Fayetteville, West Virginia Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly permitted in Fayetteville, West Virginia, provided operators secure all required permits, licenses, and comply with tax obligations. The town has established a formal vacation rental permitting system with specific application procedures, fees, and ongoing compliance requirements. Operators must satisfy city-level requirements alongside county health permits and state tax obligations. See Sources: Fayetteville Vacation Rental Protocol, Town of Fayetteville STR Checklist

How to Start a STR Business in Fayetteville

Operators must complete a multi-step registration process:

State Registration: Contact the WV State Tax Department at (304) 558-3333 to obtain a Business Registration Certificate. Submit a copy to the town.
Town Business License: Apply online for the Municipal Business License ($5.00 for owners, $15.00 for agents; renewable July 1st annually).
Vacation Rental Permit: Complete the town’s Vacation Rental Permit Application ($100.00 fee; renewable July 1st). The Town Clerk will issue the permit after review.
Health Department Permit: Apply to the Fayette County Health Department for an annual health permit (valid Jan 1 - Dec 31; fees vary by bedrooms). Submit applications by mail to 5495 Maple Lane, Fayetteville, WV 25840, or email james.bennett@fayettehealth.org.

See Sources: STR Checklist, FCHD STR Information

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses

Mandatory documentation includes:

WV State Tax Department Business Registration Certificate
Town of Fayetteville Business License
Town Vacation Rental Permit (with application details like bedrooms, parking, owner info)
Fayette County Health Department Annual Permit
Monthly Hotel/Motel Tax Returns (due even with $0 income)
Quarterly Business & Occupation Tax Returns (Class Code 20)
Agent Authorization (if applicable)
Safety Compliance Documentation (from Health Dept inspection)
Proof of Tax Remittance (Hotel/Motel and B&O taxes)

See Sources: STR Application, Reporting Procedures, FCHD STR Info

Regulations (City/County/State)

City Requirements:

Licenses/permits valid July 1-June 30; renew annually
Monthly Hotel/Motel Tax filing (6% of gross sales)
Quarterly B&O Tax filing (1% of gross sales; Class Code 20)
Town Clerk distributes permits to Police Dept and Assessor’s office
Direct booking hosts must collect and remit taxes themselves

County Requirements:

Annual Health Dept permit required for all STRs
Inspections coordinated with owners/managers
Permit fees based on bedroom count
Valid Jan 1 - Dec 31; renew annually
Permit suspended if invalid or property sold

State Requirements:

WV State Tax Dept Business Registration Certificate required
Sales Tax compliance for bookings under 30 days

See Sources: Protocol, Reporting Procedures, FCHD STR Info, State-Level Context

Contact Information

Town of Fayetteville:
Phone: (304) 574-0101
Email: kathy@fayettevillewv.gov
Address: 125 N. Court St., Fayetteville, WV 25840
Website: fayettevillewv.gov

Fayette County Health Department:
Phone: (304) 574-1617
Email: james.bennett@fayettehealth.org
Address: 5495 Maple Lane, Fayetteville, WV 25840
Hours: 8am-4pm Mon-Fri
Website: fayettehealth.org/short-term-rental

WV State Tax Department:
Phone: (304) 558-3333
Website: tax.wv.gov

See Sources: STR Checklist, FCHD STR Info

Source Links

Fayetteville, West Virginia, is a small town known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. As of the most recent estimates, the population is around 2,800 residents. The town is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Charleston, the state capital of West Virginia.

Fayetteville is renowned for its close proximity to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which is a major draw for tourists interested in hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. The iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest and highest steel spans in the United States, is a notable landmark that attracts both adventure seekers and sightseers. Information about the bridge can be found here.

Additionally, Fayetteville boasts the historic Fayette Theatre and several local eateries that add to the charm and appeal of this quaint town. The nearby Babcock State Park offers even more outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and exploring the famous Glade Creek Grist Mill. More information about the park can be found here.

Given its scenic beauty and array of outdoor activities, Fayetteville is a popular destination for short-term rentals, especially for those looking to enjoy the natural attractions of the region.

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