Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: Princeton, West Virginia

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Princeton, WV?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Princeton, WV, but they are subject to hotel occupancy tax requirements and must comply with local building and zoning regulations. While the content provided does not show a specific short-term rental ordinance, the presence of a Code Enforcement Department and Rental Compliance division indicates an active regulatory framework for rental properties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Princeton, WV

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Determine Location Jurisdiction: First, identify whether your property is located within Princeton city limits or in unincorporated Mercer County, as this determines which authorities you will report to for occupancy tax purposes.

2. Contact Local Authorities: Reach out to the appropriate departments based on your property's location for specific licensing and registration requirements.

3. Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax: If renting accommodations for 10 days or more, you must register for hotel occupancy tax collection and remittance.

4. Verify Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property complies with local zoning requirements by contacting the Building Inspections/Code Enforcement Department.

5. Set Up Tax Collection Systems: Implement systems to collect the 6% West Virginia hotel occupancy tax from guests.

6. Consider Third-Party Platforms: Major booking platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) may collect and remit taxes on your behalf, but you must verify this with local authorities.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Tax Registration and Compliance:

• Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration (required if renting for 10+ days)
• Monthly tax remittance to appropriate authority
• Documentation of gross room sales for tax calculations

Property Compliance:

• Building Inspection Compliance: Properties must meet safety standards
• Zoning Compliance: Verify property is zoned appropriately for short-term rental use
• Code Enforcement Standards: Properties must comply with municipal code requirements

Documentation Requirements:

• Property ownership verification
• Business registration (if applicable)
• Insurance documentation
• Safety compliance certificates

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

State-Level Regulations (West Virginia):

Hotel Occupancy Tax (WV Code 7-18):

• 6% occupancy tax on gross room sales
• Property owners collecting rent for 10+ days must pay occupancy tax
• Tax is paid by visitors and collected at point of sale
• Due by 15th day of each month for the previous month
• Failure to collect makes operator personally liable
• 30-day exemption was eliminated in 2016
• Campgrounds and RV sites are exempt from this tax
• Residential short-term and long-term rentals are exempt from occupancy tax

Tax Distribution:

• 3% goes to Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau for tourism marketing
• 3% goes to county or city for tourism-based projects

Municipal-Level Regulations (Princeton City Limits):

Hotel Occupancy Tax Collection:

• Properties within Princeton city limits remit occupancy tax to the municipality's financial office

Code Enforcement Requirements:

• Properties must comply with municipal building codes
• Regular inspections may be required
• Properties must meet safety and welfare standards
• Zoning compliance is mandatory

County-Level Regulations (Mercer County):

Hotel Occupancy Tax Collection:

• Properties outside Princeton city limits remit to Mercer County Sheriff's Office
• County collection uses Hotel/Motel Tax Form (available from CVB website)

Property Maintenance Standards:

• Properties must comply with county property maintenance standards
• Code enforcement applies to rental properties

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Contact Person: Jamie Null, Director
Phone: 304-325-8438
Email: jamie@visitmercercounty.com
Address: 619 Bland Street, Bluefield, WV 24701

City of Princeton - Code Enforcement Department

Contact Person: Ty Smith, Code Enforcement Director, Building Inspector, Zoning Official
Phone: 304-487-5024
General Information: 304-487-5020
Address: City Municipal Complex, 800 Bee Street, Princeton, WV 24740
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday

Princeton - Rental Compliance

Contact Person: Tyler Myers, Rental Compliance/Property Maintenance
Phone: 304-487-5095 or 304-920-6666
Address: City Municipal Complex, 800 Bee Street, Princeton, WV 24740

Source Links

• Mercer County WV Hotel Occupancy Tax FAQ
• Hotel/Motel Tax Form
• West Virginia Code §7-18
• City of Princeton Building Inspections
• Princeton WV Municipal Code
• Online Business Licensing Application
• Princeton 10-Year Comprehensive Plan

Important Notes

1. No Specific STR Ordinance: The provided content does not indicate that Princeton has enacted a specific short-term rental ordinance similar to what was discussed for Princeton, NJ.

2. Tax Collection Responsibility: Property owners are personally liable for occupancy tax collection and remittance.

3. Platform Verification: While major platforms may collect taxes on your behalf, verify this arrangement with local authorities.

4. Regular Compliance: Properties must maintain compliance with building codes, zoning requirements, and property maintenance standards.

5. Documentation: Keep detailed records of all transactions, tax collections, and compliance activities.

This guide provides the foundation for starting a short-term rental business in Princeton, WV. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before beginning operations.