Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Madison County, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Madison County, VA, but with restrictions. Madison County regulates short-term lodging based on zoning districts; some are permitted by right while others, including multiple standalone units, require a Special Use Permit. All operators must register as a business and remit a 5% transient occupancy tax for rentals under 30 consecutive days. 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.

Madison County regulates short-term lodging based on zoning districts; some are permitted by right while others, including multiple standalone units, require a Special Use Permit. All operators must register as a business and remit a 5% transient occupancy tax for rentals under 30 consecutive days.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Madison County. 1) Verify zoning via Madison County GIS and consult the Zoning Administrator to determine if a Special Use Permit is required. 2) If required, submit a Special Use Permit application and complete the public hearing process. 3) Register the STR as a business with the Commissioner of the Revenue and remit the 5% Transient Occupancy Tax monthly.

1) Verify zoning via Madison County GIS and consult the Zoning Administrator to determine if a Special Use Permit is required. 2) If required, submit a Special Use Permit application and complete the public hearing process. 3) Register the STR as a business with the Commissioner of the Revenue and remit the 5% Transient Occupancy Tax monthly.

Vrbo is permitted in Madison County, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Madison County 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Madison County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.