The Zoning Ordinance allows rental of a dwelling, room, or space in a single-family dwelling or an accessory dwelling unit either by Administrative Permit or Special Permit.

Short Term Rentals are allowed in the following zoning districts by Administrative or Special Permit:

Short Term Rental – Administrative Permit

A Short Term Rental (STR) in a single family dwelling or accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted with approval of an Administrative Permit provided the standards listed in Zoning Ordinance Section 5-303 are met. The Short Term Rental Administrative Permit may take up to 30 days to process.

To apply, submit the following:

• Short Term Rental Administrative Permit Application
• Proof of Residency – must show property owner’s name or name of property manager
• If road access is a private street/shared easement/shared driveway, provide:
  • Copy of letter/notice mailed to road access users (sample letter)
  • Proof of certified mail notification to road access users
  • Proof that road access meets fire apparatus road criteria
• Health Department records showing occupancy limits
• Property Management Plan with all required elements
• Copy of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Short Term Rental registration
• $165.00 (non-refundable) fee (includes technology fee)
• Annual Renewal Fee $82.50  (includes technology fee)

Please review Zoning Ordinance Section 5-303 for more details regarding the above submission requirements.

Short Term Rental – Special Permit

If all of the standards listed in Section 5-303 of the Zoning Ordinance cannot be met, a Special Permit shall be required for the Short Term Rental. The Special Permit process and requirements can be found here.

Short Term Rental Property Registration

Any owner/operator offering or using a property as a short term residential rental shall annually register such property in the short term residential registry maintained by the Fauquier County Commissioner of the Revenue. Please inquire with the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue prior to applying for your short term rental permit.