| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | State and local transient occupancy taxes apply; hosts must file monthly state sales taxes and local lodging taxes. Exact local lodging tax rate: veri |
| Night / Day Cap | 104 nights per calendar year maximum. The same transient visitor may not occupy for more than 30 days during any calendar year. |
| Minimum Stay | No stated minimum stay; maximum continuous stay for same visitor is 30 days within any calendar year. |
| Permit Fee | Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) application fee approximately $300 (filing fee). Business license application required through Commissioner of the Reven |
| Penalties | BZA may revoke the STR license for non-compliance. Zoning violations in Virginia are Class I misdemeanors (up to $2,500 fine and/or up to 1 year in ja |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes |
| Occupancy Limit | No more than two transient visitors shall occupy a room at the same time (excluding minor children of transient occupants), unless otherwise reduced b |
Short-term rentals in Williamsburg, Virginia are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) application fee approximately $300 (filing fee). Business license appl.
Short-term rental operators in Williamsburg should be aware of these tax obligations: State and local transient occupancy taxes apply; hosts must file monthly state sales taxes and local lodging taxes. Exact local lodging tax rate: verify with City of Williamsburg Commissioner of the Revenue..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Williamsburg include: Primary residence requirement: Yes. Rental day cap: 104 nights per calendar year maximum. The same transient visitor may not occupy for more than 30 days during any calenda. Occupancy limit: No more than two transient visitors shall occupy a room at the same time (excluding minor children of transient occupant. Minimum stay: No stated minimum stay; maximum continuous stay for same visitor is 30 days within any calendar year..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Williamsburg: STRs permitted only in owner-occupied, single-family detached dwellings. Only one room in the principal dwelling may be rented. No visible evidence of STR operations allowed on the exterior of the pro. Density rules: One room only per dwelling; one STR per owner-occupied single-family detached home. No broader neighborhood density cap published on official STR page.
Hosts who fail to comply with Williamsburg's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. BZA may revoke the STR license for non-compliance. Zoning violations in Virginia are Class I misdemeanors (up to $2,500 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail). Registry non-compliance penalty up to $500/vi.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Williamsburg: No explicit platform tax-collection agreements required per published city ordinance. Hosts responsible for collecting and remitting lodging taxes..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Williamsburg but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Operator must: (1) apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) for approval; (2) owner must be physically present during ALL rental periods; (3) maintain a register of all transient visitors (names, ad
Yes. Williamsburg requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Williamsburg are subject to the following tax obligations: State and local transient occupancy taxes apply; hosts must file monthly state sales taxes and local lodging taxes. Exact local lodging tax rate: verify with City of Williamsburg Commissioner of the Revenue..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Williamsburg may face enforcement. BZA may revoke the STR license for non-compliance. Zoning violations in Virginia are Class I misdemeanors (up to $2,500 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail). Registry non-compliance penalty up to $500/violation per Virginia Code § 15.2-983..
Williamsburg proactively regulated STRs before complaints arose, given its status as a major tourist destination. The ordinance is limited to single-family detached, owner-occupied residences only — investment properties or non-primary residences are not eligible. The 104-night annual cap is strictly enforced and no other rentals are permitted on the property.
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