LicensedRental

Fauquier County, Virginia

Unincorporated Fauquier County, VA vacation rental requirements

Outside its towns, Fauquier County allows short-term rentals in seven zoning districts with an administrative permit ($165, then $82.50 a year) if the home meets the county’s standards, or a special permit if it doesn’t. You must also register every year with the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026

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County registry
Every year
With the Commissioner of the Revenue, before you apply for the permit.Source
Zoning permit
Administrative permit, $165
Renewed every year for $82.50. A special permit if you can’t meet Section 5-303.Source
Where allowed
RC, V, RA, C-1, RR-2, CV, R-1
Guests
Set by Health Department records
Bring the records that show your occupancy limit.Source

Your licensing checklist

In order: the state, the county, then the town.

Commonwealth of Virginia

  1. Know who pays the tax

    When a platform like Airbnb books the stay, it collects and pays the state sales tax and the local lodging tax for you. If guests pay you directly, register with Virginia Tax for sales tax and with your county or city for the transient occupancy tax.Source

    Register a business with Virginia Tax →

  2. Register with your locality if it has a registry

    Many counties and cities require short-term rental hosts to register every year. Registration is a simple filing (your name, each address, and the owner’s permission if you lease the home), but listing an unregistered rental can cost up to $500 per violation.Source

  3. Check your zoning

    Counties and cities keep their power to decide where short-term rentals are allowed and whether you need a zoning or use permit. HOA and condo rules still apply on top. Pick your area for the local rules.Source

Fauquier County, Virginia

  1. Then your town or area

    Towns set their own zoning and some set their own lodging tax. The county’s rules apply outside town limits. Pick your area.

Fauquier County (outside the towns)

  1. Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue

    Register each property in the county’s short-term rental registry every year, and file the county business registration form, which asks which platforms you use. Do this first; the permit application needs a copy.Source

  2. Apply for the administrative permit

    Include proof of residency with the owner’s or manager’s name, Health Department records showing occupancy limits, a property management plan, and your registration. If the home is reached by a private road or shared driveway, add a notice letter to the other users (sent certified mail) and proof the road meets fire truck access standards. Processing can take 30 days.Source

  3. 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. For direct bookings, file Fauquier County’s transient occupancy tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue every month by the 20th.Source

Fees

$165 the first year, $82.50 a year after

Administrative permit applicationNon-refundable; includes the technology fee.$165
Annual renewal$82.50

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.