LicensedRental

Virginia county rules

Botetourt County, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Botetourt County requires a zoning permit and a short-term rental permit before you rent, with a concept plan, a guest log, and guests capped by the septic permit (or two per bedroom). A whole cabin or cottage needs 24-hour management with posted contact information. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the county’s 7% lodging tax.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
County permits
Zoning permit + short-term rental permit
Before you rent; include a concept plan and the number of bedrooms.Source
Guests
Septic capacity, or 2 per bedroom
Two people over age two per bedroom on public water or without a septic permit.Source
Whole-home rentals
One per parcel
“Cabin or cottage,” with 24-hour management and posted contact information.Source
Taxes
5.3% sales + 7% lodging tax

We read § 25-434 through a third-party copy (Zoneomics) and didn’t see which districts allow each type or the permit fees. Ask Botetourt County Community Development.

The Towns of Buchanan, Fincastle, and Troutville have their own zoning; we haven’t checked them.

What to do

  1. Apply for the zoning and short-term rental permits

    Give the county your parcel, contact information, number of bedrooms, a concept plan, your manager’s information, and the Health Department sewage permit if you’re on septic. You certify that there are no outside changes, that guests park in the driveway or a designated area, and that you have a trash plan, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers.Source

  2. Keep a guest log

    Record each guest’s name, address, license plate, and length of stay, and show it to county staff on request. No guest can stay more than 30 nights in a row.Source

  3. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 5.3% sales tax, and stays under 30 days also owe the local transient occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with Virginia Tax. Botetourt County’s lodging tax is 7%. For direct bookings, ask the Commissioner of the Revenue how to file it. The Towns of Buchanan (4%) and Fincastle (5%) levy their own.Source

Inspection checklist

What the inspector looks for, from Botetourt County, Virginia’s published checklist.

  • Smoke detectors and fire extinguishersAs the Virginia Construction Code requires.Source
  • Concept plan of the property
  • Health Department sewage permitIf you’re on septic; it sets your guest limit.Source

House rules for guests

Parking
On the lot only
In the driveway or designated parking areas.Source
Homestay
Owner on site, up to 4 rooms
Renting rooms in the home you live in, under one contract.Source

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.