Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Petersburg, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Petersburg, VA, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed in zoning districts R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, RB, MXD-1, MXD-2, B-2, and B-3. A special use permit (SUP) is required for non-primary residences established after June 17, 2025; occupancy is limited by the underlying district, and multi-family buildings are capped at 1/3 of units or 10 units, whichever is less. 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 allowed in zoning districts R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, RB, MXD-1, MXD-2, B-2, and B-3. A special use permit (SUP) is required for non-primary residences established after June 17, 2025; occupancy is limited by the underlying district, and multi-family buildings are capped at 1/3 of units or 10 units, whichever is less.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Petersburg. 1. Register the property annually via the City's online portal (Planning Department). 2. Ensure compliance with safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers) and provide a floor plan. 3. If the property is not a primary residence, apply for and obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP).

1. Register the property annually via the City's online portal (Planning Department). 2. Ensure compliance with safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers) and provide a floor plan. 3. If the property is not a primary residence, apply for and obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP).

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