Steps for Starting a Country Inn
Thank you for considering what it takes to open a country inn in Loudoun County! Country inns provide valuable rural lodging amenities thanks to talented entrepreneurs like you.
This page is designed to give you an overview of important considerations before establishing a country inn, but your specific situation may have different requirements. The Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance is the ruling document.
Working with Loudoun County and Virginia Commonwealth staff will help verify that those requirements are met. Our combined goal is to ensure that your operation is safe for customers so that your business can be successful.
Before establishing a country inn, it is important to understand what is permitted with that use. An owner or manager shall provide full-time management while the country inn is operating. Opening a country inn permits you to provide:
- Up to 40 guest rooms for overnight guests;
- Daily private parties of up to 100 attendees;
- Up to 20 annual private parties of more than 100 attendees (see more below);
- Food service for overnight guests and private party attendees.
This does not allow you to operate a restaurant, however, you may choose to apply for a separate restaurant use if allowed in the zoning district.
While this page focuses on country inns, think about what additional uses (if any) you might consider later. Communicating these additional uses to Loudoun County and Virginia Commonwealth staff up front can help avoid surprises later in the process. If you have questions at any point, please contact Loudoun Economic Development at 1-800-LOUDOUN.
Detailed contact information for County and Commonwealth regulatory departments can be found at the bottom of this page.