Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Glen-Allen, VA. Glen-Allen operates under Henrico County regulations, which have established a comprehensive framework to legalize and regulate short-term rentals of private, single-family residences. The County allows registered homeowners and lessees to rent space in their homes to guests for stays of fewer than thirty days, provided they complete the required zoning approval, change of use permit, and online registration process.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Glen-Allen

Step-by-Step Process

1. Complete Application Documentation

   • Fill out the Short-Term Rental Application
   • Complete the Short-Term Rental Residency Affidavit

2. Zoning Approval Process

   • Create a new Change of Use (COU) request in the Build Henrico permitting system
   • Register for a Build Henrico account if first-time user
   • Upload completed application and residency affidavit to the COU case

3. Permit Issuance

   • Receive permit number upon zoning approval completion
   • Proceed to online registration with permit number

4. Final Registration

   • Complete short-term rental online registration process
   • Pay annual registry fee

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Essential Documents

• Short-Term Rental Application - Official county form
• Short-Term Rental Residency Affidavit - Legal attestation of residency status
• Change of Use (COU) Request - Filed through Build Henrico system

Permits and Licenses

• Zoning Approval - Required before operation
• Change of Use Permit - Filed through Build Henrico online system
• Annual Short-Term Rental Registry - Online registration through county system

Fees Structure

• Annual Registry Fee: $200
• Conditional Use Permit Application Fee: $300 (if required for zoning approval)

Documentation Requirements

• Property information and ownership proof
• Completed application forms
• Residency verification
• Zoning compliance documentation

Specific Regulations: Glen-Allen/Henrico County

Operational Requirements

Registration Exemptions: Registration is NOT required if:

• More than 10 rooms are available for rental (subject to business license tax)
• Homeowner has a business license for hotel, motel, campground, or real property management
• Rental is operated by or through a licensed real estate agent
• Property is a timeshare
• Homeowner has Virginia Department of Health license for lodging

Stay Limitations: Maximum stay duration of fewer than 30 consecutive days

Property Types: Private, single-family residences are specifically permitted

Tax Obligations

Transient Occupancy Tax: 8% on rental receipts - required to be collected and remitted by operators

• Same rate applies to hotels, motels, campgrounds, and bed & breakfast establishments

Virginia Sales Tax: 6% required on gross proceeds from accommodations under 90 days

• Collected in addition to local transient occupancy taxes

Compliance and Enforcement

Penalties: Operating without proper registration may result in civil and criminal penalties

Annual Renewal: Registry must be renewed annually with updated documentation

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Permit Center - Henrico County

• West Location: 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228
• East Location: 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, VA 23223
• Phone: (804) 501-7280
• Email: [email protected]

Short-Term Rental Specific Inquiries

• Phone: (804) 501-7280
• Email: [email protected]

General County Information

• Main County Phone: (804) 501-4000
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775
• Website: henrico.gov

Online Resources

• Build Henrico Permitting System: build.henrico.gov
• Short-Term Rental Online Registration: secure.hostcompliance.com/henrico-county-va/permit-registration

Source Links

• Henrico County Short-Term Rental Program: henrico.gov/services/short-term-rental/
• Short-Term Rental Application (PDF): henrico.gov/assets/2024-Short-Term-Rental-Application.pdf
• Short-Term Rental Residency Affidavit (PDF): henrico.gov/assets/App2024.STR_.Affidavit.pdf
• Build Henrico Permitting System: build.henrico.gov/
• Online Registration Portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/henrico-county-va/permit-registration
• Finance Department STR Registry Information: henrico.gov/finance/short-term-residential-registry/
• Permit Center Information: henrico.gov/permitcenter

Investment Considerations

Market Position

Glen-Allen, as part of Henrico County, benefits from proximity to Richmond while maintaining suburban appeal. The county's clear regulatory framework provides legal certainty for investors, while the 8% transient occupancy tax rate is competitive within the Virginia market.

Operational Compliance

The multi-step approval process (application → zoning approval → registration) requires approximately 30-60 days for completion. Investors should factor this timeline into acquisition and opening schedules.

Financial Obligations

Total upfront costs include the $200 annual registry fee plus potential $300 Conditional Use Permit application fee, plus tax remittance obligations of 14% combined (8% local TOT + 6% state sales tax) on gross rental revenue.

This regulatory environment positions Glen-Allen as a legitimate, well-regulated short-term rental market suitable for both individual property owners and professional investors seeking compliant operations within the Richmond metropolitan area.