Virginia city rules
Galax, VA vacation rental rules and taxes
Galax, an independent city near the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a small rental market. Its zoning code doesn’t mention short-term rentals by name, but it treats tourist homes and other transient lodging as something other than a residence, so check your zone with the city. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus an 8% lodging tax.
Checked against official sources November 7, 2026What to do
Ask how zoning treats your rental
Galax’s zoning ordinance defines tourist homes and other transient lodging separately from residences. Ask the city’s planning and zoning office whether a whole-home rental counts as one in your district, and whether you need a permit.Source
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. Galax’s lodging tax is 8% (Cooper Center 2025 survey). Ask the city where direct bookings file it.Source
Sources
- Zoning Ordinance of Galax, Virginia · City of Galax (eCode360)
- Meals, Transient Occupancy, Cigarette, and Admissions Excise Taxes (table) · Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, University of Virginia
- Virginia Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
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 Spot something out of date?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.