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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Luray, VA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are allowed subject to a business license, a property management plan, and occupancy limits determined by a Health Official. Operators must also pass a parking and life-safety inspection conducted by the Building Official.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Page County Zoning Permit Application with the applicable fee ($45-$200). 2) Obtain health approval from the Page County Health Department and pass a life-safety and parking inspection by the Building Official. 3) Register for and remit the 10% local transient occupancy tax with the Page County Commissioner of the Revenue.

Regulatory Updates — Luray

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

Page County STR Business License Requirement

County requires business license and BPOL (Business, Professional, Occupational License) tax registration for all STR operators; compliance inspection required for initial license.

PassedMarch 2024

Town of Luray STR Permit Program

Town enacted annual STR permit requirement with safety inspections and noise compliance. Permit number must appear in all listings; unpermitted operators subject to $500/day fines.

PassedSeptember 2024

Virginia STR Enabling Legislation Update

Virginia Code updated to clarify that localities may regulate STRs through zoning; no state preemption created. Page County and Luray retain full authority to regulate or restrict STRs.

Official Resources

Official Luray STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Shenandoah Valley Vacation Rental AllianceLocal

Regional organization representing STR operators in the Shenandoah Valley including Luray, Edinburg, and Front Royal; monitors county and town proceedings.

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel AssociationStatewide

Statewide hospitality trade group monitoring STR legislation and providing guidance for Virginia operators.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Luray, VA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Luray, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are allowed subject to a business license, a property management plan, and occupancy limits determined by a Health Official. Operators must also pass a parking and life-safety inspection conducted by the Building Official. 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 Luray, VA?
Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are allowed subject to a business license, a property management plan, and occupancy limits determined by a Health Official. Operators must also pass a parking and life-safety inspection conducted by the Building Official.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Luray?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Luray. 1) Submit a Page County Zoning Permit Application with the applicable fee ($45-$200). 2) Obtain health approval from the Page County Health Department and pass a life-safety and parking inspection by the Building Official. 3) Register for and remit the 10% local transient occupancy tax with the Page County Commissioner of the Revenue.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Luray?
1) Submit a Page County Zoning Permit Application with the applicable fee ($45-$200). 2) Obtain health approval from the Page County Health Department and pass a life-safety and parking inspection by the Building Official. 3) Register for and remit the 10% local transient occupancy tax with the Page County Commissioner of the Revenue.
Is Vrbo legal in Luray, VA?
Vrbo is permitted in Luray, 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 Luray?
Short-term rental hosts in Luray 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 Luray?
The most recent tracked change in Luray is "Page County STR Business License Requirement" (2023-07-01, status: passed). County requires business license and BPOL (Business, Professional, Occupational License) tax registration for all STR operators; compliance inspection required for initial license. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What permits are required for an STR in Luray?
A Town of Luray annual STR permit with fire safety compliance, plus a Page County business license and BPOL tax registration. Virginia Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance is also required. Permit number must appear in all listings.
Does Virginia have state preemption for STRs?
No. Virginia has no statewide STR preemption law. Each locality sets its own requirements. Page County and the Town of Luray both have independent requirements that may apply simultaneously to your property.
What's driving STR demand in Luray?
Luray Caverns (one of Virginia's most visited attractions), Shenandoah National Park access, Massanutten Resort proximity, and growing agritourism. Year-round outdoor recreation — hiking, cycling, kayaking — sustains demand beyond the summer peak.
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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