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

Airbnb listings are allowed in Petersburg (city) County, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are allowed only in specified zoning districts (R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, RB, MXD-1, MXD-2, B-2, B-3) and must generally be located within the operator’s primary residence; occupancy is limited to the maximum occupancy for the underlying zoning/dwelling and multi-family buildings are limited to 10 units or one-third (1/3) of units (whichever is less). Operators must submit floor plans, post emergency/contact information, maintain required smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, carry commercial general liability insurance, and comply with use standards (no exterior signage, no food service by operator, no RVs/buses/trailers visible, no double-booking). 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.

Short-term rentals are allowed only in specified zoning districts (R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, RB, MXD-1, MXD-2, B-2, B-3) and must generally be located within the operator’s primary residence; occupancy is limited to the maximum occupancy for the underlying zoning/dwelling and multi-family buildings are limited to 10 units or one-third (1/3) of units (whichever is less). Operators must submit floor plans, post emergency/contact information, maintain required smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, carry commercial general liability insurance, and comply with use standards (no exterior signage, no food service by operator, no RVs/buses/trailers visible, no double-booking).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Petersburg (city) County. 1) Register annually with the City’s Planning Department via the online form and submit required materials including floor plans, operator contact info, proof of insurance, and proof of primary residence. 2) Pass required safety inspections to verify compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. 3) If the STR is not owner-occupied and was not operating prior to June 17, 2025, obtain a Special Use Permit under the Zoning Ordinance.

1) Register annually with the City’s Planning Department via the online form and submit required materials including floor plans, operator contact info, proof of insurance, and proof of primary residence. 2) Pass required safety inspections to verify compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. 3) If the STR is not owner-occupied and was not operating prior to June 17, 2025, obtain a Special Use Permit under the Zoning Ordinance.

Vrbo is permitted in Petersburg (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 Petersburg (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 Petersburg (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.