Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Springfield, VA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Springfield, VA, which is located within Fairfax County. Springfield operates under Fairfax County's unified zoning and permitting system since it is an unincorporated area. Short-term rentals are classified as "Short-Term Lodging" (STL) and are permitted as an accessory use in most zoning districts that allow residential uses.

Key Explicit Points:

• STLs became permitted in Fairfax County effective October 1, 2018
• The practice is legally sanctioned through the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance
• Both property owners and tenants can operate STLs in their primary residences
• The County issued over 1,100 STL permits as of recent reports

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Springfield, VA

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Primary Residence Requirement: You must live at the property for at least 185 days per calendar year
• Property Types Allowed: Single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, manufactured homes, and apartments
• Owner vs. Tenant: Both property owners and tenants qualify, but tenants must obtain written consent from property owners

Step 2: Application Process

1. Create PLUS Account: Register at the PLUS Application Portal
2. Submit Application: Complete the electronic STL permit application
3. Pay Fees: Application fee of $270 (2.35% service charge added for credit card payments)
4. Processing Time: Approximately 14 calendar days if no additional information is requested

Step 3: Required Documentation

Always Required:

• Authorized Agent Letter (signed and dated consent from designated adult)
• Government-issued ID or registration (DMV driver's license, ID card, or vehicle registration)
• Utility bill (water, electric, or gas) matching the STL property name and address

Required if Applicant is Not Owner:

• Property Owner Permission Letter (signed and dated, including address and contact information)

Step 4: Compliance Setup

Before operating, ensure your property meets all safety and operational standards outlined in the regulations section below.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permit

• Fairfax County STL Permit: Required before operation, valid for 2 years
• Application Fee: $270 (non-refundable)
• Processing: Through PLUS Application Portal only

Tax Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax: Collected by hosting platforms per Virginia Code 58.1-3826
• Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL): Required if gross receipts exceed $10,000 per calendar year
• State and Local Taxes: Additional tax obligations may apply

Safety and Operational Documents

• Multi-purpose fire extinguisher documentation
• Interconnected smoke detector verification
• Carbon monoxide detector documentation (if required for fireplace or gas service)
• Posted exit pathway plan for each sleeping room

Records Maintenance

• Guest log system (name, address, telephone number of all overnight lodgers)
• Authorized agent contact information (must be posted prominently)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Requirements

Operator Standards (4102.7.O)

1. Residency Verification: Must be permanent resident (185+ days/year)
2. Property Compliance: Must comply with USBC or Virginia Manufactured Home Safety Regulations
3. Owner Consent: Written consent required if tenant operator
4. Covenants Review: Operator responsible for determining if HOA/property restrictions prohibit STLs

Property Standards

• Life Safety Equipment:
  • Working multi-purpose fire extinguisher
  • Interconnected smoke detectors
  • Carbon monoxide detectors (when required)
  • Posted exit pathway plans in each sleeping room

Operational Limitations

• Nightly Cap: Maximum 60 nights per calendar year
• Occupancy Limit: No more than 6 adults per night (no limit on children)
• Contract Limit: Maximum 1 rental contract per night
• Parking: One designated off-street parking space must be available and reserved
• Events Prohibition: No events, weddings, parties, meetings, or commercial activities allowed

Advertising Requirements

All advertisements must include:

• STL permit number
• Location of designated parking space
• Available parking or public transportation options

Prohibited Uses

STLs are explicitly prohibited in:

• Detached accessory structures
• Accessory living units
• Temporary family health care structures
• Affordable dwelling units
• Workforce dwelling units

Enforcement and Compliance

• Inspections: County may inspect during reasonable hours
• Revocation: Zoning Administrator may revoke permits for non-compliance
• Penalties: Failure to comply with any requirements constitutes a violation
• Advertisement Violations: Failure to publish permit number in advertisements is illegal

State-Level Regulations (Virginia)

Virginia Code § 15.2-983

• Affirms locality's right to regulate short-term rentals
• Gives Fairfax County authority to implement STL regulations

Virginia Code § 15.2-110

• Prohibits localities from requiring HOA/COA consent for permits
• Operators remain responsible for complying with restrictive covenants

Virginia Code § 58.1-3826

• Requires accommodation intermediaries (hosting platforms) to collect transient occupancy tax
• Platforms remit TOT monthly to Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration

Contact Information

Primary Contacts

Zoning Administrator

• Phone: 703-222-1082 (TTY 711)
• Email: dpdzoningpermits@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Address: 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22035
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Department of Code Compliance

• Phone: 703-324-1300
• Email: DCCCodeComplianceE-mail@fairfaxcounty.gov (Subject: Short-Term Rentals)
• Purpose: Concerns and complaints

Department of Tax Administration

• Phone: 703-324-8234
• Email: dtappdbusiness@fairfaxcounty.gov
• Purpose: Tax-related questions

Technical Support

PLUS System Help Desk

• Email: PLUSSupport@FairfaxCounty.gov
• Phone: 703-324-2222 (TTY 711)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Purpose: Account setup, password issues, technical problems

Source Links

Official Fairfax County Resources

• Main STL Information: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning/short-term-property-rentals
• FAQs: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning/short-term-property-rentals/faqs
• PLUS Application Portal: plus.fairfaxcounty.gov/CitizenAccess/Welcome.aspx
• Zoning Ordinance Standards:
  • online.encodeplus.com/regs/fairfaxcounty-va/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-2884 (4102.7.O)
  • online.encodeplus.com/regs/fairfaxcounty-va/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-2772 (4102.1.I)
• Informational Flyer: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/sites/planning-development/files/assets/documents/zoning%20ordinance/short-termrentals/stl-flyer.pdf

Additional Resources

• PLUS System Support: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/plus
• Business License Information: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/business/understanding-bpol-tax
• Department of Tax Administration: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes

Important Note for Investors: While Fairfax County regulations provide the legal framework for Springfield STLs, always verify current rules before making investment decisions. The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals continues to evolve, and requirements may change. Consider consulting with local real estate professionals and legal advisors familiar with Fairfax County regulations for the most current guidance.