Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Northampton County, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Northampton County, VA, but with restrictions. Northampton County's ordinance (§ 154.2.120) establishes minimum standards for short-term rentals (STRs), including limiting parking to one space per bedroom plus one additional space on-site, abiding by residential sign and lighting standards, and restricting occupancy to three people per bedroom based on the property record card. All STR units must have smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside separate sleeping areas, and on each additional story. Noise limits must comply with Chapter 98 NOISE. STRs are prohibited in non-dwelling structures and cannot be used as event venues unless separately permitted. Owners must obtain a business license and register for and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax (5% countywide, 2% within Cape Charles corporate limits). 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.

Northampton County's ordinance (§ 154.2.120) establishes minimum standards for short-term rentals (STRs), including limiting parking to one space per bedroom plus one additional space on-site, abiding by residential sign and lighting standards, and restricting occupancy to three people per bedroom based on the property record card. All STR units must have smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside separate sleeping areas, and on each additional story. Noise limits must comply with Chapter 98 NOISE. STRs are prohibited in non-dwelling structures and cannot be used as event venues unless separately permitted. Owners must obtain a business license and register for and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax (5% countywide, 2% within Cape Charles corporate limits).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Northampton County. 1. Obtain a business license by completing, submitting, and paying associated fees to Northampton County. 2. Register for the Transient Occupancy Tax by completing and submitting the Transient Occupancy Registration Form to the County Commissioner of the Revenue. Upon receipt, a numbered license will be issued for filing and paying the tax.

1. Obtain a business license by completing, submitting, and paying associated fees to Northampton County. 2. Register for the Transient Occupancy Tax by completing and submitting the Transient Occupancy Registration Form to the County Commissioner of the Revenue. Upon receipt, a numbered license will be issued for filing and paying the tax.

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