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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Virginia Beach, VA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to specific zoning requirements; properties in the Oceanfront Resort STR Overlay District require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Requirements include one off-street parking space per bedroom, annual life-safety and triennial structural inspections, $1M liability insurance, and strict occupancy limits (max 3 people per bedroom after 11 p.m.).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an STR Zoning Permit request via the Accela Citizen Access portal, uploading required documents (sworn statement, safety reports, parking plan, and $1M insurance). 2) Wait for Zoning staff review; if compliant, pay the $500 application fee online or by mail. 3) Receive the zoning permit, which must be renewed annually; note that properties in overlay districts must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) first.

Regulatory Updates — Virginia Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2023

STR Registration Program Active

Virginia Beach requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a city home occupation permit and register for lodging tax collection. Registration requires a 24/7 local contact, compliance with occupancy limits, and annual renewal.

Under ReviewMay 2025

Residential Zone STR Density Review

Following community complaints about STR activity in residential neighborhoods behind the resort strip, the city planning department is reviewing whether additional restrictions — including owner-occupancy requirements or density limits — should apply to non-resort residential zones.

PassedJuly 2023

Virginia State Lodging Tax Compliance

Virginia imposes a state sales tax and localities add lodging taxes on short-term rental income. Virginia Beach's total lodging tax rate is among the highest in Virginia. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Virginia state and most local taxes on behalf of hosts.

Official source

Official Resources

Official Virginia Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Hampton Roads Association of REALTORS®Local

Tracks zoning and land-use regulations affecting STR property investments in Virginia Beach and the broader Hampton Roads region.

Virginia Association of REALTORS®Statewide

Statewide association monitoring property regulations including STR-related zoning changes across Virginia municipalities.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and compliance resources for vacation rental managers in Virginia Beach and Atlantic Coast markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Virginia Beach, VA?
STRs are restricted to specific zoning requirements; properties in the Oceanfront Resort STR Overlay District require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Requirements include one off-street parking space per bedroom, annual life-safety and triennial structural inspections, $1M liability insurance, and strict occupancy limits (max 3 people per bedroom after 11 p.m.).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach. 1) Submit an STR Zoning Permit request via the Accela Citizen Access portal, uploading required documents (sworn statement, safety reports, parking plan, and $1M insurance). 2) Wait for Zoning staff review; if compliant, pay the $500 application fee online or by mail. 3) Receive the zoning permit, which must be renewed annually; note that properties in overlay districts must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) first.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Virginia Beach?
1) Submit an STR Zoning Permit request via the Accela Citizen Access portal, uploading required documents (sworn statement, safety reports, parking plan, and $1M insurance). 2) Wait for Zoning staff review; if compliant, pay the $500 application fee online or by mail. 3) Receive the zoning permit, which must be renewed annually; note that properties in overlay districts must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) first.
Are short-term rentals allowed throughout Virginia Beach?
STRs are permitted city-wide with registration, but the regulatory treatment varies by zone. Properties in the Oceanfront Resort District and adjacent tourist commercial zones operate in the most permissive environment. Residential neighborhoods further from the beach face increasing scrutiny, and the city is reviewing whether to impose ownership requirements or density limits in those areas. Operators should verify their property's zoning and monitor city council proceedings.
What permits and taxes are required for a Virginia Beach vacation rental?
Operators need a City of Virginia Beach home occupation permit and STR registration (annual renewal with 24/7 local contact and occupancy compliance), plus registration for Virginia Beach's lodging tax and Virginia state sales tax. Combined lodging tax rates in Virginia Beach are typically 14–16% on gross rental receipts. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and most local taxes on behalf of hosts.
What is the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort District?
The Oceanfront Resort District is Virginia Beach's primary tourism zone along the Atlantic shoreline, covering the beachfront hotels, condos, and commercial properties along Atlantic Avenue and adjacent blocks. Properties in this district benefit from the most permissive STR regulatory framework in the city. The district is designed to accommodate transient lodging as the primary use, unlike residential neighborhoods further from the ocean where STR use is considered secondary.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction