7 Step Guide to Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations
1. City Overview: Short-Term Rental Landscape
Virginia Beach, Virginia, has established regulations governing short-term rentals (STRs) to balance tourism benefits with neighborhood stability. STR operators must comply with zoning laws, tax collection, and permit requirements. The city differentiates between registered short-term rentals (STRs) and grandfathered STRs, with stricter regulations applying to new STR applications.
For the most up-to-date short-term rental data, including occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue trends, visit the Chalet Market Dashboard.
2. Quick Facts
- Permit Required? Yes, all STRs must obtain a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit.
- Zoning Restrictions? STRs are permitted in certain zoning districts and require City Council approval in others.
- Maximum Occupancy: Two people per bedroom, plus two additional guests.
- Tax Requirements: STR operators must collect and remit local and state lodging taxes (13%).
- Renewal Frequency: Annual renewal required for the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit.
- Registration Fees:
- Initial Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit: $200
- Permit Renewal Fee: $100 per year
- Insurance Required? Minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 required.
- Enforcement Level: Active enforcement, with fines for non-compliance.
3. Getting Started with STRs in Virginia Beach (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance
Before applying for a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit, property owners must confirm their rental is in an eligible zoning district.
- Check Zoning Maps: STRs are allowed in certain districts by-right, while others require City Council approval.
- Where to Verify Zoning: Virginia Beach Planning Department
- Contact Virginia Beach Zoning Department:
- Phone: (757) 385-4621
- Email: planning@vbgov.com
Step 2: Obtain a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit
All STR operators must obtain a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit.
- Permit Fees:
- Initial Application: $200
- Annual Renewal: $100
- Required Documents:
- Proof of property ownership
- Floor plan indicating guest areas
- Proof of liability insurance ($1,000,000 minimum)
- Parking plan (must provide at least one off-street parking space per bedroom)
- Trash collection plan
