Richmond distinguishes hosted (host-present) versus unhosted (host-absent) short-term rentals, applying tighter zoning controls to unhosted whole-home rentals while allowing hosted home-shares more permissively in residential districts.
Richmond's STR framework under RVA Ch. 30 and Ch. 44 differentiates between operations where the host occupies the dwelling during the guest stay (hosted) and operations where the entire dwelling is rented out without the host present (unhosted). Hosted home-shares, which mirror traditional bed-and-breakfast use, generally face fewer zoning restrictions. Unhosted whole-home rentals face stricter scrutiny, may require special use permits, and are concentrated in mixed-use or commercial districts. Operators must declare presence status during registration and update the City on changes.
Misrepresenting hosted versus unhosted status during STR registration constitutes grounds for permit revocation, civil fines, and zoning enforcement under Ch. 44.
Richmond, VA
Richmond requires STR operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental Special Use Permit or Zoning Certificate under Ordinance 2020-046. Operators must live on the p...
Richmond, VA
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See how Richmond's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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