Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Fredericksburg, VA?

• Yes. Short‑term rentals are allowed, but the City treats “homestays” (a limited form of short‑term rental operated in the owner/tenant’s primary residence) differently from full “short‑term rental” operations.
• Homestays are permitted by‑right as an accessory use across all zoning districts if they meet the City’s criteria. Larger, commercial‑scale short‑term rentals are generally not recognized as a principal use; instead, similar operations are regulated as Bed‑and‑Breakfast Inns (a principal use in selected districts, typically requiring special use permits in lower‑density residential zones).
• There is no city‑wide “short‑term rental permit” in Fredericksburg, VA. Operators secure a Homestay Zoning Permit, a Business License, and must register for the City’s Short‑Term Rental Tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue. Annual inspections are not mandated by the City for homestays; however, the City does publish recommended safety provisions.

Regulatory source: Fredericksburg Ordinance No. 17‑19 (August 22, 2017) amending Chapter 72 (Unified Development Ordinance) to create the “Homestay” accessory use. [Link: Memorandum and Ordinance PDF][source‑memo].

How to start a short‑term rental business in Fredericksburg, VA

1. Choose the right use and property

• If you intend to rent out part of a dwelling while you or your tenant resides there, apply for a Homestay (Limited Residential Lodging). This is an accessory use and is allowed by‑right.
• If you intend to operate a more intensive lodging operation (multiple guest rooms, full commercial hospitality), the City will treat this as a Bed‑and‑Breakfast Inn, which is a principal use subject to special use permits in certain residential districts and by‑right in select commercial/mixed‑use districts.

2. Confirm zoning eligibility and neighborhood constraints

• Confirm zoning at the subject property. Homestays are permitted by‑right as accessory uses across all districts; however, you should still verify that your proposed use aligns with any neighborhood‑specific restrictions or homeowner association/condominium rules (HOA/COA covenants and rules can prohibit or restrict short‑term rentals independently of city zoning).

3. Notify adjacent property owners

• Before filing the Homestay zoning application, provide written notice to all adjacent property owners using the City’s notification process and templates. Maintain certified mail receipts as proof.

4. Apply for a Homestay Zoning Permit

• Submit the completed Homestay Application to the Community Planning & Building Department (Zoning Administrator). There is a $30 permit fee. The permit is valid until you cease operation or no longer reside at the premises. The Zoning Administrator can revoke the permit with 30 days’ notice for violations.

5. Obtain a Business License

• A Business License is required. At application, you will certify that the address is your legal residence and agree to comply with City Code and the conditions of the Homestay use.

6. Register for the Short‑Term Rental Tax

• Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue prior to opening for business. You will file quarterly remittance forms and pay the 1% tax on gross proceeds. Payments are due on or before the 20th of the month following each quarter.

7. Implement safety provisions (recommended)

• Although not a building code inspection requirement, the City recommends these safety measures: • Smoke detectors in each bedroom and in immediate vicinity outside each bedroom • A carbon monoxide detector where gas appliances are present • A fire extinguisher that is visible and easily accessible • Provide guests with an escape‑route map and emergency contact information

Application forms and submission

• Use the City’s Homestay Application (fee $30) and its notification letter/certificate templates.
• Submit applications and notices to: • Zoning Administrator • City of Fredericksburg, Community Planning & Building Department • 715 Princess Anne Street, Room 215 • P.O. Box 7447, Fredericksburg, VA 22404

Operational reminders

• Operate only in the principal dwelling unit (no accessory structures).
• No public assembly events (weddings, receptions, parties, etc.).
• Maintain one kitchen in the principal dwelling unit.
• Maintain current contact information with the Zoning Administrator; be responsive to any annual confirmations or compliance requests.

Regulatory source: Homestay Use Standards and Application materials in the 2017 UDO text amendment. [source‑memo].

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Homestay Zoning Permit ($30) • Application Form (with operator and property details) • Proof of notice to adjacent property owners (certified mail receipts) • Safety acknowledgment (recommended safety provisions listed) • If applicable, proof that you are the owner/landlord authorizing the use

• Business License • Certification that the Homestay is operated at your legal residence • Agreement to comply with City Code (noise, nuisance, parking, etc.)

• Short‑Term Rental Tax Registration • Short‑Term Rental Tax Registration form (Commissioner of the Revenue) • Registration prior to opening

• Quarterly tax filings • Quarterly Remittance of Tax on Short‑Term Rental forms (mailed after registration) • Payment due on or before the 20th of the month following the end of each quarter

• Contact and compliance records • Maintain current contact information with the Zoning Administrator • Keep records demonstrating compliance with the 90‑day annual rental limit, 2‑bedroom/4‑guest cap, and safety provisions

• Bed‑and‑Breakfast Inn (if pursuing a commercial lodging operation) • Zoning: principal use, typically special use permit in R‑2/R‑4/R‑8; by‑right in C‑T, C‑D, PD‑R, PD‑C, PD‑MU • Use standards: up to five guest rooms and ten occupants; resident operator; no additional kitchens; standard parking (two spaces per unit + one space per guest bedroom within 500 feet); receptions/functions require a separate special use permit

Sources: City Short‑Term Rental Tax information and registration/quarterly remittance forms; Homestay Application materials and Conditions. [source‑tax][source‑memo].

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals

City of Fredericksburg (municipal) regulations

• Use classification and permitting • Homestay: accessory use allowed by‑right across all zoning districts; subject to Homestay standards. • Short‑Term Rental: City Code defines Short‑Term Residential Rental as fewer than 30 consecutive days; however, in practice the City permits homestays via a limited accessory framework and regulates more intensive lodging as Bed‑and‑Breakfast Inns (principal use, different approvals and standards).

• Homestay operational limits • Maximum of two guest bedrooms for rent at any one time • Maximum of four total guests at any one time • Annual cap of 90 days per calendar year for guest lodging • Operator must reside on the premises • Use must occur in the principal dwelling unit (no accessory buildings) • No public assembly events (receptions, weddings, parties, etc.) • Only one kitchen in the principal dwelling unit • Written notice to adjacent property owners required prior to approval • Zoning permit revocable with 30 days’ notice for violations • Business license required

• Bed‑and‑Breakfast Inn (distinct, commercial lodging) • Up to five guest rooms and ten occupants • Resident operator required on premises • No additional kitchens • Additional parking: two spaces per unit plus one space per guest bedroom within 500 feet • By‑right in select commercial/mixed‑use districts; special use permit in R‑2/R‑4/R‑8

• Short‑Term Rental Tax • 1% of gross proceeds on transactions of 92 consecutive days or less • Registration with Commissioner of the Revenue required before opening • Quarterly remittance forms; payments due by the 20th of the month after each quarter

• Safety recommendations • Smoke detectors (inside and immediate vicinity outside each bedroom) • Carbon monoxide detector if gas appliances are present • Visible and accessible fire extinguisher • Provide guests an escape‑route map and emergency contact information

County-level (Spotsylvania County)

• The provided sources do not include Spotsylvania County short‑term rental regulations. If your property is within Spotsylvania County (not the City of Fredericksburg), you must consult the County’s zoning and taxation ordinances directly.

State of Virginia

• SB 1578 (2017 Acts of Assembly, Ch. 741) preserves local zoning authority over short‑term rentals and related lodging uses. Localities may regulate aspects such as use type, density, and operational limits. Statewide, short‑term rentals are generally treated as transient occupancy and are commonly subject to local transient occupancy (lodging) taxes. Specific state rules vary by locality and use classification.

Sources: Ordinance No. 17‑19; Fredericksburg Short‑Term Rental Tax information. [source‑memo][source‑tax].

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

City of Fredericksburg – Community Planning & Building Department

• Address: 715 Princess Anne Street, Room 215, Fredericksburg, VA 22404
• Mailing: P.O. Box 7447, Fredericksburg, VA 22404
• Phone: 540‑372‑1179
• Zoning Administrator: Administers the Homestay zoning permit process and related compliance.

Commissioner of the Revenue (for Short‑Term Rental Tax registration and remittance)

• Short‑Term Rental Tax Registration and Quarterly Remittance of Tax on Short‑Term Rental forms are filed with this office.
• Phone and email details are not provided in the source content; contact the City’s main directory for current information. [City Directory][source‑tax].

General City Contact

• Address: 715 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Main website: fredericksburgva.gov
• City Directory: Available via the City’s official website.

Source: Homestay Application (office details), Short‑Term Rental Tax page (Commissioner of the Revenue references). [source‑tax][source‑memo].

Links to source pages (if available)

• Short‑Term Rental Tax (City of Fredericksburg, VA) [source‑tax]
• Memorandum and Ordinance No. 17‑19 (2017): Proposed UDO Text Amendment – Bed‑and‑Breakfast Inns and Homestay (Limited Residential Lodging) [source‑memo]

Note: The third provided URL (fbgtx.org) pertains to Fredericksburg, TX and is not relevant to City of Fredericksburg, VA regulations.

Practical investor checklist for a Fredericksburg, VA homestay

• Confirm your property is inside City limits and eligible for a Homestay use.
• Prepare and mail adjacent property owner notices; keep certified mail receipts.
• Complete and submit the Homestay Application with the $30 fee.
• Apply for a Business License for the Homestay.
• Register for the Short‑Term Rental Tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue.
• Implement the City’s recommended safety provisions; document installation and maintenance.
• Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with the 90‑day annual limit and occupancy caps.
• Coordinate with your HOA/COA to ensure covenants do not prohibit short‑term rentals.
• Review Bed‑and‑Breakfast Inn standards if you plan a larger lodging operation or if your property is in a district requiring a special use permit.

This guide is tailored specifically to the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia. County‑level requirements in Spotsylvania County may differ and are not covered by the provided sources.