Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Nicholas County, WV

Airbnb listings are allowed in Nicholas County, WV, but with restrictions. 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. 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 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.

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.

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.

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