Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Pocahontas County, WV

Airbnb listings are allowed in Pocahontas County, WV, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are subject to the West Virginia General Sanitation Rule, requiring an annual permit and at least one inspection per year. Within the Town of Marlinton, residential rentals must also be permitted and pass a specific rental registration inspection before tenants or guests occupy the building. 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 subject to the West Virginia General Sanitation Rule, requiring an annual permit and at least one inspection per year. Within the Town of Marlinton, residential rentals must also be permitted and pass a specific rental registration inspection before tenants or guests occupy the building.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Pocahontas County. 1. Complete the SG-49 'Application for a Permit to Operate' for lodging (e.g., Bed & Breakfast or Motel/Hotel). 2. Submit the application and the required local permit fee to the Pocahontas County Health Department. 3. Schedule and pass a sanitation inspection to receive the permit, which must be renewed annually.

1. Complete the SG-49 'Application for a Permit to Operate' for lodging (e.g., Bed & Breakfast or Motel/Hotel). 2. Submit the application and the required local permit fee to the Pocahontas County Health Department. 3. Schedule and pass a sanitation inspection to receive the permit, which must be renewed annually.

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