Richmond, Virginia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Richmond, VA under specific regulations that were adopted by City Council on September 25, 2023, through Ordinance No. 2023-235. Richmond permits short-term rentals as both principal and accessory uses to dwelling units or permitted accessory dwelling units, with comprehensive requirements designed to balance economic opportunities with community safety and neighborhood preservation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Richmond

Step 1: Property Qualification and Ownership Requirements

Ownership Requirement: You must be the property owner of the dwelling unit you wish to rent
Primary Residency: In residential zoning districts, the STR must be located on the lot of your primary residence, as determined by Virginia DMV records or Richmond Registrar records
Property Type: Both single-family and multifamily properties are eligible, though with different limits

Step 2: Determine Zoning Compliance

Residential Districts: Only one STR permitted per lot
Non-Residential/Multifamily Buildings: Maximum of 10 units or one-third of total dwelling units (whichever is lesser) may be operated as STRs

Step 3: Application Process

Timeline: Applications can be submitted beginning July 1, 2020
Platform: Through the City's Online Permit Portal
Validity: Permit is valid for two years from issuance date

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Applications

Short-Term Rental Permit (biennial, $600 fee)
Certificate of Zoning Compliance (issued after inspection)

Required Documentation

Short-Term Rental Owner Affidavit
- Acknowledges compliance with all STR regulations
- Available in the Online Permit Portal under Supporting Documentation
Dimensioned Floor Plan including:
- Use of each room clearly labeled
- Occupancy level of sleeping rooms
- Cooking facilities location (if applicable)
- Location and size of emergency egress and rescue openings
- Location of fire extinguishers and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
Proof of Primary Residency
- See Owner Affidavit for specific documentation requirements
- Must establish property as your primary residence

Safety and Building Compliance

Building Inspection: Required prior to Certificate of Zoning Compliance issuance
Virginia Residential Construction Code: Compliance with current edition required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Limits

Nightly Operation: No limit on number of nights STR can operate
Occupancy Limits: Maximum 8 adult renters per night (at least one must be 18+ years old)
Double Booking: Prohibited - cannot have more than one booking transaction simultaneously
Children: No limit on number of children per rental
Building Code: Occupancy may be further limited under Building Code requirements

Property Use Restrictions

Events and Gatherings: Prohibited for non-authorized lodgers
Parking: No additional parking requirements for STR use
Hosted vs. Unhosted: Legislation does not distinguish - whole house rentals permitted in all zones

Safety Requirements

Smoke Detectors: Required in compliance with Virginia Residential Construction Code
Fire Extinguisher: Must be present and accessible at all times
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Required in any room used for sleeping or cooking

Advertising Requirements

Permit Number: STR Permit approval number must be posted on all property advertisements
Compliance: All marketing materials must include permit identification

Zoning Restrictions

Residential Zones: One STR per lot maximum
Non-Residential Zones: Subject to multifamily building limits (10 units or 1/3 of units, whichever is lesser)

Enforcement and Penalties

Reporting Violations

Unpermitted Operation: Properties operating without permits
Rule Violations: Properties operating outside established parameters

Violation Process

Investigation: Assigned to enforcement staff upon report
Notice: Violation Notice & Correction Order sent to property owner/occupant
Correction Period: 30 days to abate violation (Virginia law requires 30-day appeal period)
Criminal Action: Summons may be issued if violation not abated or appeal filed

Penalties

Zoning Violation: Class I misdemeanor
Fines: Up to $2,500
Jail Time: Up to one year

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact: Zoning Administration Office

Phone: (804) 646-6340
Email: PDRZoningAdministration@rva.gov
Address: 900 E. Broad St., Room 108, Richmond, VA 23219

Office Hours

Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Phone Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Additional Resources

Online Permit Portal: Available through city website
RVA311: For reporting violations and general information
Phone: 3-1-1 or (804) 646-7000

Violation Reporting

Phone: (804) 646-6340
Email: PDRZoningAdministration@rva.gov (include "Short-Term Rental Violation" in subject line)
RVA311: Online complaint submission available

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

Application and Permit Resources

Historical and Background Resources

Municipal Resources

This guide provides comprehensive information for short-term rental investors considering the Richmond market. The city's regulatory framework is well-established with clear requirements, reasonable operational limits, and defined processes for both application and enforcement. The $600 biennial fee and one STR per lot limit in residential areas represent moderate barriers to entry while maintaining neighborhood character. Investors should ensure full compliance with all safety requirements and consider the operational benefits of no parking requirements and unlimited nightly operation capacity.

Richmond, Virginia, the capital city of the Commonwealth of Virginia, boasts a rich historical heritage and a vibrant urban environment. As of the latest estimates, the city has a population of approximately 226,000 people. It is located about 100 miles south of Washington, D.C., making it an accessible location for both residents and visitors looking to explore the broader region.

Richmond is renowned for its historical landmarks, such as the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson (www.virginiacapitol.gov/), and the American Civil War Museum (acwm.org/), which offers deep insights into the city’s role in American history. Additionally, the city is home to the famous Hollywood Cemetery (www.hollywoodcemetery.org/), where numerous notable figures, including Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler, are buried.

For those inclined towards arts and culture, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (www.vmfa.museum/) stands out with its extensive collection of art spanning various periods and genres. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic beauty of the James River Park System (jamesriverpark.org/), which offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Richmond’s eclectic neighborhoods, including Shockoe Bottom, Carytown, and the Fan District, offer diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options that cater to a range of tastes. These areas are particularly favorable for short-term rentals as they provide visitors with a holistic living experience, combining convenience, culture, and community.

Considering its historical significance, diverse attractions, and proximity to major cities, Richmond, VA, presents a compelling appeal for those considering short-term rentals, whether for leisure or work-related travel.

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