What You Need to Know About Short-Term Rentals in Newport News
Warm weather, busy travel plans, and local events make this a popular time for short-term rentals in Newport News. If you’re planning to list your home—or even a room—on a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, there’s an important step you need to take: Acquire a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit.
To support safe and well-managed neighborhoods and provide clear guidelines for property owners, the City of Newport News adopted a short-term rental ordinance in 2022 that requires all short-term rental (STR) operators to obtain a permit.
We’re here to help you stay informed and make compliance easy because when everyone follows the rules, our whole city benefits.
Why Does This Matter?
Operating a short-term rental without a permit is a violation of the Newport News Zoning Ordinance Section 45-517.1. Permits ensure that all STR properties meet important zoning and public safety standards, protecting guests, neighbors, and your investment.
For the past couple of years, the city has offered a grace period to encourage voluntary compliance—but moving forward, active enforcement is underway. We’re promoting the policy now to give you the time and tools to meet the requirements with confidence.
Easy Steps to Get Compliant
Getting permitted is simple—and we’ve created tools to make it even easier:
- Download the Short-Term Rental Application and Checklist
- Review the helpful permit checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information.
- Submit your completed application and materials to: [email protected]
Need assistance?
- Call the Department of Planning at 757-926-8761, email [email protected], or simply dial 311 to be directed to the right city resource. We’re happy to walk you through the process!
Hosting Responsibly = A Win for Everyone
Whether you’re renting out your home for a few weekends or the entire season, adhering to the short-term rental policy helps maintain the quality of life in our neighborhoods and ensures that guests have a safe and positive experience in Newport News.
Avoid headaches later by taking care of the permit now—and help us keep our community thriving and welcoming for all.
Key Reminders:
- All short-term rentals (less than 30 days) require a permit—this includes listings through online platforms.
- If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, please reach out. We’re here to help.
- Stay ahead of enforcement. A permit now means peace of mind all season long.
Resources at Your Fingertips:
Don’t know where to start? Call 311 and we’ll connect you to the right person.
- Email for questions: [email protected]
- Phone support: 757-926-8761
Let’s work together to keep short-term rentals safe, well-managed, and fully permitted in Newport News.