LicensedRental

Franklin County, Virginia

Rocky Mount, VA vacation rental requirements

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.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026

Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.

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Where allowed
By right in RA, R2, R3, and CBD
Not listed in other districts. An accessory dwelling can be rented only in R2, R3, and CBD.Source
Registration
Every calendar year
With the town’s zoning administrator.Source
Who can host
Owner who lives there
The code defines the host as the owner whose principal residence it is.Source
Taxes
5.3% sales + 7.5% lodging tax

Three or more substantiated complaints in 12 months, or unpaid lodging taxes, can cost you the registration.

Your licensing checklist

In order: the state, the county, then the town.

Commonwealth of Virginia

  1. Know who pays the tax

    When a platform like Airbnb books the stay, it collects and pays the state sales tax and the local lodging tax for you. If guests pay you directly, register with Virginia Tax for sales tax and with your county or city for the transient occupancy tax.Source

    Register a business with Virginia Tax →

  2. Register with your locality if it has a registry

    Many counties and cities require short-term rental hosts to register every year. Registration is a simple filing (your name, each address, and the owner’s permission if you lease the home), but listing an unregistered rental can cost up to $500 per violation.Source

  3. Check your zoning

    Counties and cities keep their power to decide where short-term rentals are allowed and whether you need a zoning or use permit. HOA and condo rules still apply on top. Pick your area for the local rules.Source

Franklin County, Virginia

  1. 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.

Town of Rocky Mount

  1. Check your district

    Short-term rentals are allowed by right in the RA, R2, R3, and CBD districts. Ask the town whether a whole-home rental qualifies when you don’t live there, since the code defines the host as an owner-resident.Source

  2. Register with the town

    Register with the zoning administrator before you rent, giving your name, phone, address, and email. The town passes your registration to Finance for the lodging tax and business license. Renew every year.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. Rocky Mount’s lodging tax is 7.5%. For direct bookings, file it with the town’s Finance Department.Source

Inspection checklist

What the inspector looks for, from Town of Rocky Mount’s published checklist.

  • Fire extinguisher and smoke detectorsIn every rental dwelling.Source
  • Town inspectionYou give written consent when you register.Source

House rules for guests

Parking
Driveways and built parking areas
Source
Signs
Not allowed
Source
Stays
Overnight to 92 days
No RVs or trailers to add guests.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.