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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bowling Green, VA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to legal residential dwelling units; use of RVs, tents, or trailers is prohibited. Occupancy is limited to the lesser of two persons per bedroom plus two, or the limit on the VDH septic permit. Operators must provide a 24/7 local contact able to respond within one hour, maintain rental records for one year, and ensure the principal guest is at least 18 years old.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a completed Town of Bowling Green STR Permit Application to Town Hall along with a $50 annual fee; include operator/designee info, parking layout, and a VDH septic permit if not on public sewer. 2) Obtain a Town Business License from the Town Treasurer. 3) Ensure compliance with building codes (subject to inspection with 48-hour notice) and renew both the permit and business license annually by January 1st.

Official Resources

Official Bowling Green STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Bowling Green, VA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Bowling Green, VA, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to legal residential dwelling units; use of RVs, tents, or trailers is prohibited. Occupancy is limited to the lesser of two persons per bedroom plus two, or the limit on the VDH septic permit. Operators must provide a 24/7 local contact able to respond within one hour, maintain rental records for one year, and ensure the principal guest is at least 18 years old. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Bowling Green, VA?
STRs are restricted to legal residential dwelling units; use of RVs, tents, or trailers is prohibited. Occupancy is limited to the lesser of two persons per bedroom plus two, or the limit on the VDH septic permit. Operators must provide a 24/7 local contact able to respond within one hour, maintain rental records for one year, and ensure the principal guest is at least 18 years old.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bowling Green?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bowling Green. 1) Submit a completed Town of Bowling Green STR Permit Application to Town Hall along with a $50 annual fee; include operator/designee info, parking layout, and a VDH septic permit if not on public sewer. 2) Obtain a Town Business License from the Town Treasurer. 3) Ensure compliance with building codes (subject to inspection with 48-hour notice) and renew both the permit and business license annually by January 1st.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bowling Green?
1) Submit a completed Town of Bowling Green STR Permit Application to Town Hall along with a $50 annual fee; include operator/designee info, parking layout, and a VDH septic permit if not on public sewer. 2) Obtain a Town Business License from the Town Treasurer. 3) Ensure compliance with building codes (subject to inspection with 48-hour notice) and renew both the permit and business license annually by January 1st.
Is Vrbo legal in Bowling Green, VA?
Vrbo is permitted in Bowling Green, VA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Bowling Green?
Short-term rental hosts in Bowling Green are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Bowling Green?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Bowling Green. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction