Comprehensive short-term rental guides for 21 markets in Virginia.
6 markets
Virginia
Herndon requires a biennial short-term rental permit ($200), mandates the property be the host's primary residence for at least seven months per year, and limits unhosted rentals to 90 nights annually.
Blacksburg permits 'Homestays' only in the host's owner-occupied primary residence, with a total limit of 90 rental nights per year.
Short-term rentals in Tysons are permitted only in the host's primary residence for up to 60 nights per calendar year with a mandatory biennial permit.
Short-term rentals in Chesapeake are highly restricted to only two zoning districts and require a mandatory Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approved by the City Council.
Short-term rentals in Williamsburg are strictly regulated as 'homestays' requiring a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals and are limited to one room in an owner-occupied home.
Short-term rentals (Short-Term Lodging) are permitted in Reston/Fairfax County for primary residents with a required permit and a 60-night annual limit.
5 markets
The City of Richmond requires all short-term rental operators to reside in the property for at least 185 days a year and obtain a biennial permit. A 300 dollar fee is required every two years, and hosts must collect and remit an 8% Transient Lodging Tax.
Short-term rentals in Arlington, known as 'Accessory Homestays,' are permitted for primary residents who obtain an annual permit and business license.
Charlottesville requires short-term rental operators to obtain an annual Homestay Permit and a business license for properties that serve as their primary residence.
Lynchburg requires all short-term rental operators to register annually, pay a $150 fee, and adhere to specific occupancy limits and zoning standards.
Short-term rentals in Middleburg require a Special Use Permit (SUP), a Zoning Occupancy Permit, and a business license, with operations limited to primary residences for up to 180 nights per year.
Harrisonburg requires a business license, zoning approval (sometimes requiring a Special Use Permit), and registration for the 7% transient occupancy tax.
Cape Charles requires all short-term rental operators to obtain both a town business license and a specific STR permit, subject to an annual $100 fee. The town enforces strict occupancy limits (2 per bedroom + 2) and requires a $1M liability insurance policy. Hosts must remit 4.7% in local Transient Occupancy Tax in addition to state sales taxes.
The City of Virginia Beach strictly regulates short-term rentals through a tiered system that differentiates between the Sandbridge Special Service District and the rest of the city. All hosts must register annually, maintain $1M in liability insurance, and comply with a 10-guest maximum occupancy limit.
Leesburg requires a Homestay Home Occupation Permit and a Town Business License for all short-term rentals, with a maximum occupancy of six guests.
Short-term rentals (vacation rentals) are permitted in Chincoteague subject to an annual town business license and compliance with zoning-specific parking and safety requirements.
Alexandria requires a Short-Term Residential Rental Permit for all stays under 30 days, with distinct fees for owner-occupied and unoccupied properties.
4 markets
Norfolk requires short-term rentals to obtain either an administrative permit or a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and register annually with the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Portsmouth requires short-term rental operators to obtain a zoning clearance and a business license while collecting a 9% lodging tax and a $3.00 per-room nightly fee.
Short-term rentals in Luray, VA, require a business license and a Special Use Permit, referred to as a 'lodging house' permit. These rentals are defined as properties rented for less than 30 consecutive days and may be owner- or non-owner-occupied. The town actively manages the STR market through permit evaluations.
Radford regulates short-term rentals (homestays) through mandatory business licensing and a 8.5% transient occupancy tax.