Single Family Dwelling request to become a Bed and Breakfast or Air & B

[Steve Paulk]

Good morning I hope everyone is well.

The Director of Planning has asked me to research if a existing One Family Dwelling  (100+ years old w/ 5 bedrooms, 2 story) becomes a Bed and Breakfast or Air and B does the life safety ( suppression, fire alarm, interconnected smoke alarms Ect..) have to be updated? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Steve Paulk

City of Lexington VA  540-462-3738

[Jamie Wilks]

In my opinion, changing an existing single family dwelling into a B&B or Airbnb, would constitute a change of occupancy. A change of occupancy requires a permit.

I base this determination off the definition in the VEBC:

Any change in the purpose of, or a change in the level of activity within, a building or structure.

Chapter 7 of the VEBC has various requirements that need to be met, such as fire protection.

Another method, would be to have the owners apply for a certificate of occupancy. Since this is a pre-USBC building, they would need to meet the requirements of section 116.4

Hope this helps.

[Author]

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