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

Tysons

Prohibited
VirginiaUpdated Mar 18, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

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

Verified Feb 6, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 100
Classification
Prohibited
100
Severity

Why this classification

  • Primary residence required
  • Owner-occupied required
  • Strict night cap: 60 nights/year
  • Standard permit fee: $200
  • Limited to 1 property per owner
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

To host a short-term rental in Tysons, you must live in the property for at least 185 days a year and obtain a $200 permit from Fairfax County that lasts for two years. You are limited to renting the space for no more than 60 nights per year and can host a maximum of six adult guests at a time.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limit60/year
Primary residenceRequired
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$200
Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Maximum 60 nights per year limit is strictly enforced regardless of host presence.
  2. 2Events like parties, weddings, and commercial gatherings are strictly prohibited.
  3. 3HOA and Condo associations can completely ban STRs even if the county allows them.
  4. 4Must live in the property as a primary residence for 185+ days/year.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility7 rules
  • Tysons: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
  • Tysons allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Tenants must provide written consent from the property owner as part of the permit application.
  • Tysons: Events like parties, weddings, and commercial gatherings are strictly prohibited.
Requirements12 rules
  • Tysons does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.
  • Tysons STR warning: Maximum 60 nights per year limit is strictly enforced regardless of host presence.
  • Tysons STR warning: Must live in the property as a primary residence for 185+ days/year.
  • Tysons: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.
Application process8 rules
  • Tysons STR permit - Step 5: Obtain BPOL License (if applicable). If your gross receipts exceed $10,000 annually, you must obtain a Business, Professional and Occupational License. Required documents: Application form. Time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 30.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Tysons charges a registration fee of $200 (biennial).
Taxes2 rules
  • Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
  • Tysons charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Accommodations intermediaries like Airbnb and VRBO are required by Virginia law to collect and remit TOT.
Limits & restrictions7 rules
  • Tysons limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
  • Tysons limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: Maximum 6 adults per night
  • Tysons occupancy calculation: Maximum 6 adults per night. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Tysons: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Tysons requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Interconnected smoke detectors, Exit plans posted in each sleeping room, Functioning carbon monoxide detectors.
Penalties2 rules
  • Tysons: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Tysons enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $200 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Tysons: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Tysons exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and breakfasts with special exceptions, Hotels and motels.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Tysons

0/5
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Primary Residence

Ensure the property is your primary residence where you spend at least 185 days per year.

1 dayFree
Official resource
Step 2

Prepare Documentation

Create a dimensioned floor plan showing rooms for lodging and obtain written owner consent if you are a tenant.

2-3 daysFree
Documents needed
  • Dimensioned floor plan
  • Owner consent letter
Step 3

Apply for STL Zoning Permit

Submit the Short-Term Lodging permit application to the Fairfax County Zoning Administrator through the PLUS online portal.

2-4 weeks$200
Documents needed
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of ownership
Official resource
Step 4

Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

Register your business with the Department of Tax Administration to file monthly tax returns.

1 weekFree
Documents needed
  • STL Permit Number
Official resource
Step 5

Obtain BPOL License (if applicable)

If your gross receipts exceed $10,000 annually, you must obtain a Business, Professional and Occupational License.

1-2 weeks$30
Documents needed
  • Application form
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

1 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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