What should Middleburg hosts know about no accessory dwelling units (adus)?

No Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be used as short-term rentals.

What are the key requirements for Middleburg hosts?

Property must be the owner's primary residence (occupied 183+ days/year).

What are the key requirements for Middleburg hosts?

Minimum stay requirement is two nights; one-night rentals are strictly prohibited.

What should Middleburg hosts know about a mandatory annual inspection is?

A mandatory annual inspection is required to maintain the permit.

What are the permit fees in Middleburg?

Minimum lot size for an STR property is 10,000 square feet.

Middleburg, VA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 10, 2026

Summary

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

⛔

Strict

Score: 83 (lenient)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

180/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$30

Processing Time

2-4 months

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•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.

Requirements(13)

•Middleburg: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(8)

•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 & Costs(2)

•Middleburg charges a registration fee of $30 (annual).
•Middleburg: Minimum lot size for an STR property is 10,000 square feet.

Taxes(2)

•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 & Restrictions(7)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(2)

•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.

Exemptions(2)

•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).

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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

Middleburg

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(13)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

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Middleburg

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 Middleburg?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Middleburg?

3Are there rental night limits in Middleburg?

4What are the residency requirements for Middleburg hosts?

Related Content

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Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Richmond