What should Lynchburg hosts know about maximum of 4 unrelated guests?

Maximum of 4 unrelated guests is strictly enforced city-wide.

What should Lynchburg hosts know about registration is annual and usually?

Registration is annual and usually due by July 1 of each year.

What violations should Lynchburg hosts avoid?

A $500 civil penalty applies if you operate without registering with the city.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Lynchburg?

Primary residence/Owner occupancy is required for R-1 and R-2 zones.

What should Lynchburg hosts know about independent city status means there?

Independent city status means there is no separate county permit or tax beyond the city's.

Lynchburg Short-Term Rental Rules &...

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 10, 2026

Summary

Lynchburg requires all short-term rental operators to register annually, pay a $150 fee, and adhere to specific occupancy limits and zoning standards.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 76 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Standard permit fee: $150
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Lynchburg, you must register your property through the city's online Citizen Portal and pay an annual $150 registration fee. In residential zones like R-1 and R-2, the property must be your primary residence, and city-wide occupancy is limited to no more than four unrelated people.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$2,500

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Lynchburg: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Lynchburg: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Lynchburg requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Owner occupancy is mandatory for short-term rentals located in R-1 and R-2 zoning districts.

Requirements(12)

•Lynchburg: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Lynchburg STR warning: A $500 civil penalty applies if you operate without registering with the city.
•Lynchburg STR warning: Primary residence/Owner occupancy is required for R-1 and R-2 zones.
•Lynchburg STR warning: Independent city status means there is no separate county permit or tax beyond the city's.

Application Process(8)

•Lynchburg STR permit - Step 5: Obtain Business License (If Applicable). If your annual gross receipts from the rental exceed $150,000, you must obtain a separate Business License from the Commissioner of Revenue. Required documents: Revenue estimates. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Lynchburg charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Lynchburg: Independent city status means there is no separate county permit or tax beyond the city's.
•Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.053% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Lynchburg enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Lynchburg occupancy calculation: No more than 4 unrelated people; if 2 or more are related, only 1 additional unrelated person is permitted.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Lynchburg requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Must comply with Uniform Statewide Building Code, Inspections conducted only upon complaint.

Penalties(4)

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

Exemptions(2)

•Lynchburg: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Lynchburg exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Licensed real estate professionals, Hotels, Motels, Bed and breakfast establishments.

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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

Lynchburg

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

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

Richmond

Lynchburg

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 Lynchburg?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Lynchburg?

3Are there residency requirements for STRs in Lynchburg?

4What are the occupancy limits for Lynchburg rentals?

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Richmond