Short-Term Rentals in Fairfax, VA (2026)
7 verified short-term rentals rules for Fairfax, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) are effectively banned in the City of Fairfax. The only pathway is a City Council-approved Special Use Permit for a Bed & Breakfast, which requires owner-occupancy, a single-family home on an arterial/collector street, and rentals under 14 consecutive days.
Fairfax Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Fairfax City Code § 110-3.5.3.D (Bed and Breakfast / Short-Term Rental)
BED AND BREAKFAST (City Code §110-3.5.3.D) The City's zoning regulations define a bed and breakfast as a short-term rental, of less than 14 consecutive days, within an owner-occupied single family home. City Council must approve a Special Use permit. A bed and breakfast must be located on an arterial or collector street and is not allowed in a townhouse or apartment. Any short-term rental, incl...
Noise Rules
The City of Fairfax does not allow stand-alone short-term rentals like Airbnb; the only authorized form of stay under 30 days is an owner-occupied bed and breakfast operated under a City Council-approved Special Use Permit, on an arterial or collector street, for stays of less than 14 consecutive days. Any guests at a B&B (or unlawful STR) must comply with City Code §110-1136 (Maximum permissible noise levels), which caps residential-zone sound pressure at 55 dBA, commercial at 60 dBA, and industrial at 72 dBA, and §110-1138 which restricts lawn and garden equipment to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and outdoor amplified events to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Fairfax City Short-Term Rental Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Short-term rental operators in the City of Fairfax must collect and remit a 4 percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive nights, plus Virginia state sales tax of 5.3 percent (6 percent combined in Fairfax City with regional add-on). Failure to remit TOT results in penalties, interest, and potential criminal prosecution under Virginia Code Section 58.1-3818.
Short Term Rentals: Taxes
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Because the City of Fairfax does not authorize Airbnb-style short-term rentals - only owner-occupied bed and breakfasts of less than 14 consecutive days operating under a City Council Special Use Permit on arterial or collector streets - there is no STR-specific parking standard. Guest and host vehicles are subject to the general on-street parking rules in Chapter 98, Article IV (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of the City Code, with violations administered through the City Violations Bureau under §98-164. Off-street parking for residential uses is set by the City Zoning Ordinance, and Special Use Permits for B&Bs typically include condition-specific parking requirements set by City Council at the time of approval.
Fairfax City Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
Heavy RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Short-term rentals in the City of Fairfax are subject to occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms and Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) standards. Typical limits range from two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests. Events, weddings, and large gatherings are generally prohibited. The Zoning Ordinance and fire safety code establish maximum occupancy to protect health, safety, and neighborhood character.
Short Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
The City of Fairfax does not impose a stand-alone insurance requirement on short-term rentals because Airbnb-style STRs are not allowed; the only sub-30-day rental authorized is an owner-occupied bed and breakfast operated under a City Council Special Use Permit. There is also no Virginia state STR insurance mandate: Va. Code §15.2-983, which authorizes localities to create an STR registry, is ministerial and may charge only a reasonable registration fee, with penalties capped at $500 per violation, and does not require insurance. B&B operators must, however, carry a City Business License under Chapter 14 of the City Code and obtain a Rental Certificate of Compliance through the Office of Building Code Administration if the property is not owner-occupied.
Fairfax City Short-Term Rental Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsRegistration Rules
The City of Fairfax requires short-term rental operators to register with the City and obtain zoning approval before offering rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Operators must also obtain a BPOL business license. Authority is derived from Virginia Code Section 15.2-983, which expressly authorizes localities to regulate short-term rentals. Failure to register before operating can result in civil penalties and enforcement action by the Zoning Administrator.
Short Term Rentals: Registration
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 ...
Looking for Fairfax County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fairfax city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Fairfax County →