Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sterling, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Sterling, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as stays under 30 consecutive days and are regulated as two uses: Short-Term Rental—Residential Accessory (STR-RA) and Short-Term Rental—Commercial Whole House (STR-CWH). STR-RA may be rented up to 180 days per calendar year and the operator must occupy the dwelling at least 185 days per year; STR-CWH permissions depend on the property’s zoning and may require Special Exception or Minor Special Exception. Both require one additional parking space beyond the residential requirement; STR-CWH counts as a dwelling for density calculations. 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 defined as stays under 30 consecutive days and are regulated as two uses: Short-Term Rental—Residential Accessory (STR-RA) and Short-Term Rental—Commercial Whole House (STR-CWH). STR-RA may be rented up to 180 days per calendar year and the operator must occupy the dwelling at least 185 days per year; STR-CWH permissions depend on the property’s zoning and may require Special Exception or Minor Special Exception. Both require one additional parking space beyond the residential requirement; STR-CWH counts as a dwelling for density calculations.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sterling. 1) Complete the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application packet (attach required exhibits, floor plan, and any verification documents). 2) Apply online via Loudoun’s LandMARC portal using the “Zoning Only—Residential” application (account required), or submit in person or by mail to the Department of Building & Development; pay the zoning permit fee ($165). 3) Register the property annually (registration required by July 1 each year) and comply with business tax/transient occupancy tax obligations as stated by the county.

1) Complete the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application packet (attach required exhibits, floor plan, and any verification documents). 2) Apply online via Loudoun’s LandMARC portal using the “Zoning Only—Residential” application (account required), or submit in person or by mail to the Department of Building & Development; pay the zoning permit fee ($165). 3) Register the property annually (registration required by July 1 each year) and comply with business tax/transient occupancy tax obligations as stated by the county.

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