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

Airbnb listings are allowed in City of Harrisonburg County, VA, but with restrictions. Homestays are restricted to the operator's primary residence, limited to 4 guests and 90 nights per year, and prohibited in multi-family buildings or accessory structures. STRs approved via Special Use Permit (SUP) may operate in multi-family units (after renovations) and accessory structures without the 90-night cap unless specifically conditioned by the City Council. Both require a business license and transient occupancy tax registration. 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.

Homestays are restricted to the operator's primary residence, limited to 4 guests and 90 nights per year, and prohibited in multi-family buildings or accessory structures. STRs approved via Special Use Permit (SUP) may operate in multi-family units (after renovations) and accessory structures without the 90-night cap unless specifically conditioned by the City Council. Both require a business license and transient occupancy tax registration.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in City of Harrisonburg County. 1. Determine if the use is a by-right homestay or requires a Special Use Permit (SUP). 2. For homestays, submit the annual registration form (online or PDF) with a $25 fee and proof of primary residence. 3. For STRs requiring an SUP, submit a one-time application ($425 + acreage fee) for Planning Commission review and City Council approval. 4. Obtain a business license and register for transient occupancy taxes with the Commissioner of Revenue.

1. Determine if the use is a by-right homestay or requires a Special Use Permit (SUP). 2. For homestays, submit the annual registration form (online or PDF) with a $25 fee and proof of primary residence. 3. For STRs requiring an SUP, submit a one-time application ($425 + acreage fee) for Planning Commission review and City Council approval. 4. Obtain a business license and register for transient occupancy taxes with the Commissioner of Revenue.

Vrbo is permitted in City of Harrisonburg 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.

Short-term rental hosts in City of Harrisonburg 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for City of Harrisonburg County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.