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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Glen Allen, VA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Owner-occupied short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted as an accessory use where the owner occupies the dwelling at least 185 days per year; non-owner-occupied (vacation) STRs are allowed only by special exception in specified agricultural and single-family residential zoning districts. Key constraints include parking minimums (one off-street space per guestroom plus at least two spaces for the dwelling), occupancy limits (generally twice the number of bedrooms, max 10), safety equipment and posting requirements, a limit of one STR per GPIN/parcel, recordkeeping for two years, restricted check-in/out hours (no check-in/out 11 p.m.–7 a.m.), and other standards (pet limits, prohibition on renting to minors and undocumented immigrants).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Owner-occupied STR: Submit the completed Short-Term Rental Permit (Owner-Occupied) application and required attachments (proof of principal residence such as driver’s license, voter registration, pay stub, W-2, or bank statement; a property sketch showing parking; septic permit if applicable) to the Hanover County Planning Department (in-person at Planning front desk). 2) County reviews application (stated 10 business days) and issues an approval letter via email and mail. 3) Non-owner-occupied STR (vacation rental): must obtain a special exception per the Zoning Ordinance and operators must register annually with the Planning Department and pay the registration fee established by the Board.

Official Resources

Official Glen Allen STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Glen Allen, VA?
Owner-occupied short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted as an accessory use where the owner occupies the dwelling at least 185 days per year; non-owner-occupied (vacation) STRs are allowed only by special exception in specified agricultural and single-family residential zoning districts. Key constraints include parking minimums (one off-street space per guestroom plus at least two spaces for the dwelling), occupancy limits (generally twice the number of bedrooms, max 10), safety equipment and posting requirements, a limit of one STR per GPIN/parcel, recordkeeping for two years, restricted check-in/out hours (no check-in/out 11 p.m.–7 a.m.), and other standards (pet limits, prohibition on renting to minors and undocumented immigrants).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Glen Allen?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Glen Allen. 1) Owner-occupied STR: Submit the completed Short-Term Rental Permit (Owner-Occupied) application and required attachments (proof of principal residence such as driver’s license, voter registration, pay stub, W-2, or bank statement; a property sketch showing parking; septic permit if applicable) to the Hanover County Planning Department (in-person at Planning front desk). 2) County reviews application (stated 10 business days) and issues an approval letter via email and mail. 3) Non-owner-occupied STR (vacation rental): must obtain a special exception per the Zoning Ordinance and operators must register annually with the Planning Department and pay the registration fee established by the Board.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Glen Allen?
1) Owner-occupied STR: Submit the completed Short-Term Rental Permit (Owner-Occupied) application and required attachments (proof of principal residence such as driver’s license, voter registration, pay stub, W-2, or bank statement; a property sketch showing parking; septic permit if applicable) to the Hanover County Planning Department (in-person at Planning front desk). 2) County reviews application (stated 10 business days) and issues an approval letter via email and mail. 3) Non-owner-occupied STR (vacation rental): must obtain a special exception per the Zoning Ordinance and operators must register annually with the Planning Department and pay the registration fee established by the Board.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction