Fairfax County, VA Short-Term Rentals: Extended Home Share (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Administrative permit, Zoning Administrator
- Permit validity
- Two years from issuance
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance 4102.7.O
- First violation penalty
- $200 civil penalty
Summary
Fairfax County requires an administrative Zoning Administrator permit before any dwelling can be used for short-term lodging, valid for two years, under the county's short-term lodging zoning standards.
Short-term lodging is permitted in a dwelling or manufactured home only upon the Zoning
Administrator's issuance of a permit in accordance with subsection 4102.1.I.
(a) An application for a short-term lodging permit must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator on a
form furnished by the County.
(b) The permit will be valid for two years from the date of issuance.
(2) A dwelling or manufactured home used for short-term lodging must:
(a) Comply with the requirements of the applicable version of the USBC or Virginia Manufactured
Home Safety Regulations, as determined by the Building Official;
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(3) (b) Have a working multi-purpose fire extinguisher and interconnected smoke detectors and carbon
(4) monoxide detectors (when required for a fireplace or gas service);
(c) Have a plan posted inside the door to each sleeping room showing the exit pathway from the
sleeping room to the nearest exit from the dwelling or manufactured home; and
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
Under Zoning Ordinance subsection 4102.7.O, short-term lodging in a dwelling or manufactured home requires an administrative permit from the Zoning Administrator, issued on a county application form and valid for two years. The dwelling must meet Uniform Statewide Building Code standards, have a working fire extinguisher and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and post an exit-pathway plan in each sleeping room used for lodging.
Violations & Fines
Operating short-term lodging without a permit or in violation of subsection 4102.7.O is a zoning infraction; civil penalties run $200 for a first violation and $500 for each subsequent violation under section 8106.3.A(1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to rent my Fairfax County home short-term?
What safety features must a Fairfax County short-term rental have?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia short-term rentals overview
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