LicensedRental

Virginia city rules

Colonial Heights, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Colonial Heights requires a $500 yearly short-term rental permit with an inspection by the building official and fire marshal. Rentals are capped at 180 days a year and six guests, and no more than 5% of the homes in a neighborhood can be rentals. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the city’s 8% lodging tax.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
City permit
$500 a year
Runs January 1 to December 31. A new owner must reapply.Source
Neighborhood cap
5% of homes
Per neighborhood, each calendar year.Source
Day limit
180 days a year
Keep records of rented days for renewal.Source
Guests
2 per bedroom, up to 6
One booking per parcel at a time; at least one adult in each party.Source
Inspection
Before the permit
By zoning, the building official, and the fire marshal.Source
Taxes
5.3% sales + 8% lodging tax

Violations on more than three occasions end the permit, with a one-year wait before you can apply again. The posted ordinance text doesn’t show which zoning districts allow rentals; ask the city.

What to do

  1. Ask whether your neighborhood has room

    No more than 5% of the homes in each neighborhood can operate as short-term rentals in a year. Ask Planning and Community Development before you buy or apply.Source

  2. Apply for the permit and pass the inspection

    Apply to Planning and Community Development with the $500 fee, saying whether the rental is hosted or non-hosted and who the responsible party is. The city reviews it within 30 days and inspects the home. Renting without a permit costs $500 for every seven days.Source

  3. Post the house information

    Before your first guest, post the address, your or your agent’s contacts, shut-off instructions and valve and breaker locations, the emergency exits, the trash schedule, the city noise rule, and a reminder to dial 911.Source

  4. Renew every year

    Renew at least 30 days before December 31 with another $500 and your record of rented days. You can apply up to six months ahead.Source

  5. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 5.3% sales tax, and stays under 30 days also owe the local transient occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with Virginia Tax. Colonial Heights’ lodging tax is 8%. For direct bookings, ask the Commissioner of the Revenue how to file.Source

Fees

$500 a year

Annual short-term rental permit$500
Renting without a permit$500 civil penalty for every seven days

Source

Inspection checklist

What the inspector looks for, from City of Colonial Heights, Virginia’s published checklist.

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectorsWorking, where the law requires them.Source
  • Fire extinguisherVisible in every kitchen.Source
  • Windows and doorsWorking as designed; no basement bedroom without proper egress.Source
  • ParkingAt least one off-street space for guests.Source

House rules for guests

Events
Not allowed
No parties, weddings, meetings, or filming.Source
Signs
None on the property
Source
Minimum stay
One full day
Source

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.