Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Glen Allen, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Glen Allen, VA, but with restrictions. 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). 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.

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).

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.

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.

Vrbo is permitted in Glen Allen, 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 Glen Allen 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 Glen Allen. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.