Norfolk Short-Term Rental Permit: How to Get One in 2025

Regulations for short-term rental properties in Norfolk, Virginia, and how to obtain a rental permit in Norfolk in 2025.

The city of Norfolk, Virginia has laws regulating the operation and taxing of short-term rentals in the area. Norfolk’s are a bit more lenient than Virginia Beach's short-term rental regulations. The initial application process was developed to be “easy and free,” though some necessary steps in the permit process do involve fees. Anyone operating an unregistered short-term rental in Norfolk, Virginia will be fined.

The Norfolk rental regulations affect all short-term and vacation rental properties, including those marketed through Airbnb, Vrbo, and other home-sharing platforms.

Own a short-term rental in Virginia Beach? Make sure you have your annual zoning permit.

According to the City of Norfolk, a “vacation rental” (or short-term rental) means different things in different areas. For the most part, it's defined as “dwelling unit for rent to a guest for fewer than 30 consecutive nights when all owners are staying off the premises at any time during the rental period.” If you live in the Coastal Character district (shown in green below), the property rented cannot be the owner's primary residence.

Homestays, or situations where a homeowner lives on the property and rents out a single room, are now required to complete the short-term rental permit process, though there are some separate regulations for homestays.

Short-Term Rental Laws for Norfolk, Virginia

To operate as a short-term rental property in the city of Norfolk, you must abide by all the Norfolk short-term rental laws. These regulations involve what kind of parking spots you need to have, how many guests can stay in your rental, and additional inspections and licensing required.

Find a full list of Norfolk’s rules and regulations for vacation rentals here.

Unlike the Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Laws, homeowners may not start renting their properties out on a short-term basis until they have received both a conditional-use zoning permit/registration permit and a business license from the city.

Let’s take a look at how to get those permits, inspections, and licenses.

Norfolk Short-Term Rental Permit Process

Registering as a short-term vacation rental in the City of Norfolk is pretty straightforward. Except for two separate inspections of the property, the entire process can be done online.

1. Apply online (for free) for your short-term rental permit through the Zoning and Planning Office.

• You can have a real estate consultant walk through the process for you - just provide a signed letter authorizing that professional to apply on your behalf.
  

• Be sure to have a copy of your liability insurance documents and a photo of the off-street parking.
  

• If you're renting a duplex or triplex, you'll need one application per unit.
  

• You’ll need the assessor’s parcel number for your property. It’s easy to find by entering your address into Norfolk AIR and clicking on your property.
  

• Expect this process to take five business days or so.
  

• If you need a conditional use permit, these do have a hefty fee ($1080) and take a few months to process. You'll also need to schedule a mandatory pre-application meeting with the Planning Department. Find more info here.
  

2. Once your application is approved, the next step is to call and schedule a fire inspection of the property with the Fire Marshal’s office.

• This inspection costs $50 to $75.
  

• Prepare to have ignition sources, electrical hazards, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors checked.
  

• Email proof of your fire inspection to STR@norfolk.gov.
  

• Check out this guide to preparing your property for a fire inspection.
  

3. If approved, the City of Norfolk’s Zoning and Planning department will issue you a zoning or short-term rental permit, valid for two years.

4. After being awarded your Short-Term Rental Permit, schedule a zoning inspection.

• You must have a permit to schedule this inspection.

• If you don’t schedule your inspection, your permit could expire prematurely.
  

5. With your zoning permit, apply for a business license for each property.

• This license costs $50-$75.
  

• You need your zoning permit before you can apply for a business license.
  

6. Once you are awarded your business license, you are now in compliance.

The Bottom Line

The process for getting a permit for your short-term rental in Norfolk in 2025 isn’t an arduous one, but it is important to make sure you’re following the local laws. If you still have questions, contact CGP Real Estate Consulting today. We help investment property owners in Norfolk, Virginia through the entire short-term rental application process.

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