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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Virginia
  6. ·
  7. Middleburg

Middleburg

Strict
VirginiaUpdated Feb 27, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 10, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 83
Classification
Strict
83
Severity

Why this classification

  • Primary residence required
  • Owner-occupied required
  • Limited to 1 property per owner
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • Safety standards required
  • Low permit fee

In plain English

What this means for you

To host a short-term rental in Middleburg, you must first obtain a Special Use Permit, which involves a public hearing and Town Council approval. You are only allowed to rent out your primary residence (where you live at least 183 days a year) for a maximum of 180 nights annually, and all stays must be at least two nights long. Additionally, you must carry $500,000 in liability insurance and collect an 8% lodging tax.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limit180/year
Primary residenceRequired
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$30
Processing time2-4 months

5 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1No Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be used as short-term rentals.
  2. 2Property must be the owner's primary residence (occupied 183+ days/year).
  3. 3Minimum stay requirement is two nights; one-night rentals are strictly prohibited.
  4. 4A mandatory annual inspection is required to maintain the permit.
  5. 5Minimum lot size for an STR property is 10,000 square feet.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility8 rules
  • Middleburg allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Detached.
  • Middleburg limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
  • Middleburg: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
  • Middleburg: Minimum stay requirement is two nights; one-night rentals are strictly prohibited.
Requirements13 rules
  • Middleburg: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
Application process8 rules
  • Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Middleburg: Step 1: Apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP) - Submit a Special Use Permit application for 'Limited Residential Lodging' to the Planning & Zoning Department. This process involves a review by the Planning Commission and a public hearing before the Town Council. Documents needed: Property Management Plan, Floor Plan, Site Sketch. Estimated time: 2-4 months. More info: https://www.middleburgva.gov/165/Planning-Zoning Step 2: Obtain a Zoning Occupancy Permit (ZOP) - Once the SUP is granted, apply for a Zoning Occupancy Permit to authorize the use of the space for commercial lodging. Documents needed: Approved SUP reference. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.middleburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/106/Zoning-Occupancy-Permit-Application-PDF Step 3: Register for a Town Business License (BPOL) - Apply for a Business Professional Occupational License from the Town Treasurer. New businesses pay a flat fee for the first year. Documents needed: Approved ZOP, Proof of Insurance. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 30. More info: https://www.middleburgva.gov/218/Business-License-Tax Step 4: Register for Transient Occupancy Tax - Set up an account with the Town Finance Department to remit the 8% lodging tax monthly. Documents needed: Business License. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.middleburgva.gov/220/Transient-Occupancy-Tax
Fees & costs2 rules
  • Middleburg charges a registration fee of $30 (annual).
  • Middleburg: Minimum lot size for an STR property is 10,000 square feet.
Taxes2 rules
  • Middleburg 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/VRBO collect and remit, but hosts must still file monthly zero-dollar returns if all taxes are collected by the platform.
  • Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
Limits & restrictions7 rules
  • Middleburg requires a minimum stay of 2 nights.
  • Middleburg limits STRs to 180 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
  • Middleburg: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
  • Middleburg occupancy calculation: 2 guests plus 2 guests per guest bedroom. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Middleburg requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual life-safety inspection, Evacuation plan provided to guests, Public water and sewer connection required, Trash and recycling instructions provided.
Penalties2 rules
  • Middleburg enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by zoning violation. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
  • Middleburg: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Middleburg exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts.
  • Middleburg: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Middleburg

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP)

Submit a Special Use Permit application for 'Limited Residential Lodging' to the Planning & Zoning Department. This process involves a review by the Planning Commission and a public hearing before the Town Council.

2-4 monthsFree
Documents needed
  • Property Management Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Site Sketch
Official resource
Step 2

Obtain a Zoning Occupancy Permit (ZOP)

Once the SUP is granted, apply for a Zoning Occupancy Permit to authorize the use of the space for commercial lodging.

1-2 weeks$50
Documents needed
  • Approved SUP reference
Official resource
Step 3

Register for a Town Business License (BPOL)

Apply for a Business Professional Occupational License from the Town Treasurer. New businesses pay a flat fee for the first year.

1-2 weeks$30
Documents needed
  • Approved ZOP
  • Proof of Insurance
Official resource
Step 4

Register for Transient Occupancy Tax

Set up an account with the Town Finance Department to remit the 8% lodging tax monthly.

1 weekFree
Documents needed
  • Business License
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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