Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Rockbridge County, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Rockbridge County, VA, but with restrictions. Whole-house short-term rentals are prohibited in residential districts (R-1, R-2) but permitted in agricultural (A-1, A-2, A-T) and business (B-1) districts. Non-whole-house rentals in residential areas require a special exception permit as a bed & breakfast homestay. All units must register annually with the Commissioner of the Revenue. 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.

Whole-house short-term rentals are prohibited in residential districts (R-1, R-2) but permitted in agricultural (A-1, A-2, A-T) and business (B-1) districts. Non-whole-house rentals in residential areas require a special exception permit as a bed & breakfast homestay. All units must register annually with the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Rockbridge County. 1. Verify zoning compliance (whole-house rentals allowed in A-1, A-2, A-T, and B-1; prohibited in R-1, R-2). 2. Register annually with the Commissioner of the Revenue by January 31st using the official registration form. 3. Collect and remit the 10% transient occupancy tax monthly.

1. Verify zoning compliance (whole-house rentals allowed in A-1, A-2, A-T, and B-1; prohibited in R-1, R-2). 2. Register annually with the Commissioner of the Revenue by January 31st using the official registration form. 3. Collect and remit the 10% transient occupancy tax monthly.

Vrbo is permitted in Rockbridge 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 Rockbridge 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 Rockbridge County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.