Short-Term Rentals in Norfolk, VA

If you live in Norfolk or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Norfolk has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Norfolk requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and annual STR registration. STRs are restricted to specific zoning districts and generally prohibited in single-family residential areas without CUP approval.

Key details: CUP Required: Conditional Use Permit. Registration: Annual. State Authority: VA 15.2-983. Insurance: Proof required. Local Contact: 24/7 responsible party.

Operating without CUP or registration: civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day, potential cease and desist orders, and denial of future permits.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Norfolk actively enforces its short-term rental permits requirements.

Insurance Requirements

Unlike many Virginia localities, Norfolk mandates insurance: vacation-rental operators must show premises liability coverage for guest injury of at least $1,000,000 before operating.

Key details: Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Type: Premises liability, guest injury. When: Before and during operation. Homeowner policy: Often excludes rentals. Governing law: Zoning Ord. § 4.2.3.F(10).

Without the required proof of insurance, the city can withhold or revoke the zoning certificate or Conditional Use Permit. Operating uninsured also leaves the host personally exposed to guest-injury claims.

Taxes & Fees

A Norfolk short-term rental collects a 9% transient occupancy tax (8% city plus 1% state) and a flat $3 per bedroom per night, remitted monthly to the City Treasurer.

Key details: City TOT: 8% of room charge. State TOT: 1% (Va. Code § 58.1-1743). Combined rate: 9%. Flat room tax: $3 per bedroom nightly. Governing law: City Code § 24-234.

Failing to collect or remit is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Section 24-241, plus a 10% penalty and 10% annual interest on late taxes under Section 24-239.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Norfolk vacation rentals must provide off-street parking per the zoning table, and lacking the required spaces forces a Conditional Use Permit instead of a by-right zoning permit.

Key details: Off-street parking: Required. Standard: Zoning § 5.1.7.D / Table 5.1.7(D). No required parking: Triggers CUP. Shared driveway: Written owner permission. Governing law: Zoning Ord. § 4.2.3.F(10).

Missing required parking triggers Conditional Use Permit review rather than a by-right permit. Blocked accessways and parking violations are enforced through zoning and city parking rules, with complaints via MyNorfolk.

Noise Rules

Norfolk short-term rental guests must follow the Chapter 26 noise ordinance, and vacation-rental operators must keep interior decibel meters in main gathering rooms to catch excessive noise.

Key details: Guest rule: Follow Chapter 26. Night window: 10 p.m.-7 a.m.. Required: Interior decibel meters. Emergency contact: On-site in 20 minutes. Governing law: Zoning Ord. § 4.2.3.F(10).

Guests face noise citations up to $500 as a Class 3 misdemeanor. For the operator, repeated verified complaints can lead to conditions on, denial of, or revocation of the STR authorization.

Occupancy Limits

Norfolk caps a vacation rental at two guests per bedroom, no more than ten guests total, in no more than five bedrooms. Homes with over five bedrooms cannot be vacation rentals.

Key details: Per bedroom: 2 guests. Total cap: 10 guests. Bedroom cap: 5 bedrooms. Over 5 bedrooms: Not eligible. Governing law: Zoning Ord. § 4.2.3.F(10).

Exceeding the occupancy cap is a zoning violation; the city can impose conditions, deny, or revoke the zoning certificate or Conditional Use Permit, and acts on complaints filed through MyNorfolk.

The Bottom Line

Norfolk's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Norfolk is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Norfolk can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.