Virginia Beach, VA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight cap
- 3 people per bedroom
- Overnight hours
- 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Special permit trigger
- events over 50 people
- Max single event
- 100 people
- Large events allowed
- 3 per calendar year
Summary
Virginia Beach short-term rentals cap overnight guests at three people per bedroom between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., with separate limits on daytime events over 50 people.
(2)No events with more than fifty (50) people present, shall be held absent a special events permit. Events with more than fifty (50) people are limited to no more than three (3) events in a calendar year. No more than one hundred (100) people shall be present at any event held on the property;...(11)The maximum number of persons on the property after 11:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. ("overnight lodgers") shall be three (3) individuals per bedroom;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Virginia Beach's short-term rental zoning conditions (City Zoning Ordinance § 241.2) cap overnight lodgers at three people per bedroom between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Daytime gatherings are capped too: any event drawing more than 50 people requires a special events permit, no property may host more than 100 people at any single event, and events over 50 people are limited to three per calendar year. These are standing conditions attached to every short-term rental conditional use permit or grandfathered registration citywide, enforced by the zoning administrator with complaints routed through the Short-Term Rental Hotline.
Violations & Fines
Breaching the occupancy or event caps is a permit-condition violation; under § 241.2(15) the city council may revoke the conditional use permit or grandfathered status after notice and a hearing held per Code of Virginia § 15.2-2204.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many overnight guests can a Virginia Beach short-term rental have?
Can a short-term rental host a large party or wedding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.