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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Colonial Heights, VA

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are limited to 5% of units per neighborhood and a maximum of 180 rental days per year. Occupancy is capped at twice the number of bedrooms (max 6 guests), and at least one off-street parking space is required per dwelling. Commercial events and on-site advertising are prohibited.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit the Short-term Rental Permit application to the Department of Planning and Community Development with a $500 annual fee. 2. Pass a mandatory safety inspection by the Building Official and Fire Marshal. 3. Upon approval, the permit is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed annually with proof of transient occupancy tax payments.

Official Resources

Official Colonial Heights STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Colonial Heights, VA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Colonial Heights, VA, but with restrictions. STRs are limited to 5% of units per neighborhood and a maximum of 180 rental days per year. Occupancy is capped at twice the number of bedrooms (max 6 guests), and at least one off-street parking space is required per dwelling. Commercial events and on-site advertising are prohibited. 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 Colonial Heights, VA?
STRs are limited to 5% of units per neighborhood and a maximum of 180 rental days per year. Occupancy is capped at twice the number of bedrooms (max 6 guests), and at least one off-street parking space is required per dwelling. Commercial events and on-site advertising are prohibited.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Colonial Heights?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Colonial Heights. 1. Submit the Short-term Rental Permit application to the Department of Planning and Community Development with a $500 annual fee. 2. Pass a mandatory safety inspection by the Building Official and Fire Marshal. 3. Upon approval, the permit is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed annually with proof of transient occupancy tax payments.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Colonial Heights?
1. Submit the Short-term Rental Permit application to the Department of Planning and Community Development with a $500 annual fee. 2. Pass a mandatory safety inspection by the Building Official and Fire Marshal. 3. Upon approval, the permit is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed annually with proof of transient occupancy tax payments.
Is Vrbo legal in Colonial Heights, VA?
Vrbo is permitted in Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights?
Short-term rental hosts in Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Colonial Heights. 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