Richmond, VA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

The ordinance to revise the Short-Term Rentals regulations (Ordinance No. 2023-235) was adopted by City Council on September 25, 2023. The ordinance permits short-term rentals as a principal or accessory use to a dwelling unit or permitted accessory dwelling unit under the following conditions: Who can operate a short-term rental: The short-term rental operator shall be the property owner. In a residential zoning district, the short-term rental shall be on the lot of the operator's primary residence, as determined by the records of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or the Office of the Registrar of the City of Richmond. Number of Short-Term Rentals on a lot: Only one short-term rental shall be permitted on any lot in a residential zoning district. Multifamily Buildings: In non-residential zoning districts, a maximum of ten or one-third of the dwelling units in the multifamily building, whichever is lesser, on the lot shall be permitted as short-term rentals. Approval Process: A Short-Term Rental Permit is to be obtained on a biennial basis. The Biennial Fee for the STR Permit is $600 which is intended to cover administration and monitoring costs. Each STR Permit shall be active for two years after the date of issuance. Advertising: The Short-Term Rental Permit approval number shall be posted on all advertisements for the property.