Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Norfolk (city) County, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Norfolk (city) County, VA, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by type (Homestay vs. Vacation Rental) and require a maximum of 5 bedrooms and 2 guests per bedroom (max 10 total). Operators must provide proof of primary residency, maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance, post local contact signage (20-minute response time), and provide paved on-site parking. 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.

STRs are restricted by type (Homestay vs. Vacation Rental) and require a maximum of 5 bedrooms and 2 guests per bedroom (max 10 total). Operators must provide proof of primary residency, maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance, post local contact signage (20-minute response time), and provide paved on-site parking.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Norfolk (city) County. 1. Apply for a Zoning Certificate (or Conditional Use Permit if required) via the City's E-Permitting Portal, uploading proof of residency, liability insurance, and parking photos. 2. Once zoning is approved, obtain a Business License from the Commissioner of the Revenue. 3. Register for and remit the 9% transient occupancy tax and $3/bedroom/night room tax monthly.

1. Apply for a Zoning Certificate (or Conditional Use Permit if required) via the City's E-Permitting Portal, uploading proof of residency, liability insurance, and parking photos. 2. Once zoning is approved, obtain a Business License from the Commissioner of the Revenue. 3. Register for and remit the 9% transient occupancy tax and $3/bedroom/night room tax monthly.

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