What zoning rules apply to STRs in Chesapeake?

Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in almost all standard residential zones like R-1.

What should Chesapeake hosts know about maximum stay for any guest?

Maximum stay for any guest is capped at 10 consecutive days within a 30-day period.

What should Chesapeake hosts know about permit is void upon transfer?

Permit is void upon transfer of property ownership.

What are the permit fees in Chesapeake?

A $1.00 flat fee per night is required in addition to the 8% tax percentage.

What should Chesapeake hosts know about historic district properties built after?

Historic district properties built after November 15, 2001, are ineligible for STR use.

Chesapeake

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

VirginiaLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•High permit fee: $1040
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

Operating a short-term rental is prohibited in most of Chesapeake's residential neighborhoods. To host legally, your property must be in an Agricultural or Historic district, and you must undergo a lengthy public approval process with the City Council. Once approved, you must obtain a business license and pay an 8% lodging tax plus a $1 per night fee.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$1,040

Processing Time

3-5 months

Max Fine

$10,000

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in almost all standard residential zones like R-1.
2.Maximum stay for any guest is capped at 10 consecutive days within a 30-day period.
3.Permit is void upon transfer of property ownership.
4.A $1.00 flat fee per night is required in addition to the 8% tax percentage.
5.Historic district properties built after November 15, 2001, are ineligible for STR use.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Chesapeake: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Chesapeake allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family.
•Chesapeake prohibits STRs in the following property types: Multi-family, Apartments.
•Chesapeake limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.

Requirements(12)

•Chesapeake STR warning: Permit is void upon transfer of property ownership.
•Chesapeake: Permit is void upon transfer of property ownership.
•Chesapeake: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Chesapeake STR warning: Maximum stay for any guest is capped at 10 consecutive days within a 30-day period.

Application Process(8)

•How to set up an STR in Chesapeake: Operating a short-term rental is prohibited in most of Chesapeake's residential neighborhoods. To host legally, your property must be in an Agricultural or Historic district, and you must undergo a lengthy public approval process with the City Council. Once approved, you must obtain a business license and pay an 8% lodging tax plus a $1 per night fee.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Chesapeake charges a registration fee of $1040 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $50 (CUP fee is a high one-time cost (~$1,040); Business license fee is annual, minimum $50.).

Taxes(2)

•Chesapeake charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO may remit the 8% TOT but hosts must verify and report the $1.00 per night flat fee.
•Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Chesapeake occupancy calculation: Generally 2 per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Chesapeake: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Chesapeake: A $1.00 flat fee per night is required in addition to the 8% tax percentage.
•Chesapeake limits stays to a maximum of 10 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Chesapeake requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress window requirements, Off-street parking plan, Guest log maintenance.

Penalties(3)

•Chesapeake: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Chesapeake enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $1000 fine. Third offense: $2500 fine. Daily fine: $500. Maximum fine: 10000. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Chesapeake exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Chesapeake: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Virginia

Strict

Short-term rentals in Arlington, known as 'Accessory Homestays,' are permitted for primary residents who obtain an annual permit and business license.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Harrisonburg

Virginia

Moderate

Harrisonburg requires a business license, zoning approval (sometimes requiring a Special Use Permit), and registration for the 7% transient occupancy tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Cape Charles

Virginia

Moderate

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.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Richmond

Virginia

Strict

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.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Chesapeake

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

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Chesapeake

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Chesapeake?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Chesapeake?

3Where are short-term rentals allowed in Chesapeake?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Chesapeake?

Related Content

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Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Richmond