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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in York County, VA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

York County classifies STRs as either "tourist homes" or "bed and breakfast inns"; tourist homes and B&Bs are permitted as a matter of right in LB (Limited Business) and GB (General Business) zones, and in residential zones (RC, RR, R33, R20, R13, RMF) STRs require a Board of Supervisors Special Use Permit. STRs must retain the appearance of a single-family detached residence in residential districts, accommodate all parking on-site (on-street parking prohibited), have a maximum guest number set by the Board, comply with fire/life-safety requirements (Emergency Action Plan, fire extinguishers, interconnected smoke detectors) and must collect applicable state sales tax, County transient occupancy tax (5%) and $2/night room tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Contact York County Planning Division (planning@yorkcounty.gov, (757) 890-3404) and confirm property zoning using the County Property Information System; 2) Submit a completed Special Use Permit application package (including sketch/site plan, parking calculations, emergency action plan, required safety equipment) and pay the non-refundable application fee (stated as $560 in most cases); 3) Participate in the Special Use Permit review (two advertised public hearings—Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors), obtain approval, then secure required business license and tax accounts and complete fire inspection prior to commencing STR operations (annual fire inspections thereafter).

Official Resources

Official York County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in York County, VA?
York County classifies STRs as either "tourist homes" or "bed and breakfast inns"; tourist homes and B&Bs are permitted as a matter of right in LB (Limited Business) and GB (General Business) zones, and in residential zones (RC, RR, R33, R20, R13, RMF) STRs require a Board of Supervisors Special Use Permit. STRs must retain the appearance of a single-family detached residence in residential districts, accommodate all parking on-site (on-street parking prohibited), have a maximum guest number set by the Board, comply with fire/life-safety requirements (Emergency Action Plan, fire extinguishers, interconnected smoke detectors) and must collect applicable state sales tax, County transient occupancy tax (5%) and $2/night room tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in York County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in York County. 1) Contact York County Planning Division (planning@yorkcounty.gov, (757) 890-3404) and confirm property zoning using the County Property Information System; 2) Submit a completed Special Use Permit application package (including sketch/site plan, parking calculations, emergency action plan, required safety equipment) and pay the non-refundable application fee (stated as $560 in most cases); 3) Participate in the Special Use Permit review (two advertised public hearings—Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors), obtain approval, then secure required business license and tax accounts and complete fire inspection prior to commencing STR operations (annual fire inspections thereafter).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in York County?
1) Contact York County Planning Division (planning@yorkcounty.gov, (757) 890-3404) and confirm property zoning using the County Property Information System; 2) Submit a completed Special Use Permit application package (including sketch/site plan, parking calculations, emergency action plan, required safety equipment) and pay the non-refundable application fee (stated as $560 in most cases); 3) Participate in the Special Use Permit review (two advertised public hearings—Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors), obtain approval, then secure required business license and tax accounts and complete fire inspection prior to commencing STR operations (annual fire inspections thereafter).

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