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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bedford County, VA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted to specific zoning districts (AP, AR, AV, R-1, R-2, C1, C2, PCD, and PRD) and require a yearly zoning permit. Operators must submit and post a management plan covering parking, trash, and local contacts, and comply with safety standards including fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register with the Commissioner of Revenue for transient occupancy tax. 2. Submit a yearly zoning permit application and a detailed management plan through the Citizen Self Service portal. 3. Pay the $50 registration fee and await approval before advertising or operating.

Official Resources

Official Bedford County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Bedford County, VA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Bedford County, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to specific zoning districts (AP, AR, AV, R-1, R-2, C1, C2, PCD, and PRD) and require a yearly zoning permit. Operators must submit and post a management plan covering parking, trash, and local contacts, and comply with safety standards including fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Bedford County, VA?
Short-term rentals are restricted to specific zoning districts (AP, AR, AV, R-1, R-2, C1, C2, PCD, and PRD) and require a yearly zoning permit. Operators must submit and post a management plan covering parking, trash, and local contacts, and comply with safety standards including fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bedford County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bedford County. 1. Register with the Commissioner of Revenue for transient occupancy tax. 2. Submit a yearly zoning permit application and a detailed management plan through the Citizen Self Service portal. 3. Pay the $50 registration fee and await approval before advertising or operating.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bedford County?
1. Register with the Commissioner of Revenue for transient occupancy tax. 2. Submit a yearly zoning permit application and a detailed management plan through the Citizen Self Service portal. 3. Pay the $50 registration fee and await approval before advertising or operating.
Is Vrbo legal in Bedford County, VA?
Vrbo is permitted in Bedford County, VA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Bedford County?
Short-term rental hosts in Bedford County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Bedford County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Bedford County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction