Short-term lodging is restricted to defined uses: 'Bed and Breakfast Inns' are permitted in residential districts, while 'Hotels and motels' require Conditional Use approval. Accessory guest houses are permitted for occasional use only and specifically prohibited from being used as rental units. Requirements include off-street parking, site plans, and sanitary water/sewage certificates.
How to Obtain a Permit
1) Submit a Location Improvement Permit application to the Planning & Zoning office with a site plan, tax info, and sewage/water certificates. 2) If the use is conditional (like a hotel/motel), file a petition with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), pay a $60 fee, and attend a public hearing. 3) Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before using the property for the approved lodging purpose.
Airbnb listings are allowed in Ghent, WV, but with restrictions. Short-term lodging is restricted to defined uses: 'Bed and Breakfast Inns' are permitted in residential districts, while 'Hotels and motels' require Conditional Use approval. Accessory guest houses are permitted for occasional use only and specifically prohibited from being used as rental units. Requirements include off-street parking, site plans, and sanitary water/sewage certificates. 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 Ghent, WV?
Short-term lodging is restricted to defined uses: 'Bed and Breakfast Inns' are permitted in residential districts, while 'Hotels and motels' require Conditional Use approval. Accessory guest houses are permitted for occasional use only and specifically prohibited from being used as rental units. Requirements include off-street parking, site plans, and sanitary water/sewage certificates.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ghent?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ghent. 1) Submit a Location Improvement Permit application to the Planning & Zoning office with a site plan, tax info, and sewage/water certificates. 2) If the use is conditional (like a hotel/motel), file a petition with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), pay a $60 fee, and attend a public hearing. 3) Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before using the property for the approved lodging purpose.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ghent?
1) Submit a Location Improvement Permit application to the Planning & Zoning office with a site plan, tax info, and sewage/water certificates. 2) If the use is conditional (like a hotel/motel), file a petition with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), pay a $60 fee, and attend a public hearing. 3) Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before using the property for the approved lodging purpose.
Is Vrbo legal in Ghent, WV?
Vrbo is permitted in Ghent, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Ghent?
Short-term rental hosts in Ghent 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 Ghent?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Ghent. 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.
