ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Rockingham County is now accepting applications for short-term rental (STR) administrative permits.

At the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 10, 2025, the Board approved an ordinance establishing an administrative permit program for short-term rentals. Under the ordinance, operators of short-term rentals must obtain a permit from the Department of Community Development by December 31, 2026.

Officials say the ordinance does not regulate who may operate a short-term rental or where short-term rentals may be located, and that the program is intended to address health, safety, and welfare considerations associated with STR properties.

Permit requirements include documentation related to smoke alarms, fire safety, emergency access, and evacuation planning. If a property is served by a septic system, applicants must provide verification from the Virginia Department of Health confirming the system can support the proposed maximum overnight occupancy. Applicants must also provide proof of liability insurance covering short-term rental use, and a property management plan to include occupancy limits, parking arrangements, fire safety information, an evacuation diagram, and responsible agent’s contact information.

The requirements apply to both existing and new short-term rentals located in Rockingham County, to include those located within the Massanutten Property Owners Association. This ordinance does not apply to STRs located in the seven incorporated towns.

Applications may be submitted to the Department of Community Development in person, by mail, or online via the public portal at www.evolve-public.infovisionsoftware.com/rockingham/.

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Community Development in coordination with the Fire Marshal, Building Office, and other applicable county staff and agencies.

A $200 fee will apply to permit applications and annual renewals. Permits will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Application materials and the full text of the ordinance are available on the Rockingham County website at www.rockinghamcountyva.gov/972/Short-Term-Rentals.