Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Berkeley Springs?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Berkeley Springs, though state and county regulations may still apply. Hosts are required to obtain a standard Town Business License from the Town Hall and a West Virginia State Business Registration. Always confirm with the town for specific requirements.

What is the TOT tax rate in Berkeley Springs?

**12% TOT** is the total tax rate applicable to short-term rentals in Berkeley Springs. This is comprised of a 6% West Virginia state sales tax and a 6% Morgan County hotel tax. You need to ensure that you are collecting and remitting this tax on all stays less than 30 days.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Berkeley Springs?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Berkeley Springs, as the Town of Bath does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance prohibiting them. You need to ensure you obtain the required business licenses and collect all applicable taxes. Always follow general noise and safety rules while operating.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Berkeley Springs?

**Enforcement** would likely involve standard business license violations and tax evasion penalties. You need to ensure compliance with state and county tax requirements, as well as obtaining the necessary business licenses. Contact the Town Hall to ensure full compliance and avoid any potential penalties or legal issues.

Berkeley Springs, WV Short-Term... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$15

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Berkeley Springs is officially incorporated as the 'Town of Bath'; ensure you search for Bath ordinances for local rules.
2.The 6% Hotel Occupancy Tax is administered by Morgan County, not the town.
3.West Virginia requires a separate State Business Registration Certificate before you can apply for a local license.
4.Zoning is permissive; while STRs aren't specifically named, 'Tourist Homes' are historically permitted in many residential/commercial mixed areas.
5.If your property is outside the Town of Bath limits, you only follow Morgan County rules (which also lack a dedicated STR ordinance but require the hotel tax).
6.Short-term rentals are defined as stays under 30 consecutive days for tax purposes.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Berkeley Springs: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Berkeley Springs does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Berkeley Springs: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(16)

•Berkeley Springs STR warning: You MUST have a WV State Business Registration Certificate before applying locally.
•Berkeley Springs STR warning: An annual fee of $200 is required for the STR-specific business license as of July 2024.
•Berkeley Springs STR warning: Berkeley Springs is legally the 'Town of Bath'; look for Bath ordinances, not Berkeley Springs.

Application Process(7)

•Berkeley Springs: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: West Virginia State Business Registration Certificate, Town of Bath Business License Application, Proof of Liability Insurance, Emergency Contact Information.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Berkeley Springs charges a registration fee of $200 (annual).
•Berkeley Springs: An annual fee of $200 is required for the STR-specific business license as of July 2024.

Taxes(2)

•West Virginia has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.
•Berkeley Springs charges a Hotel Occupancy Tax of 6%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect 6% State Sales Tax and 6% Local Hotel Occupancy Tax in West Virginia.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Berkeley Springs enforces quiet hours: Subject to general town noise ordinances.
•Berkeley Springs limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Berkeley Springs: Occupancy is strictly limited by the design capacity of your structure to prevent overcrowding.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Berkeley Springs requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Must meet minimum health and safety standards for unsafe or unsanitary conditions.

Penalties(2)

•Berkeley Springs enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by enforcement action. Second offense: Varies. Third offense: Varies. Daily fine: Fines may apply per day of non-compliance. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Berkeley Springs: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Berkeley Springs exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Berkeley Springs: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Berkeley Springs: Rentals for 30 or more consecutive days are exempt from the lodging tax and STR ordinance.

Berkeley Springs

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other West Virginia Markets

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Berkeley Springs

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Berkeley Springs?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Berkeley Springs?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Berkeley Springs?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Berkeley Springs?

Related Content

Other West Virginia Markets

Fayetteville

Harpers Ferry

Charleston