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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in City of Alexandria County, VA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Maximum occupancy is limited to two occupants per bedroom plus two additional guests, with an absolute cap of 10 people. Parking requirements vary by location (0.75 spaces per bedroom outside the Enhanced Transit Area; 0.25 inside), and operators must post a Good Neighbor Guide and comply with city noise and waste codes. ADUs and principal dwellings cannot be listed simultaneously.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Prepare documentation including proof of ownership/lease, safety equipment photos, and a signed Good Neighbor Guide. 2) Create an account and submit the application via the APEX permits portal (https://www.alexandriava.gov/Permits). 3) Pay the annual fee ($100 for owner-occupied, $350 for owner-unoccupied).

Official Resources

Official City of Alexandria County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in City of Alexandria County, VA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in City of Alexandria County, VA, but with restrictions. Maximum occupancy is limited to two occupants per bedroom plus two additional guests, with an absolute cap of 10 people. Parking requirements vary by location (0.75 spaces per bedroom outside the Enhanced Transit Area; 0.25 inside), and operators must post a Good Neighbor Guide and comply with city noise and waste codes. ADUs and principal dwellings cannot be listed simultaneously. 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 City of Alexandria County, VA?
Maximum occupancy is limited to two occupants per bedroom plus two additional guests, with an absolute cap of 10 people. Parking requirements vary by location (0.75 spaces per bedroom outside the Enhanced Transit Area; 0.25 inside), and operators must post a Good Neighbor Guide and comply with city noise and waste codes. ADUs and principal dwellings cannot be listed simultaneously.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in City of Alexandria County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in City of Alexandria County. 1) Prepare documentation including proof of ownership/lease, safety equipment photos, and a signed Good Neighbor Guide. 2) Create an account and submit the application via the APEX permits portal (https://www.alexandriava.gov/Permits). 3) Pay the annual fee ($100 for owner-occupied, $350 for owner-unoccupied).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in City of Alexandria County?
1) Prepare documentation including proof of ownership/lease, safety equipment photos, and a signed Good Neighbor Guide. 2) Create an account and submit the application via the APEX permits portal (https://www.alexandriava.gov/Permits). 3) Pay the annual fee ($100 for owner-occupied, $350 for owner-unoccupied).
Is Vrbo legal in City of Alexandria County, VA?
Vrbo is permitted in City of Alexandria 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 City of Alexandria County?
Short-term rental hosts in City of Alexandria 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 City of Alexandria County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for City of Alexandria 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