Virginia county rules
Franklin County, VA vacation rental rules and taxes
Franklin County covers the south side of Smith Mountain Lake. Short-term rentals must be on the county’s registry ($200 a year) and pass a yearly inspection, with an evacuation plan posted, two adults per bedroom, and a fire extinguisher on every floor. They’re allowed by right only in unzoned areas and planned developments, need a special use permit in A-1, and are barred in other districts.
Checked against official sources November 7, 2026What to do
Then your town or area
Each incorporated town sets its own zoning and lodging tax; the county’s rules apply outside town limits. Pick your area.
Towns
Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount allows short-term rentals by right in its RA, R2, R3, and downtown (CBD) districts, with a yearly town registration, a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors, and parking in driveways. The town code defines the host as an owner who lives in the home. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the town’s 7.5% lodging tax.
Full guideUnincorporated Franklin County
Franklin County requires every short-term rental to join its registry ($200 a year), pass an annual inspection, and post an evacuation plan and its approved occupancy. Rentals are allowed by right in unzoned areas and the PCD and RPD districts, need a special use permit in A-1, and are prohibited everywhere else. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the county’s 7% lodging tax.
Sources
- Virginia Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
- Short-Term Rentals · Franklin County Planning and Community Development
- Transient Occupancy Tax · Franklin County Commissioner of the Revenue
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 Spot something out of date?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.