Newport News, VA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Newport News, VA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Chapter 33.02
- Permit
- Required, annual renewal
- Safety
- Smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers
- Local Contact
- Must be available during stays
- Listing
- Must display permit number
Summary
Newport News regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 33.02 of the City Code (Short-Term Rentals). Operators must obtain a permit and comply with safety, registration, and nuisance prevention requirements.
B. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, any locality may, by ordinance, establish a short-term rental registry and require operators within the locality to register annually. The registration shall be ministerial in nature and shall require the operator to provide (i) the complete name of the operator, (ii) the address of each property in the locality offered for short-term rental by the operator, and (iii) an attestation that the property owner has granted permission for use of such property as a short-term rental if the operator is a lessee or sublessee. A locality may charge a reasonable fee for such registration related to the actual costs of establishing and maintaining the registry.
2. No ordinance shall require a person to register pursuant to this sect
Full Breakdown
Under Newport News Code Chapter 33.02, short-term rental operators must register with the city and obtain a permit. Properties must meet safety standards including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and proper egress. A local responsible party must be available within a reasonable time during guest stays. All listings must display the permit number. Annual renewal is required.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit results in fines and cease-and-desist orders. Properties failing safety standards cannot operate until deficiencies are corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an Airbnb in Newport News?
What safety features are required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
How Newport News compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia short-term rentals overview
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