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Massanutten Short-Term Rentals Save Email Print
Rockingham County
Posted: 5:12 PM Jun 25, 2007
Last Updated: 8:29 AM Jun 26, 2007
Reporter: Lauren McKay

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It's been an ongoing debate for nearly a year and now Rockingham County may withdraw from the Massanutten short-term rentals lawsuit. County Attorney Chris Brown says a recent Supreme Court ruling involving short-term rentals in Smith Mountain Lake changes the interpretation of the county's zoning laws.

On June 8, the Virginia Supreme Court overturned a Bedford County Circuit Court decision to prohibit short-term rentals in Smith Mountain Lake. Rockingham County Attorney Chris Brown says this ruling changes the interpretation of the county's zoning laws. County Zoning Administrator Diana Stultz had previously ruled short-term rentals in single family homes constituted a zoning violation.

The Supreme Court ruled that the term "residential" includes weekend and short-term rentals. Brown says if the Smith Mountain Lake case would have existed when Stultz made her ruling, her interpretation would have been different. Brown says the county is intending to make a consent order with the attorney for property owners Eric and Kimberly Pisk, to terminate the case.

Massanutten Resident Gene Hauze made the initial complaint against the Pisks and he's not happy the county may back down. "You gotta stand up and fight for the residents and it just seems like the county is just giving up, quitting and that's a heck of a signal to send to the county residents," says Hauze.

He argues that the county's case is about zoning and that the Supreme Court ruled on covenants. "The Smith Mountain Lake case the Supreme Court ruled that the covenants were ambiguous, meaning they weren't clear, the zoning laws are much clearer," says Hauze.

Hauze adds that what is also clear is why he made the initial complaint. "It's a matter of knowing who your neighbors are and you just don't because they're just coming in and out," says Hauze.

The issue is still far from over, Hauze says he will continue with the lawsuit to stop short-term rentals by using the covenants of Massanutten.

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Posted by: Intelius Location: Massanutten on Jul 3, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Concerned Citizen in Elkton is right. I looked Gene Hauze up on intelius.com and found some disturbing things in his past. It's great how you can pay a small amount for someone's background & criminal file. I don't want this man assuming to represent me!

Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: Elkton on Jun 29, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Why can't the media do a serious story about Mr Hauze. His background history is public record and available. The citizens need to know who this man is and what his past might mean for our future. Responsible media has a responsibility to provide the people with fact. It's right there for them.

Posted by: Connie Location: Jeffries on Jun 29, 2007 at 08:51 PM
This man has damaged Massanutten and now he would like to bring his self serving agenda to me in the county. No thanks. He recently could not gain enough votes within Massanutten to occupy one of four vacant seats on their board. The way I see it the honorable Mr Mike Breeden is again running unopposed. Good citizns of the county unite. I like Mike, my bike likes Mike.

Posted by: Palmer Location: Massanutten Village on Jun 27, 2007 at 10:27 AM
The photos WHSV shows pertaining to this fiasco are misleading. I live on Palmer Rd and I know for a fact that the small black trailer shown parked next to the road belongs to a permanent resident. Shall we go after them next? Let it go, Hauze and tell Susan "hello" for me.

Posted by: Neighbor Location: Massanutten on Jun 27, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Mr. Hauze does not like not knowing who his neighbors are. I can honestly say that I agree with his statement. Some of us have looked into his background.

Posted by: Fed up Location: Massanutten on Jun 26, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Hauze said he will sell his home if he does not win ...time to put your house on the market buddy. Alot of us are willing to help you load up the U-Haul!!!

Posted by: Dan Location: Massanutten on Jun 25, 2007 at 11:56 PM
When will Gene Hauze learn? He has lost his battle. He has zero chance of winning the covenants lawsuit, which was just flatly rejected by the Supreme Court. What is amazing is that whsv keeps giving this lunatic the time of day to spew his ridiculous positions.

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