LicensedRental

Virginia county rules

Roanoke County, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Roanoke County requires a zoning permit before you rent a room or a home short-term, and in its R-1 and R-2 residential districts a lot under five acres also needs a special use permit. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the county’s 7% lodging tax.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
Market
Part of about 340 “Roanoke” listings
AirROI counts Roanoke postal addresses in the city and county together.Source
Zoning permit
Required before renting
Ends when the property changes hands.Source
R-1 and R-2
Special use permit under 5 acres
By right on lots of five acres or more.Source
Lodging tax
7%, filed quarterly
On the total amount paid for lodging.Source

What to do

  1. Get a short-term rental zoning permit

    Apply to Roanoke County Planning before your first guest. The form asks for the owner’s and a responsible party’s contact details and the parcel. Tell the county within 30 days if a contact changes, and apply again if you sell.Source

    Short-term rental permit application →

  2. 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

Full guide

Unincorporated Roanoke County

Outside Vinton, Roanoke County requires a zoning permit for every short-term rental, plus a special use permit for lots under five acres in the R-1 and R-2 districts. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the county’s 7% lodging tax.

Full guide

Vinton

Vinton allows short-term rentals only as “homestays” in the host’s own home, with a yearly town permit, up to six adult guests, and stays of 14 days or less. Renting without the permit can cost $1,000 each time. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the town’s 7% lodging tax.

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 Spot something out of date?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.