Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Snowshoe, WV?

YES — Short-term rentals are allowed in Snowshoe, West Virginia. The market shows a low regulation environment with no specific city-wide prohibitions on STRs. However, investors must understand and comply with applicable state and county requirements, as well as any HOA restrictions specific to the resort community.

Snowshoe operates under a regulatory framework that allows both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, making it a relatively investor-friendly market compared to many other resort destinations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Snowshoe

Step 1: Property Acquisition and Setup

• Property Research: Focus on properties near Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Shavers Lake, or within the core resort areas for maximum guest appeal
• HOA Compliance: Since Snowshoe is a resort community with its own Homeowners Association, review HOA bylaws before purchasing to ensure STR operations are permitted
• Property Preparation: Invest in amenities highly sought after in this market:
  • Outdoor amenities: Fire pits, BBQ grills, hot tubs, ski-in/ski-out access
  • Storage for outdoor gear (skis, snowboards, mountain bikes)
  • Indoor features: Fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, cozy living spaces

Step 2: Licensing and Legal Compliance

• Business License: Obtain a business license from the Pocahontas County Commission (required for all STR operations)
• Tax Registration: Register for tax collection with the West Virginia State Tax Commissioner
• Property Management Considerations: If outsourcing management, ensure your property manager holds a valid West Virginia real estate broker's license if managing more than one property for others

Step 3: Tax Setup and Collection Systems

• Implement systems to collect and remit:
  • 6% West Virginia state sales tax
  • 6% local occupancy tax on all bookings
• Set up automated tax collection through your booking platform or property management software

Step 4: Insurance and Financial Protection

• Secure appropriate commercial liability insurance for STR operations
• Consider loss of income insurance for seasonal fluctuations
• Establish separate business banking accounts for STR operations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Licenses and Permits:

1. Pocahontas County Business License

   • Required for all STR operators
   • Contact: Pocahontas County Commission
   • Application required before beginning operations

2. West Virginia State Tax Registration

   • Required for collecting and remitting sales and occupancy taxes
   • Register with West Virginia State Tax Commissioner

3. WV Real Estate Broker's License (if managing multiple properties)

   • Required if managing more than one rental property for others for a fee
   • Governed by West Virginia Real Estate Commission
   • Must display license information on all marketing materials

Required Disclosures:

• Property Manager License Information (if applicable):
  • Broker's name and license number
  • Brokerage office physical address and contact information
  • Affiliation disclosures
  • Equal Housing Opportunity Notice

Tax Collection and Remittance:

• 6% West Virginia state sales tax
• 6% local occupancy tax
• Regular filing requirements (monthly or quarterly based on volume)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations:

• No specific STR ordinances found in Snowshoe municipal code
• No prohibition on non-owner-occupied STRs
• No cap on the number of STR permits issued
• No minimum stay requirements at the city level

County-Level Regulations:

• Pocahontas County requires business licensing for all STR operations
• Standard county business compliance requirements apply
• Local occupancy tax of 6% applies to all STR bookings

State-Level Regulations (West Virginia):

• Broker Licensing Requirement: Managing more than one rental property for others requires a real estate broker's license under West Virginia Code §30-40
• Tax Obligations: State sales tax (6%) and local occupancy tax (6%) requirements
• Consumer Protection: Standard West Virginia consumer protection laws apply
• Fair Housing: Must comply with federal and state fair housing requirements

HOA and Community-Specific Rules:

• Snowshoe Mountain Resort HOA may have additional restrictions
• Review all HOA documents before purchasing or listing
• Common HOA STR provisions may include:
  • Occupancy limits
  • Parking restrictions
  • Noise regulations
  • Exterior appearance requirements
  • Rental period minimums

Contact Information for Local Authority

Pocahontas County Commission

• Address: County Courthouse, 900 8th Avenue, Marlinton, WV 24954
• Phone: (304) 799-6949
• Website: Pocahontas County Official Website

West Virginia Real Estate Commission

• Phone: (304) 558-3555
• Website: WV Real Estate Commission
• Purpose: License verification for property managers

West Virginia State Tax Commissioner

• Phone: (304) 558-3333
• Website: WV State Tax Department
• Purpose: Tax registration and filing guidance

Snowshoe Mountain Resort (HOA Information)

• Address: Snowshoe, WV 26209
• Website: Snowshoe Owner Services
• Purpose: HOA rules and property management guidelines

Market Intelligence for STR Investors

Financial Performance Metrics:

• Median Annual Revenue: $34,985 per listing
• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $390
• Occupancy Rate: 36.3%
• Revenue Growth: 17.1% year-over-year
• Active Listings: 611 properties

Seasonality Considerations:

• Peak Season: November-April (ski season)
  • Highest revenue month: January
  • Average peak season occupancy: 55.8%
  • Peak season ADR: $505
• Off-Peak Season: April-November
  • Lowest revenue month: September
  • Shoulder seasons offer opportunities for extended stay discounts

Property Type Performance:

• Apartment/Condo: 76.8% of market (most common)
• Houses: 21.4% of market
• Unique Properties: 1.9% of market (potential differentiation opportunity)

Guest Capacity Trends:

• Most Common: Properties accommodating 8+ guests (35.8%)
• Market Average: 6.0 guests per property
• Booking Lead Time: 54 days average

Source Links

1. MountainTop Condos - Real Estate Broker Licensing Requirements
2. Summer - Vacation Rental Management Overview
3. AirROI - Snowshoe Market Analysis 2025
4. BuildYourBnb - STR Regulations Summary
5. West Virginia Code §30-40 - Real Estate Licensing
6. Arello License Verification Database
7. West Virginia Real Estate Commission

Important Note: Regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before beginning operations. Consider working with local legal counsel familiar with West Virginia real estate and business law to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.