Virginia Beach, VA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

The Virginia Beach STR occupancy cap is written directly into the Conditional Use Permit standards in the zoning ordinance. Overnight occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus a maximum of two additional persons, which puts a three-bedroom rental at eight overnight guests, a four-bedroom at ten, and so on, with the absolute ceiling set by the applicable building and fire code requirements for the dwelling. The occupancy rule is more restrictive than the statewide default because Virginia Beach considered the character of the neighborhoods that surround the Oceanfront and North End. The CUP standards also limit the number of guests permitted at the property at any one time, including daytime visitors, to either the overnight limit or a figure set in the CUP. Events such as weddings, receptions, corporate retreats, and large parties are generally prohibited unless the CUP specifically permits events and the property meets the separate events standards, which is rare in residential districts. The operator must post the occupancy limit inside the unit along with the 24-hour contact. Violations are tracked and can lead to CUP revocation.