Newport News does not appear in our data as having a city-level STR ordinance, so your property is governed primarily by Virginia state law. Under Virginia's partial preemption framework, localities cannot ban STRs in residential areas, but they may still require licenses, cap the number of permits issued, and restrict rental frequency. Virginia applies a state sales tax of 5.3% to short-term lodging. Contact Newport News city authorities directly to confirm any local licensing, permitting, or frequency rules that may apply to your property.
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At a Glance
Last verified 1 day agoVerified from 1 source
STR License
Yes
Primary Residence
Yes
Parking Required
Yes
Permit Status
Accepting
License Fee
$150
Full Requirements
Newport News, VA Regulations Guide
Newport News does not appear in our data as having a city-level STR ordinance, so your property is governed primarily by Virginia state law. Under Virginia's partial preemption framework, localities cannot ban STRs in residential areas, but they may still require licenses, cap the number of permits issued, and restrict rental frequency. Virginia applies a state sales tax of 5.3% to short-term lodging. Contact Newport News city authorities directly to confirm any local licensing, permitting, or frequency rules that may apply to your property.
Licensing and Permits
Newport News requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. An inspection is required as part of the permitting process.
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Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.
Compiled from 1 official government source and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.
Owner must use the dwelling unit as their primary residence, defined as residing there at least 185 days per year.
Rentals must be within the main building; detached accessory buildings cannot be used.
In multi-family developments, no more than 10% of the dwelling units may be used as short-term rentals.
Maximum of 2 lodgers per bedroom with no more than 6 overnight lodgers total on any night.
Simultaneous rentals under separate contracts are prohibited.
At least one additional off-street parking space is required beyond what is required for the property.
Working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and an exit plan are required; the exit plan must be posted inside each bedroom door.
Each bedroom must have a closet, a window, and a door separating it from other parts of the rental.
Commercial gatherings (luncheons, banquets, weddings, parties, fundraising, etc.) are prohibited.
Owner must obtain a business license from the commissioner of the revenue before operating.
Owner must maintain a guest log with names, addresses, phone numbers, and arrival/departure dates, and allow the zoning administrator to inspect it upon reasonable notice.
Annual Certificate of Zoning Compliance costs $150 and is valid for one year.
Liability insurance covering accidental injury to a guest is required in an amount no less than $300,000.
A floor plan identifying bedrooms and required safety equipment locations must be submitted.
Certificate may be revoked for three or more violations within a year, non-compliance, refusal to cooperate with inspections, or delinquent taxes/fees; revoked owners are ineligible to reapply for two years.
Owner must comply with transient occupancy tax provisions under chapter 40 of the City Code.
Enforcement & Permit Status
Permits
accepting
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Cross-verified by 3 sources7 cited facts: 4 cross-verified, 3 single-source
Citation receipts
7 cited facts for Newport News
1 multi-source verified3 corroborated3 single source
Every published fact below is taken from the city's own ordinance text. Quotes are verbatim — click through to the source to read them on the issuing authority's page.
Inspection requiredYes
verified 1 month ago
“The owner must allow the zoning administrator to inspect such guest log upon reasonable advance notice, to verify that the short-term rental is being operated in accordance with the provisions of this section.”
“The owner of a short-term rental within the city shall pay a certificate of zoning compliance fee in the amount of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) to the department of planning.”
“The owner of a short-term rental must obtain an annual certificate of zoning compliance from the zoning administrator for the short-term rental he/she operates within the city.”
“There shall be no more than two (2) lodgers per bedroom with the maximum number of overnight lodgers on any night of a short-term rental being no greater than six (6).”
“Not less than one (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for such dwelling unit in addition to the number of spaces required for the property.”
“The dwelling unit is used by the property owner as his/her primary residence, which means that he/she resides there for at least one hundred eighty-five (185) days during each year.”
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