Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Whether Virginia Beach, VA permits short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local planning department through their official website to verify current STR rules — including whether hosting is permitted at all, registration requirements, and any local restrictions — before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Whether short-term rental registration is required in Virginia Beach has not been confirmed from official sources. Contact the local planning department or local building department to verify current registration requirements before hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Virginia Beach beyond standard property codes.

• •Short-term rental registration required for rentals of 30 days or fewer
• •Operator must register with Virginia Beach Commissioner of Revenue for transient occupancy tax collection
• •In Resort Tourist (RT) zones, STRs are a permitted use by right — no CUP needed
• •In residential zones away from the Oceanfront, STRs require a conditional use permit
• •Maximum occupancy limits apply: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional
• •Noise ordinance compliance required
• •Smoke detector, CO detector, and fire extinguisher required in all rental units
• •Virginia Transient Occupancy Tax (7%) plus Virginia Beach local TOT applies

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Virginia Beach are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$500–$2,500 fine per day for operating without registration
• ⚠Conditional use permit revocation for repeated ordinance violations
• ⚠Zoning enforcement action for non-compliant operators

Frequently Asked Questions