and part-time residents.  Many citizens remain concerned about overcrowded STR’s taxing septic systems.

In May 2025, Louisa County sent letters to registered STR owners and operators reminding them of the STR ordinance and requirements for operation under County and State laws.  STR owners and operators are responsible for compliance and for ensuring that renters are aware of the relevant requirements.

To manage this process, Louisa County just instituted getting monthly call logs from the sheriff’s office to track complaints.  If there is a complaint lodged against an STR, owners and operators will receive a letter citing the applicable county rules that were alleged to be violated.

Citizen complaints about STRs renting beyond their occupancy capacity, as determined by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) septic system regulations, will also receive a letter.  Additionally, these complaints will be sent to VDH.

Per the Louisa County letter, “Please ensure compliance with all relevant requirements.  Noncompliant properties will not be able to operate as short-term rentals without a Conditional Use Permit from the Louisa County’s Board of Supervisors.”

Here are important Louisa County links that can help citizens.

• STR background information Short-Term Rental Ordinance | Louisa County, VA
• STR Ordinance DIVISION 4. - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | Code of Ordinances | Louisa County, VA | Municode Library
• STR Neighbor FAQ’s STR Neighbor FAQs | Louisa County, VA

There are 4 ways citizens can report a potential code violation 

• RequestTracker • Louisa County, VA • CivicEngage
• Email the Community Development Department’s Code Enforcement Division at CodeEnforcement@Louisa.org.
• Phone 540-967-3430 to reach the Office of Community Development.
• Submit an anonymous complaint through the Louisa County website at louisacounty.gov/3302/Anonymous-Concern. NOTE: Do not log into the website when submitting the form if you wish to remain anonymous in this process.

We respect LACA’s position as NOT opposing Short Term Rentals, but as advocating for stated and practical occupancy limits for environmental and safety reasons.

The authors of this letter and LACA encourage you to let your voice be heard regarding your experiences with STR’s in your neighborhood!

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by two LACA members that are not on the board, Valerie Bagby and Barbara Coe. All LACA members are encouraged to submit interesting and relevant articles for consideration of publication in LACA’s periodic newsletter. If you would like to submit an article for consideration, please email your article to jd.edwards@lakeannavirginia.org