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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Nicholas County, WV

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals must obtain a Permit to Operate under West Virginia Public Health Sanitation Rule (64 CSR 18); an annual $150 fee and one yearly inspection are required. County-wide zoning does not apply outside Summersville and Richwood, and a 6% hotel/occupancy tax is required. State law prohibits municipalities from banning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from being used as short-term rentals.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the Nicholas County Health Department 'Application for a Permit to Operate' (SG-49) and the $150 annual fee by June 1 each year. 2) Schedule and pass a mandatory annual inspection with the Health Department. 3) Receive the permit; operations without a permit after July 1, 2025, are subject to closure.

Official Resources

Official Nicholas County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Nicholas County, WV?
Short-term rentals must obtain a Permit to Operate under West Virginia Public Health Sanitation Rule (64 CSR 18); an annual $150 fee and one yearly inspection are required. County-wide zoning does not apply outside Summersville and Richwood, and a 6% hotel/occupancy tax is required. State law prohibits municipalities from banning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from being used as short-term rentals.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Nicholas County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Nicholas County. 1) Complete and submit the Nicholas County Health Department 'Application for a Permit to Operate' (SG-49) and the $150 annual fee by June 1 each year. 2) Schedule and pass a mandatory annual inspection with the Health Department. 3) Receive the permit; operations without a permit after July 1, 2025, are subject to closure.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Nicholas County?
1) Complete and submit the Nicholas County Health Department 'Application for a Permit to Operate' (SG-49) and the $150 annual fee by June 1 each year. 2) Schedule and pass a mandatory annual inspection with the Health Department. 3) Receive the permit; operations without a permit after July 1, 2025, are subject to closure.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction