Roanoke Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Roanoke,Virginia?

Are you considering delving into the world of short-term rentals in Roanoke, Virginia? It's essential to understand the specific regulations and requirements governing this industry. From zoning permits to tax obligations, here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the intricacies of starting and managing a short-term rental business in Roanoke.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Roanoke

If you're considering starting a short-term rental business in Roanoke, Virginia, there are a few things you need to know. First, you'll need to ensure that your property is located in an area where short-term rentals are permitted. Approval per Ordinance 88-321 is required for owner-occupied residences5. Additionally, you may need to obtain a special exemption permit for certain zones1. Once you've confirmed that your property is eligible, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits, such as the short-term rental zoning permit and special exemption permit if required2.

You'll also need to register for tax collection and file the required forms, including the short-term rental zoning permit application, which needs to be completed with property and responsible party information3. Short-term rental hosts in Roanoke are subject to various taxes, including the transient occupancy (hotel) tax, prepared food & beverage (meals) tax, and consumer utility tax1.

It's important to note that the short-term rental zoning permit expires upon any change in ownership of the property2. Additionally, hosts are required to file the short-term rental tax return within thirty (30) days of beginning short-term rental business activity3.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Roanoke

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Roanoke, Virginia, you must obtain a special exemption permit for certain zones, as per the city's zoning regulations. This permit is necessary to give you permission for a homestay or short-term rental business1. The zoning permit application must include relevant parcel information, the applicant's personal contact information, and the responsible party's details. It is important to note that the zoning permit expires upon any change in ownership of the property5.

This process is essential to ensure compliance with the city's regulations and to avoid any potential revocation of the zoning permit. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the applicable regulations set forth in the Zoning Ordinance or County Code to maintain the validity of the permit5.

Required Documents for Roanoke Short Term Rentals

When applying for a short-term rental in Roanoke, Virginia, several essential documents are required to ensure compliance with local regulations. These documents include the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit Application, which encompasses vital parcel information such as the tax map number, zoning district, address, and magisterial district. Additionally, the application must include the applicant's name, address, and personal contact information, as well as the name, address, and contact information of the responsible party5.

Furthermore, all businesses with a rental classification on their City of Roanoke Business License are mandated to file an annual certification form, listing the total gross receipts from the short-term rental business4. It is important to note that the zoning permit must be obtained before the occupation of a room or dwelling for short-term rental5.

In addition to the zoning permit, hosts are required to register for tax collection and file the necessary forms, including the Short-Term Rental Registration Annual Certification for Short-Term Rental Tax and the Short-Term Filing Form1. The Short-Term Rental Tax is a trust tax collected from customers and held for remittance, and every person engaging in the short-term rental business activity is required to file the tax return4.

By ensuring that all the required documents are in order, individuals seeking to operate a short-term rental in Roanoke can navigate the regulatory process effectively and establish a compliant and successful venture.

Roanoke Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental hosts in Roanoke, Virginia are subject to various taxes, including the transient occupancy (hotel) tax, prepared food & beverage (meals) tax, and consumer utility tax. The transient occupancy tax is imposed on hotels and travel campgrounds equivalent to 7% of the total4. Effective July 1, 2021, every short-term vacation rental shall impose a 7% tax on the TOTAL AMOUNT paid for lodging4. Hosts are required to register for tax collection and file the necessary forms2.

The short-term rental tax is a tax on the total amount charged to each person for the rental of Code of Virginia. The short-term rental tax is a ‘trust tax.’ This means that the taxes are collected from customers City of Roanoke. Please remember that ‘trust taxes’ collected and held for remittance cannot be used for any other2. All businesses with a rental classification on their City of Roanoke Business License are required to file the short-term rental tax2. The tax rate for short-term rental (92 consecutive days or less) is one (1) percent of total gross 2. The tax rate for short-term rental ‘heavy equipment’ (270 consecutive days or less) is one and one2.

It is important for short-term rental hosts to comply with tax regulations to avoid penalties and legal issues. Hosts can visit the City of Roanoke Commissioner of the Revenue website for more information about business taxes and tax collection2.

Roanoke wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Roanoke, Virginia, the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) are defined by the zoning ordinance and other local requirements. The provision of a room or space for fewer than 30 consecutive days in exchange for a charge is considered a short-term rental4. To operate an STR, hosts may need to obtain a special exemption permit, as well as a short-term rental zoning permit1. These permits are essential for ensuring compliance with the local zoning code and ordinances.

The zoning ordinance in Roanoke County specifies various uses that provide overnight accommodations for compensation, including bed and breakfast, boarding house, and hotel/motel/motor lodge4. This indicates that the county is actively involved in regulating short-term rental properties to ensure that they align with the local zoning and land use regulations.

The City of Roanoke also imposes a short-term rental tax on the total amount charged for the rental of accommodations5. This tax is applicable to all businesses with a rental classification on their City of Roanoke Business License5. Hosts are required to file the necessary forms and adhere to the tax filing requirements to remain compliant with the city's regulations.

Overall, the regulations for short-term rentals in Roanoke are designed to ensure that STR properties operate in accordance with the local zoning and tax requirements. Hosts must obtain the relevant permits and comply with the tax obligations to legally operate an STR in the area.

Does Roanoke strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Roanoke Airbnb friendly?

In Roanoke, Virginia, the enforcement of short-term rental (STR) rules and the city's friendliness towards Airbnb are not explicitly addressed in the available sources. However, it is evident that specific regulations and requirements exist for STRs, including zoning permits, tax obligations, and approval processes. The process of obtaining a special exemption permit for certain zones has been described as fairly smooth by a property owner in Roanoke1. Additionally, the Roanoke County Planning Commission has been directed to review and make recommendations on the regulation of short-term rental properties, indicating a proactive approach to addressing this issue2.

While the opinions of Airbnb hosts in Roanoke are not directly provided in the search results, it is important for individuals interested in starting an Airbnb business in Roanoke to thoroughly research and understand the local regulations and requirements. This may involve reaching out to local authorities, such as the Roanoke County Planning Department, for detailed information on STR regulations and zoning3.

In summary, while the specific enforcement and Airbnb friendliness of Roanoke are not explicitly outlined in the available sources, it is clear that the city has established regulations and processes for STRs. Individuals considering STRs in Roanoke should ensure compliance with these regulations and seek guidance from the relevant local authorities.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Roanoke

Starting a short-term rental (STR) business in Roanoke, Virginia involves several key steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and tax requirements.

Here's a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process:

• Understand Zoning and Permitting Requirements: Before embarking on your STR venture, it's crucial to determine if your property is located in an area where short-term rentals are permitted. Some zones may require a special exemption permit, so it's essential to research the specific zoning regulations that apply to your property2.
• Obtain the Necessary Permits: Once you've identified the zoning requirements, you may need to secure a short-term rental zoning permit. This permit is essential for legally operating an STR property in Roanoke. It's important to note that the permit expires upon any change in ownership of the property2.
• Register for Short Term Rental Tax: As an owner of an STR property in Roanoke, you are subject to the short-term rental tax, which is a 'trust tax' collected from customers and remitted to the City of Roanoke. The tax rate for short-term rentals (92 consecutive days or less) is one percent of the total gross, while the rate for short-term rental 'heavy equipment' (270 consecutive days or less) is one and one-half percent. The application for the short-term rental tax must be filed within thirty days of commencing the STR business1.
• Comply with Local Tax Regulations: In addition to the short-term rental tax, it's important to be aware of other local taxes that may apply to your business, such as the transient occupancy (hotel) tax, prepared food & beverage (meals) tax, and consumer utility tax. Ensure that you understand the filing requirements and tax rates for each of these obligations3.
• Stay Informed and Seek Assistance: For more detailed information about the business taxes administered by the City of Roanoke Commissioner of Revenue, you can visit the official website or contact the Commissioner's Business Tax Center directly at (540) 853-25241.

By following these steps and staying informed about the local regulations and tax requirements, you can establish and operate a short-term rental business in Roanoke, Virginia in a compliant and legally sound manner.

Who to contact in Roanoke about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To ensure compliance with short-term rental regulations and zoning in Roanoke, Virginia, it is essential to contact the Roanoke County Planning Department. You can reach out to the Planning Department at 5204 Bernard Drive, Second Floor, P.O. Box 29800, Roanoke, Virginia 24018-0798. For inquiries, you may call them at (540) 772-2068. The Planning Department is responsible for providing guidance on the application process, zoning permits, and any other regulatory requirements for short-term rentals in the area.

Additionally, they can offer assistance in understanding the specific regulations and zoning ordinances that pertain to short-term rental properties within Roanoke County.

What do Airbnb hosts in Roanoke on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

The opinions of Airbnb hosts in Roanoke regarding local regulations are varied. In Richmond, Virginia, hosts are facing strict restrictions, such as the requirement that the property used for short-term rental must be their primary residence, and they must live on the property for a minimum of 185 days a year1. This has raised concerns among hosts, with some fearing the negative impact on their business. The decision to change short-term rental regulations came after extensive public input, with some advocating for fewer rules, while others emphasized the importance of preserving neighborhoods and addressing broader issues like affordable housing1.

In Roanoke, Virginia, the regulations also reflect a trend of municipalities imposing restrictions on short-term rentals. The city's policy prohibits non-owner-occupied residences from being used for short-term rentals, meaning absentee owners cannot convert a property into a full-time Airbnb5. However, some hosts have successfully navigated the regulatory process and established highly rated short-term rentals within the city, indicating that compliance with the regulations is achievable4.

While specific opinions from Airbnb hosts in Roanoke are not directly available from the provided sources, the broader context suggests a mix of challenges and opportunities for hosts in navigating the local regulatory landscape.