Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jefferson County, WV

Airbnb listings are allowed in Jefferson County, WV, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted in any zoning district that allows single-family dwellings. All parking must be off-street as shown in a required sketch, and the property cannot be used as a special event facility for large gatherings. Properties that are not the owner's primary residence may require a General Sanitation (lodging) permit from the Health Department. 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 permitted in any zoning district that allows single-family dwellings. All parking must be off-street as shown in a required sketch, and the property cannot be used as a special event facility for large gatherings. Properties that are not the owner's primary residence may require a General Sanitation (lodging) permit from the Health Department.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County. 1. Submit a Zoning Certificate Application to the Office of Planning & Zoning. 2. Include a sketch of off-street parking, a copy of your West Virginia state business license, and Health Department approval (if the property is not your primary residence). 3. Pay the required fee; the Zoning Administrator will approve or disapprove the application within 60 days.

1. Submit a Zoning Certificate Application to the Office of Planning & Zoning. 2. Include a sketch of off-street parking, a copy of your West Virginia state business license, and Health Department approval (if the property is not your primary residence). 3. Pay the required fee; the Zoning Administrator will approve or disapprove the application within 60 days.

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