Alexandria Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules Rules (2026)

Alexandria's STR registration program is administered by the Department of Planning & Zoning (P&Z) under Ordinance No. 5575, adopted Feb 22, 2025 and effective Sept 1, 2025. Any dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days that operates more than 10 days in a calendar year must hold a valid permit. The application packet, submitted via the APEX online portal, requires: (1) proof of ownership and either an owner's signed permission letter (for leased units) or two forms of residency documentation (for owner-occupied units); (2) photographic evidence of working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and at least one fire extinguisher; (3) a parking plan showing 0.75 off-street spaces per bedroom outside the Enhanced Transit Area, or 0.25 inside it; (4) proof of liability insurance; (5) certified-mail notice to all abutting property owners with operator contact information and the City's complaint line; and (6) the USPS certified-mail receipt. The permit must be signed before any guest stay begins. Permits are annual and non-transferable. Two or more zoning citations within 12 months result in a one-year ineligibility for a new permit. The Virginia Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13VAC5-63, adopting IRC 2018) governs life-safety requirements; Va. Code §15.2-983 authorizes localities to operate STR registries. Contact the STR Coordinator (Tierra Johnson) at 703-408-6276.