Short-Term Rentals in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Chesapeake regulates short-term rentals through its Zoning Ordinance. Operators must obtain a conditional use permit or administrative zoning approval depending on district, plus a city business license and transient occupancy registration.
Short Term Rentals: Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 15.2-983
§ 15.2-983 . Creation of registry for short-term rental of property. A. As used in this section: "Operator" means the proprietor of any dwelling, lodging, or sleeping accommodations offered as a short-term rental, whether in the capacity of owner, lessee, sublessee, mortgagee in possession, licensee, or any other possessory capacity. "Short-term rental" means the provision of a room or space th...
Noise Rules
STRs in Chesapeake must comply with the citywide noise ordinance and any CUP conditions. Quiet hours typically run 10 PM to 7 AM. Repeated noise complaints can lead to CUP revocation.
Short Term Rentals: Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Chesapeake imposes an 8 percent transient occupancy tax on stays under 30 days. State sales tax of 6 percent (5.3 state plus 0.7 Hampton Roads regional) also applies, for a combined tax of about 14 percent.
Short Term Rentals: Taxes Fees
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Chesapeake STR conditional use permits typically require one off-street parking space per bedroom. Street parking for guests may be restricted, and boat or trailer parking is not permitted as guest overflow.
Short Term Rentals: Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Chesapeake STR occupancy is typically capped at two guests per bedroom plus two, not to exceed limits in the CUP. Virginia USBC minimum floor area per occupant also applies.
Short Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Chesapeake STR operators are strongly advised to carry commercial short-term rental liability coverage of at least $500,000 to $1,000,000. CUP conditions may require proof of insurance naming guests as covered.
Short Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsNight Caps
Chesapeake does not impose a citywide annual night cap on short-term rentals. Individual conditional use permits may set limits, and rentals of 30 or more consecutive days fall outside STR rules.
Short Term Rentals: Night Caps
Some RestrictionsRegistration Rules
STR operators in Chesapeake must register with the Commissioner of the Revenue for transient occupancy tax and business licensing, obtain zoning approval or a CUP, and display a local contact and emergency info inside the unit.
Short Term Rentals: Registration Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Chesapeake City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chesapeake city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Chesapeake City →