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Short-Term Rentals in Norfolk, VA (2026)

8 verified short-term rentals rules for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Permit Requirements

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.

Short Term Rentals: Permit Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Va. Code § 15.2-983 (Creation of Registry for Short-Term Rental of Property)

§ 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

Norfolk STRs must comply with city noise ordinance quiet hours and include noise compliance terms in rental agreements. Repeated noise complaints can result in CUP revocation.

Short Term Rentals: Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Taxes & Fees

Norfolk STRs must collect 8 percent Transient Occupancy Tax plus state sales tax of 6 percent, totaling about 14 percent. CUP application fees, annual registration fees, and business license BPOL tax also apply.

Short Term Rentals: Taxes Fees

Some Restrictions

Parking Rules

Norfolk STRs must provide off-street parking sufficient for the permitted occupancy, generally one space per bedroom. Street parking cannot be relied upon to satisfy STR parking requirements.

Short Term Rentals: Parking Rules

Some Restrictions

Occupancy Limits

Norfolk caps STR occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus two additional, with total occupancy subject to USBC fire safety limits. Large events and parties are prohibited.

Short Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits

Some Restrictions

Insurance Requirements

Norfolk requires STR operators to maintain liability insurance of at least 500,000 dollars covering short-term rental activity. Proof of insurance is required at CUP application and annual registration.

Short Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements

Some Restrictions

Night Caps

Norfolk does not impose a strict annual night cap on STR rentals, but non-owner-occupied (whole-home) STRs face stricter CUP scrutiny. Owner-occupied STRs are preferred under the ordinance.

Short Term Rentals: Night Caps

Some Restrictions

Registration Rules

Norfolk requires annual STR registration in addition to the one-time CUP approval. Registration includes fee payment, insurance verification, tax account confirmation, and operator contact updates.

Short Term Rentals: Registration Rules

Some Restrictions

Looking for Norfolk City county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Norfolk city rules.

Short-Term Rentals in Norfolk City