Comparent
AllowedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Harpers Ferry, WV

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are allowed in Residential and Business Districts provided they obtain a business license, pay all applicable taxes (B&O, Sales, and Room Occupancy), and comply with town ordinances regarding parking, noise, and lighting. In the Promontory Overlay District, rentals are limited to four guest bedrooms, eight total guests, and must provide one off-street parking space per occupied guest bedroom.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain a valid business license from the Town. 2. Submit a Project Permit application to the Clerk of the Town. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee as established by the Town Council resolution and ensure compliance with all tax obligations (B&O, Sales, and Room Occupancy).

Official Resources

Official Harpers Ferry STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Harpers Ferry, WV?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Harpers Ferry, WV, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals are allowed in Residential and Business Districts provided they obtain a business license, pay all applicable taxes (B&O, Sales, and Room Occupancy), and comply with town ordinances regarding parking, noise, and lighting. In the Promontory Overlay District, rentals are limited to four guest bedrooms, eight total guests, and must provide one off-street parking space per occupied guest bedroom. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Harpers Ferry, WV?
Short-term rentals are allowed in Residential and Business Districts provided they obtain a business license, pay all applicable taxes (B&O, Sales, and Room Occupancy), and comply with town ordinances regarding parking, noise, and lighting. In the Promontory Overlay District, rentals are limited to four guest bedrooms, eight total guests, and must provide one off-street parking space per occupied guest bedroom.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Harpers Ferry?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Harpers Ferry. 1. Obtain a valid business license from the Town. 2. Submit a Project Permit application to the Clerk of the Town. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee as established by the Town Council resolution and ensure compliance with all tax obligations (B&O, Sales, and Room Occupancy).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Harpers Ferry?
1. Obtain a valid business license from the Town. 2. Submit a Project Permit application to the Clerk of the Town. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee as established by the Town Council resolution and ensure compliance with all tax obligations (B&O, Sales, and Room Occupancy).
Is Vrbo legal in Harpers Ferry, WV?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Harpers Ferry, WV, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Harpers Ferry?
Short-term rental hosts in Harpers Ferry 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 Harpers Ferry?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Harpers Ferry. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Harpers Ferry, WV?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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