Fairfax County, VA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

I; the permit runs for two years from issuance and must be renewed to continue operating. Before approving that permit, the County requires the operator to prove permanent residency at the property being rented: the Zoning Ordinance's definition of "Permanent Resident" sets the bar at occupying the dwelling at least 185 days of the calendar year as a primary residence, and the ordinance is explicit that a person may hold only one permanent residence at a time, closing off the option of claiming residency at multiple rental addresses.

O(3), layers on three more operator duties beyond residency: written consent from the property owner for the short-term lodging use, personal responsibility for checking whether any HOA covenant or other restriction bars short-term lodging on the property, and designation of an authorized agent whose name, address, phone number and email must appear on the permit application, be posted where lodgers can see it, and be included in materials given to overnight guests. O(2): USBC or Virginia Manufactured Home Safety Regulations compliance, a multi-purpose fire extinguisher, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a posted exit-pathway plan for each sleeping room, and one off-street parking space the operator can reserve for lodgers.

Short-term lodging is barred outright in detached accessory structures, temporary family health care structures, affordable and workforce dwelling units, and on any lot with an accessory living unit.