The spillover effect of being in a market that’s gaining national attention as a tourist destination has prompted Henrico County to increase its tolerance for breweries and explore the best ways to manage homes temporarily rented out over the internet.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors passed two resolutions directing county staff to prepare zoning ordinance amendments for breweries, wineries and distilleries and short-term rentals arranged through websites like Airbnb. The forthcoming amendments will eventually go before the Planning Commission for review and recommendation after a public hearing.
Henrico’s current zoning laws make no mention of words like “craft brewery” or “brewpubs,” according to a staff presentation. With breweries and distilleries in Henrico typically allowed only in areas zoned for industrial uses, County Manager John Vithoulkas called it an effort “to roll out the welcome mat” for craft beer makers and others.
