LawfulStay
← Back to Database

Shenandoah County

Virginia · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Shenandoah County Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax Rate5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), effective October 1, 2023 (was 2% prior to that date). Monthly reporting required even if no rentals occurred ($0 re
Night / Day CapNone published for standard STRs; occupancy is for 30 consecutive days or fewer by definition.
Minimum StayNo minimum stay published; maximum stay is 30 consecutive days per definition.
Permit FeeAnnual Short-Term Rental Permit required (processed via GovOS platform). Special Use Permit (SUP) application fee: $500 (non-refundable), plus other a
PenaltiesPenalty applies for TOT returns not received by the 20th of the month. Virginia Code § 15.2-983 allows up to $500/violation for unregistered STR opera
Occupancy LimitNot explicitly stated in numeric form on official FAQ; subject to approved sanitary facility capacity and applicable building/safety codes.
Browse all 12 STR regulations in Virginia → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Shenandoah County Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Shenandoah County Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Shenandoah County, Virginia are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Annual Short-Term Rental Permit required (processed via GovOS platform). Special Use Permit (SUP) ap.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Shenandoah County

Short-term rental operators in Shenandoah County should be aware of these tax obligations: 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), effective October 1, 2023 (was 2% prior to that date). Monthly reporting required even if no rentals occurred ($0 return). Business Property Tax also applies. TOT return due by the 20th of each month; penalty for lat.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Shenandoah County

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Shenandoah County include: Rental day cap: None published for standard STRs; occupancy is for 30 consecutive days or fewer by definition.. Occupancy limit: Not explicitly stated in numeric form on official FAQ; subject to approved sanitary facility capacity and applicable bui. Minimum stay: No minimum stay published; maximum stay is 30 consecutive days per definition..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Shenandoah County

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Shenandoah County: STRs with 4 bedrooms or fewer are permitted by right, subject to supplementary standards (smoke detectors, approved sanitary facilities, posted emergency contact information, off-street parking). STRs. Density rules: No explicit density or neighborhood cap published. As of February 2026, the Planning Commission was reviewing potential new requirements including a p.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Shenandoah County

Hosts who fail to comply with Shenandoah County's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Penalty applies for TOT returns not received by the 20th of the month. Virginia Code § 15.2-983 allows up to $500/violation for unregistered STR operators. Zoning violations may constitute Class I mis.

Platform Obligations in Shenandoah County

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Shenandoah County: No explicit platform obligations published. Hosts must ensure platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) are properly accounting for TOT; online platform provided by county to assist with TOT remittance..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Annual Short-Term Rental Permit required (processed via GovOS platform). Special Use Permit (SUP) application fee: $500 (non-refundable), plus other applicable fees, for STRs requiring SUP (e.g., 5+ bedrooms or non-dwelling structures). Business registration form required alongside permit application.
Night / Day Cap
None published for standard STRs; occupancy is for 30 consecutive days or fewer by definition.
Occupancy Limit
Not explicitly stated in numeric form on official FAQ; subject to approved sanitary facility capacity and applicable building/safety codes.
Tax Rate
5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), effective October 1, 2023 (was 2% prior to that date). Monthly reporting required even if no rentals occurred ($0 return). Business Property Tax also applies. TOT return due by the 20th of each month; penalty for late filing.
Zoning Restrictions
STRs with 4 bedrooms or fewer are permitted by right, subject to supplementary standards (smoke detectors, approved sanitary facilities, posted emergency contact information, off-street parking). STRs with 5+ bedrooms or in non-dwelling structures require a Special Use Permit (SUP). County distinguishes between 'Homeshare' (owner-occupied room rental) and 'Short-Term Rental' (whole unit). Note: Shenandoah County is separate from the Town of Shenandoah (Page County).
Minimum Stay
No minimum stay published; maximum stay is 30 consecutive days per definition.
Density Rules
No explicit density or neighborhood cap published. As of February 2026, the Planning Commission was reviewing potential new requirements including a property manager reachable within 30 minutes, written owner permission for inspections, and restrictions on open fires/firearms discharge — not yet enacted.
Platform Obligations
No explicit platform obligations published. Hosts must ensure platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) are properly accounting for TOT; online platform provided by county to assist with TOT remittance.
Compliance Notes
Registration process involves 5 steps including verifying listings and ensuring sanitary facility compliance. A separate work session on septic tank requirements for STR owners was held June 2024. Approximately 508 STR properties identified in county as of early 2026; ~90% permitted or in active compliance process. Monthly TOT reporting mandatory. Permit approval confirmed via GovOS email notification (PDF record).
Effective Date
TOT rate of 5% effective October 1, 2023. Annual permit program operational; formal registration effort launched with community sessions prior to formal instruction letters to property owners.
Key Notes
County was actively considering additional STR requirements as of February 2026 Planning Commission work session, including: 30-minute-response property manager requirement, 24-hour notice inspection provisions, and open fire/firearms restrictions on STR properties. These proposals had not been enacted as of research date. Transient Occupancy Tax is codified under Shenandoah County Code Article X (ecode360.com).
Penalties
Penalty applies for TOT returns not received by the 20th of the month. Virginia Code § 15.2-983 allows up to $500/violation for unregistered STR operators. Zoning violations may constitute Class I misdemeanors under Virginia law.
Additional Context
Virginia Code § 15.2-983 authorizes Shenandoah County's registry framework. The county's tourism arm (VisitShenandoahCounty.com) actively supports STR operators with visitor guides, brochures, and free classes/workshops. STR owners can email tourism@shenandoahcountyva.us for updates.
Sources
Shenandoah County Official STR FAQ (DocumentCenter): https://www.shenandoahcountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1450/Short-Term-Rental-FAQ-PDF
Shenandoah County STR Info Sheet: https://www.shenandoahcountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/606
Shenandoah County Transient Occupancy Tax (Article X, ecode360): https://ecode360.com/32866414
Virginia Code § 15.2-983: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title15.2/chapter9/section15.2-983/
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Shenandoah County?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Shenandoah County with proper registration and permits. Registration process involves 5 steps including verifying listings and ensuring sanitary facility compliance. A separate work session on septic tank requirements for STR owners was held June 2024. App

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Shenandoah County?

Yes. Shenandoah County requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Shenandoah County?

Short-term rental hosts in Shenandoah County are subject to the following tax obligations: 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), effective October 1, 2023 (was 2% prior to that date). Monthly reporting required even if no rentals occurred ($0 return). Business Property Tax also applies. TOT return due by the 20th of each month; penalty for late filing..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Shenandoah County?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Shenandoah County may face enforcement. Penalty applies for TOT returns not received by the 20th of the month. Virginia Code § 15.2-983 allows up to $500/violation for unregistered STR operators. Zoning violations may constitute Class I misdemeanors under Virginia law..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Shenandoah County?

County was actively considering additional STR requirements as of February 2026 Planning Commission work session, including: 30-minute-response property manager requirement, 24-hour notice inspection provisions, and open fire/firearms restrictions on STR properties. These proposals had not been enacted as of research date. Transient Occupancy Tax is codified under Shenandoah County Code Article X

Search 1,026+ STR Jurisdictions

LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,026+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.

View in Full Database →