Attention Ohio County Residents: Health Permits Required for Short-Term Rentals

Are you planning to rent out your property on a short-term basis (Airbnb, VRBO, etc) in Ohio County, West Virginia? Please be aware that health permits are required for all short-term rental properties.

Any property rented for fewer than 30 days is considered a short-term accommodation as described in WV State Code 64CSR18.  These rentals must be permitted and inspected by the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department before operation.

What You Need to Know:

Permit Requirement: All short-term rental properties must obtain an annual health permit to ensure compliance with local/state health and safety regulations. (WV State Health Department General Sanitation legislative rule, 64CSR18)

Application Process: You can apply for a health permit through the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department. Visit our website or office for more details on the application process and required documentation.

Inspection: Properties will be subject to inspection (yearly) to ensure they meet health and safety standards.

Compliance Cycle: Permits are based on a July-June cycle and expire June 30th of each year.

Rates: The rate per establishment is based on the number of bedrooms (rates are part of the Wheeling-Ohio County Board of Health Fees for Permits & Environmental Health Services rule).

  • 0-20 rooms      $150.00
  • 21-50 rooms    $300.00
  • 51-80 rooms    $450.00
  • >81 rooms       $600.00

Inspection Requirements:  Sanitation and safety including a clean environmental, pest free and proper waste disposal.  Unit(s) must be connected to either a public water supply or private well (testing required).  Unit(s) must be connected to either public sewer or an approved septic system.  Units shall have working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and clear exits.  Other information and requirements can be found in WV 64CSR18.

For more information, please contact the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at 304-234-3682 or visit www.ohiocountyhealth.com.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe and healthy!

 

Related Links

General Sanitation Rule