Overview: Short-Term Rental Legality

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legally permitted in Roanoke, Virginia, but they require proper registration, permits, and compliance with local regulations. Both the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County have established comprehensive frameworks that allow property owners to operate short-term rentals while ensuring community standards are maintained.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Roanoke

City of Roanoke Requirements

Step 1: Complete Registration Process

• Submit a Short-Term Rental Registration form to the City of Roanoke
• This registration is mandatory before beginning operations
• Registration must be completed through the Commissioner of the Revenue's office

Step 2: Obtain Business License

• A business license may be required for your STR operation
• Confirm specific licensing requirements with the Commissioner of the Revenue's office

Step 3: Set Up Tax Collection Systems

• Establish mechanisms to collect and remit required taxes
• Register for tax collection with the appropriate city departments

Step 4: Ensure Zoning Compliance

• Verify your property is located in an approved zoning district
• Confirm adequate parking is available for guests

Roanoke County Requirements

Step 1: Obtain Zoning Permit

• A zoning permit is required prior to occupying any room or dwelling for short-term rental
• Submit a complete Short-Term Rental Permit Application to the Planning Department

Step 2: Special Use Permit (if applicable)

• Properties in R-1 and R-2 zoning districts on lots less than five (5) acres require a special use permit
• Properties on lots of five (5) acres or greater are permitted by right

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Roanoke Documentation

Mandatory Forms:

1. Short-Term Rental Registration - Primary registration document
2. Annual Certification for Short-Term Rental Tax - Required for tax compliance
3. Short-Term Filing Form - Operational filing document
4. Short-Term Rental Info Sheet - Informational requirements document

Additional Requirements:

• Registration for Tax Collection Form
• Business tax forms (as applicable)
• Compliance with Property Maintenance Code
• Evacuation plan for the property

Roanoke County Documentation

Required Application Materials:

• Complete Short-Term Rental Permit Application
• Property owner information and contact details
• Responsible party designation (if different from owner)
• Tax parcel identification information
• Zoning district verification

Ongoing Obligations:

• Notify the County within 30 days of any changes to applicant or responsible party contact information
• Permit expires upon change of property ownership
• Maintain compliance with all zoning ordinance requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Roanoke Regulations

Zoning Restrictions:

• Permitted in: Most residential zones, multifamily zones, and most commercial zones
• Prohibited in: C-3 zone, L zone, I-1 zone, and I-2 zone

Operational Requirements:

• Provide adequate parking for guests in compliance with zoning regulations
• Maintain maximum occupancy limits as established by local codes
• Comply with all Property Maintenance Code requirements
• Implement required evacuation plans
• Meet all applicable safety regulations
• Prohibit excessive noise and ensure guest compliance with city ordinances

Tax Obligations:

• State Hotel Occupancy Tax: 5.5%
• City Hotel Occupancy Tax: 7%
• Hosts must collect and remit both taxes according to established schedules

Roanoke County Regulations

Zoning-Specific Requirements:

• R-1 and R-2 Districts: Special use permit required for lots under 5 acres; permitted by right for lots 5 acres or larger
• All other zoning districts follow standard permit requirements

Administrative Standards:

• Zoning permits are property-specific and non-transferable
• Permit revocation possible for non-compliance with county codes
• Responsible party must be designated for complaint resolution

Virginia State-Level Regulations

Short-term rentals in Virginia are subject to state tax collection requirements, including the 5.5% state hotel occupancy tax. Property owners must also comply with all applicable state building codes, fire safety regulations, and health department requirements.

Contact Information

City of Roanoke

Primary Contact:

• Address: Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24011
• Phone: 540-853-2000
• Website: www.roanokeva.gov/2281/Short-Term-Rental

Commissioner of the Revenue (STR Registration):

• Department: Local Tax Administration
• Location: Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
• Phone: 540-853-2000

Roanoke County

Planning Department:

• Address: 5204 Bernard Drive, Second Floor, P.O. Box 29800, Roanoke, Virginia 24018-0798
• Phone: 540-772-2068
• Fax: 540-776-7155
• Director: Philip Thompson, Director of Planning

Source Links

• City of Roanoke STR Information: www.roanokeva.gov/2281/Short-Term-Rental
• Roanoke County STR Application: www.roanokecountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/25469/Short-term-Rental-Application
• STR Market Analysis: www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/VA/roanoke
• Municipal Code Reference: library.municode.com/va/roanoke/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CORO1979_CH32TA_ARTXVSHRMRETA

Important Compliance Notes

For City of Roanoke Properties:

• Registration is mandatory before beginning operations
• Annual recertification may be required
• Tax collection and remittance are ongoing legal obligations
• Property must meet all safety and maintenance codes

For Roanoke County Properties:

• Zoning permit approval is required before operation
• Special attention to lot size requirements in residential districts
• Immediate notification required for any changes to contact information or property ownership

General Recommendations:

• Consult with local authorities before beginning operations
• Maintain comprehensive records of all registrations and permits
• Stay current with any regulatory changes
• Consider professional consultation for complex properties or situations

Regulations may change, and this guide is based on currently available information. Always verify current requirements directly with the appropriate local authorities before beginning short-term rental operations.