Airbnb Rental Laws and Regulations Norfolk, VA

How does Norfolk, VA define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

• A residential dwelling unit that is rented to a guest for fewer than 30 consecutive nights.
• This rental typically occurs when all owners are staying off the premises at any time during the rental period.

Please note that in this context, the terms “vacation rental” and “short-term rental” are synonymous. 

Source: The city of Norfolk

Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Norfolk, VA? 

In Norfolk, Virginia, investors can typically own more than one vacation rental property. There are generally no restrictions on the number of vacation rental properties that an investor can own within the city. 

Source: The city of Norfolk

Does Norfolk, VA have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

• Yes. Norfolk, Virginia, has zoning restrictions for Short-Term (Airbnb) Rentals (STRs) and, in certain cases, requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). For example:
  
  Properties without sufficient parking.
• Vacation Rental properties in specific Zoning Districts: SF-T, SF-10, MF-NS.
• Vacation Rental properties with four or more bedrooms located in Zoning Districts: R-C, SF-2, SF-4, SF-6.
• Vacation Rental properties with three or more total Dwelling Units in Zoning Districts: R-C, D.

Source: The city of Norfolk

In Norfolk, VA can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity? 

Yes, in Norfolk, Virginia, an investor can typically own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity. Property ownership and operation, including the use of properties for Airbnb rentals like Airbnb, are generally subject to local regulations and business licensing requirements. 

Source: The city of Norfolk

In Norfolk, VA, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, in Norfolk, Virginia, investors can typically register accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals, subject to compliance with local regulations and licensing requirements.

Source: The city of Norfolk

What is Norfolk, VA requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

To obtain a Vacation Rental License in Norfolk, Virginia, property owners must follow a specific registration process. Here are the key steps:

• Complete the online registration application.
• Allow 5-10 business days for the application to be processed.
• Check your email for approval/denial notifications from Host Compliance, the City’s third-party registration company.
• If approved, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office to schedule a fire inspection at your property.
• Provide proof of the fire inspection to STR@norfolk.gov.
• Upon receiving proof of the fire inspection, Planning staff will issue a Zoning Permit, which is valid for 2 years.
• Schedule a Zoning Inspection once you have received your permit.
• Apply for your Business License. Note that you can only obtain your Business License after receiving your Zoning Permit.
• You may begin operating as a Vacation Rental only after obtaining both your Zoning Permit and Business License.

Source: The city of Norfolk

What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Norfolk, VA?

In Norfolk, Virginia, the costs associated with obtaining a Vacation Rental License include:

• Fire Inspection: Typically, the cost for a fire inspection ranges from $50 to $75.
• Business License: The fee for a Business License usually ranges from $50 to $75.
• Conditional Use Permit (if required): If a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is necessary for your Vacation Rental, there may be an associated cost of $1,080.

Source: The city of Norfolk

Does Norfolk, VA have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

Yes, in Norfolk, Virginia, there are typically Vacation Rental occupancy limits in place. The maximum occupancy allowed for all guests is two (2) individuals for each bedroom that is being offered for rent. 

Source: The city of Norfolk

Does Norfolk, VA require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

Yes, in Norfolk, Virginia, investors looking to obtain a Airbnb Rental (STR) license typically need to undergo inspections for both fire safety and zoning compliance. These inspections are necessary to ensure that the vacation rental property meets specific safety and regulatory standards. The physical and structural requirements may encompass various aspects of the property, including fire safety measures, occupancy limits, parking availability, and adherence to zoning regulations.

Source: The city of Norfolk

Does Norfolk, VA have any responsible agent requirements?

Yes, Norfolk, Virginia, typically has responsible agent requirements for Short-Term Rentals (STRs). A responsible agent is a designated individual who acts as the local representative for the STR property. The responsible agent is usually required to reside within a certain distance of the property and must be available to address tenant concerns and emergencies 24/7.

Source: The city of Norfolk

Does Norfolk, VA have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Yes, in Norfolk, Virginia, there are typically specific insurance requirements for Vacation Rentals. Property owners or operators are generally required to provide proof of liability insurance that covers injury to a guest on the property. The minimum coverage amount specified is typically no less than $300,000, which includes coverage for medical payments.

Source: The city of Norfolk

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Norfolk, VAVacation Rental license?

In Norfolk, Virginia, Vacation Rental licenses are typically valid for a duration of two years. Property owners or operators must renew their permits within this timeframe to continue operating their Vacation Rentals in compliance with local regulations. It’s important to keep track of the permit’s expiration date and initiate the renewal process as needed to maintain the license’s validity. 

Source: The city of Norfolk

In Norfolk, VA, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Norfolk, VA?

Yes, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO in Norfolk, VA, collect and remit taxes on behalf of hosts. The taxes include a 9% transient occupancy tax and a $3 per night room tax.

Source: City of Norfolk Fiduciary Taxes

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Norfolk, VA  Vacation Rentals?

The City of Norfolk: STR@norfolk.gov and 757-664-6510

Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

At the time of collecting this information, Get Chalet did not find any new regulations or laws that Norfolk, VA, is requiring.