Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Urbanna, VA?

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Urbanna, Virginia, under Chapter 17, Article 5 of the Urbanna Town Code. The town has established a comprehensive permitting system with specific requirements and restrictions to ensure safe and responsible operation of short-term rental properties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Urbanna

Step 1: Initial Planning and Property Assessment

• Verify your property is located within Urbanna town limits
• Confirm zoning compliance (properties must be in appropriate zoning districts)
• Assess parking capacity (minimum one space per bedroom required)
• Evaluate safety equipment needs (smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher)

Step 2: Application Process

• Complete the Short-Term Rental Permit Application (Form 8235)
• Submit application to Town Office at 390 Virginia Street, Suite B, or mail to P.O. Box 179, Urbanna, VA 23175
• Pay non-refundable $25 application fee
• Obtain business license and lodging tax registration
• Provide proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance

Step 3: Operating Requirements

• Maintain guest registry with names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Post required information placards in conspicuous locations
• Comply with occupancy limits and parking requirements
• Observe quiet hours (no outdoor amplified sound after 10:00 PM or before 10:00 AM)

Step 4: Annual Renewal

• Renew permit annually prior to expiration date
• Submit renewal application with updated documentation
• Pay renewal fees and ensure continued compliance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit ($25 fee)

   • Application Form: Short Term Rental Application (PDF)
   • Valid for one year from issuance date
   • Must be renewed annually

2. Business License

   • Application Form: Business License Application (PDF)
   • Required for all STR operators

3. Lodging Tax Registration

   • Lodging Tax Form (PDF)
   • Must be filed with Town of Urbanna

Mandatory Documentation

• Insurance Certificate: Proof of liability insurance ($1,000,000 minimum)
• Guest Registry: Maintain records of all occupants
• Property Information: Tax parcel ID, zoning district, property description
• Safety Equipment Documentation: Proof of installation and maintenance

Required Safety Equipment

• Interconnected smoke detectors throughout unit
• Fire extinguisher(s)
• Carbon monoxide detectors (where propane or gas is present)
• Layout diagram showing equipment locations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

• Adult Guests: Maximum number equals permanent bed spaces in unit
• Children Under 18: Maximum of 4 children using cots or sleep sofas in common areas
• Total Occupancy: Combined adults and children must not exceed unit capacity

Parking Requirements

• Minimum Requirement: One off-street parking space per bedroom
• Alternative Solutions: If on-site parking insufficient, submit parking plan
• Prohibition: No on-street parking permitted as part of parking plan
• Compliance: Parking plan must be approved and posted

Operational Restrictions

• Maximum Rentals: No more than 2 rental contracts per 7-day consecutive period
• Property Limitation: Maximum one structure per property for rentals
• Quiet Hours: No outdoor amplified sound after 10:00 PM or before 10:00 AM

Required Information Display

Must post in conspicuous location within rental unit:

• Summary of town ordinances for short-term rentals
• Copy of parking plan (if applicable)
• Trash and waste pickup schedules
• Emergency telephone numbers
• Additional owner/agent rules for tenants
• "Short Term Rental Notice to Tenants Placard" (PDF)

Inspection and Compliance

• Registry Access: Zoning administrator may inspect guest registry with reasonable advance notice
• Insurance Updates: Maintain current liability insurance coverage
• Annual Renewal: Complete renewal process before expiration
• Code Compliance: Operate in accordance with Urbanna Town Code provisions

Record Keeping Requirements

• Maintain guest registry with names, addresses, and telephone numbers
• Allow inspection by zoning administrator and designees
• Keep records accessible for compliance verification

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town Administrator

Ted Costin

• Email: t.costin@urbannava.gov
• Office Address: 390 Virginia Street, Suite B, PO Box 179, Urbanna, VA 23175
• Phone: (804) 758-2613
• Fax: (804) 758-0389
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Application Submission

• In Person: Town Office at 390 Virginia Street, Suite B
• By Mail: P.O. Box 179, Urbanna, Virginia 23175
• Processing: Permits mailed to Owner/Agent address after approval

Links to Source Pages

• Main STR Page: urbannava.gov/pages/short-term-rental.php
• STR Application Form: urbannava.gov/PDFs/forms/8235-short-term-rental-app.pdf
• Business License Application: urbannava.gov/PDFs/forms/9792-business-licenses-2025.pdf
• Lodging Tax Form: urbannava.gov/PDFs/forms/8952-lodging-tax-form.pdf
• Tenant Notice Placard: urbannava.gov/PDFs/8235-short-term-rentals-notice.pdf
• Urbanna Town Code: urbannava.gov/PDFs/6980-UrbannaTownCode.pdf

County-Level Context

While Urbanna has its own municipal regulations, the property is located in Middlesex County. County-level planning and zoning considerations may apply, particularly regarding septic systems and environmental compliance. Operators should coordinate with both town and county authorities to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.

This guide is based on Urbanna Town Code Chapter 17, Article 5, and current town ordinances. Regulations may be subject to change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Town Administrator before proceeding with property acquisition or operation.