Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Charles Town, WV

Airbnb listings are allowed in Charles Town, WV, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as stays of less than 7 consecutive days with occupancy limited to two guests per bedroom. They are permitted in any zoning district where single-family dwellings are allowed, provided all parking is off-street and the property is not used as a special-event facility. One sign up to 4 square feet is permitted. 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.

Short-term rentals are defined as stays of less than 7 consecutive days with occupancy limited to two guests per bedroom. They are permitted in any zoning district where single-family dwellings are allowed, provided all parking is off-street and the property is not used as a special-event facility. One sign up to 4 square feet is permitted.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Charles Town. 1. Apply for a Zoning Certificate from the Jefferson County Office of Planning and Zoning. 2. Submit a sketch depicting sufficient off-street parking for the maximum number of occupants. 3. Provide a copy of the West Virginia state business license and documentation of Health Department approval if required.

1. Apply for a Zoning Certificate from the Jefferson County Office of Planning and Zoning. 2. Submit a sketch depicting sufficient off-street parking for the maximum number of occupants. 3. Provide a copy of the West Virginia state business license and documentation of Health Department approval if required.

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