Primary-Residence-Only Rule
Fairfax County requires anyone operating short-term lodging to be a permanent resident of the property, defined as occupying it at least 185 days a year as a primary residence. The Zoning Administrator verifies residency when issuing the two-year short-term lodging permit under subsection 4102.7.O(3)(a), and a person may claim only one permanent residence countywide.
Fairfax County Short-Term Rental Residency Rule
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Zoning Ordinance § 4102.7.O(3)(a); § 9102 (definition of "Permanent Resident")
A short-term lodging operator must: (a) Be a permanent resident of the property hosting the short-term lodging use, as demonstrated at the time of application for a permit to operate short-term lodging; (b) Obtain written consent from the owner of the property for the short-term lodging use; (c) Assume responsibility for determining whether any regulations, prohibitions, and covenants applicabl...