City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Harpers Ferry, WV
How Harpers Ferry regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here are subject to registration, a lodging tax, or a small number of operating rules.
- Short-term rentals are a permitted use by right in the Residential District
- Only a general (non-STR-specific) business license is required, plus taxes
- No permit cap, owner-occupancy, primary-residence, or host-present requirement
- No dedicated STR registration/permit process; STR named via a 2024 code definition
Based on: Codified Ordinances of Harpers Ferry, Part Thirteen (Project and Zoning Code), Art. 1311.02(a)(2) (Residential
Summary of the rule
Uses allowed. (a) Permitted uses. ... Short-term Rentals, including Bed and Breakfast Inns, vacation rentals or Hostels, providing they (a) obtain valid business licenses, (b) pay all applicable taxes including Business and Occupation, Sales and Use, and Room Occupancy taxes, and (c) abide by Town ordinances applicable to all properties within the residential zone, including parking, noise and lighting restrictions.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 14, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Harpers Ferry · system last checked Nov 9, 2026
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.