Can I Airbnb in Virginia Beach, VA? (2026)

Virginia Beach only allows whole-home short-term rentals (under 30 days) in the Sandbridge Special Service District, in the Oceanfront Resort STR Overlay District (where new operators need a Conditional Use Permit, $360 application fee, renewed every 5 years), or at properties grandfathered before July 1, 2018 (or with a pre-Sept. 7, 2021 CUP); new STRs are prohibited everywhere else in the city. Every STR needs a $500 annual STR Zoning Permit plus annual Commissioner of the Revenue registration, $1 million liability insurance, one off-street parking space per bedroom, and safety inspections, and since August 2025 violations are criminal misdemeanors with fines of up to $1,000 for an initial violation and up to $2,000 for continuing violations. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

What’s required: a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit (plus Conditional Use Permit in the Oceanfront Resort STR Overlay District) ($500) is required; occupancy taxes apply; renew annual.