LicensedRental

Virginia city rules

Williamsburg, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

The City of Williamsburg allows only one rented room in an owner-occupied single-family house, with the owner home during every stay, for up to 104 nights a year, and only with a Board of Zoning Appeals special exception. Whole-home rentals aren’t allowed in the city. Most “Williamsburg” listings are in James City or York County. Stays owe 7% sales tax plus a 7% room tax and $2 a night.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
Market
About 1,190 “Williamsburg” listings
AirROI’s Williamsburg market includes homes in James City and York counties.Source
What’s allowed
One room, owner present
Owner-occupied single-family detached homes only.Source
Limit
104 nights a year
Approval
BZA special exception, $300
Taxes
7% sales + 7% room tax + $2 a night

Williamsburg raised its room tax from 5% to 7% in February 2026.

What to do

  1. Apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals

    File a special exception application with the $300 fee, a floor plan to scale (11 by 17 inches or smaller) showing working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a survey plat or scaled drawing of the property with its buildings, curb cuts, and parking, proof of ownership, at least $500,000 in liability insurance, a property management plan, and your HOA’s written OK if you have one.Source

    Williamsburg short-term rentals →

  2. Follow the limits

    Rent one room at a time to no more than two guests (children don’t count), be home during every stay, and keep a guest register for two years. No meals, events, or outside signs, and no guest may stay more than 30 days in a year.Source

  3. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 7% 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 a room and lodging coupon with the Williamsburg Finance Department by the 20th of every month, even with no rentals: 7% of gross sales plus $2 per room-night.Source

Fees

Board of Zoning Appeals application$300

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 Spot something out of date?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.