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Is Airbnb legal in Virginia Beach, Virginia?

Legal only in eligible zones, with an annual zoning permit. Virginia Beach ties STR eligibility to zoning, not to owner occupancy. New investor rentals need an annual zoning permit of about $500, and properties in the Oceanfront Resort overlay also need a City Council conditional use permit. Many residential neighborhoods do not allow new STRs at all, so get a written zoning determination before buying.

Showing the researched rules for Virginia Beach, VA below. Type your Virginia Beach address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal only in eligible zones, with an annual zoning permit

Virginia Beach ties STR eligibility to zoning, not to owner occupancy. New investor rentals need an annual zoning permit of about $500, and properties in the Oceanfront Resort overlay also need a City Council conditional use permit. Many residential neighborhoods do not allow new STRs at all, so get a written zoning determination before buying.

Permit and costs

Permit
Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit
Issued by
City of Virginia Beach, Zoning Administration
Cost
$500 / year
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Zoning
eligible zones only; Oceanfront overlay needs a conditional use permit
Definition
whole dwelling rented under 30 days
Grandfathering
pre-2018 registered properties keep status
Local contact
designated local contact required

Taxes

Lodging taxes
state + local transient occupancy tax; platforms collect

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Get a zoning determination
    Ask Zoning Administration in writing whether the address can operate an STR.
  2. 2
    Apply for the zoning permit
    File the STR zoning permit application, currently $500, renewed annually.
  3. 3
    Register for lodging tax
    Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue for transient occupancy tax.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
HOA and condo declarations can ban STRs even in eligible zones.
Rule rewrite in progress
Staff proposed a tiered ordinance with new non-owner-occupied tiers, targeting January 2027; rules may tighten.

Sources

Checkmate Virginia STR regulations · Proper Virginia Airbnb laws

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.