Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

If you're considering starting a short-term rental business in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, it's crucial to understand the local regulations and requirements. The Borough of Stroudsburg has implemented specific rules to govern short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb and VRBO, which are designed to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods while allowing for this type of accommodation.

To begin operating a short-term rental in Stroudsburg, you'll need to obtain a Short-Term Rental License. This license is required for any dwelling unit rented for less than 30 consecutive days. The licensing process involves several steps and requirements:

Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals. Stroudsburg has designated certain areas where STRs are permitted, typically in residential zones.

Application: Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit Application to the borough. This application will require detailed information about your property, including floor plans and a site plan showing parking spaces.

Local Contact Person: Designate a local contact person who will be available 24/7 to handle any issues or emergencies related to the rental property.

Safety Measures: Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by local ordinances.

Occupancy Limits: Adhere to the maximum occupancy limits set by the borough, which are typically based on the number of bedrooms and overall square footage of the property.

Parking: Provide adequate off-street parking for guests. The number of required spaces may be specified in the local ordinance.

Taxes: Register to collect and remit the 6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax and any applicable local taxes.

Insurance: Obtain liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000 for the short-term rental property.

Inspections: Pass any required inspections by the Code Enforcement Officer to ensure compliance with safety and health standards.

Renewals: Be prepared to renew your license annually, which may involve additional inspections and fees.

It's important to note that the regulations in Stroudsburg are relatively strict compared to some other areas in Pennsylvania. For example, one Reddit user mentioned that their city in Pennsylvania recently added restrictions requiring permits for short-term rentals, and they were told they were not zoned for STRs after a neighbor complained.

Additionally, if your property is part of a homeowners association (HOA) or subject to any covenants, you'll need to review those agreements as well. Some HOAs in the Poconos area have been known to restrict or prohibit short-term rentals.

By carefully following these regulations and being a responsible host, you can contribute positively to the local community while running a successful short-term rental business in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Stroudsburg

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, property owners must obtain a Short-Term Rental License from the Borough. This process involves several requirements and steps:

• Application Submission: Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit Application to the Stroudsburg Borough Zoning Officer.
• Property Information: Provide detailed floor plans with dimensions of all rooms and specific locations of bedrooms.
• Contact Information: Include the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the property owner. If the owner doesn't have a local contact person, they must provide a 24-hour telephone number.
• Local Contact Person: Designate a local contact person who resides within 15 miles of the rental property and is available 24/7.
• Parking Plan: Submit a site plan showing the location and number of on-site parking spaces.
• Tax Certificates: Provide copies of current Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate and Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax License.
• Property Deed: Include a copy of the current recorded deed for the premises.
• Insurance: Provide evidence of liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000 for the short-term rental property.
• Inspection Authorization: Sign a trespass waiver allowing access to the premises for inspections.
• Occupancy Limits: Adhere to the maximum occupancy limits set by the borough.
• Solid Waste Management: Provide a copy of a contract with a solid waste hauler for weekly pickup.
• Tax Compliance: Show evidence that there are no delinquent borough fees or taxes for any properties owned by the applicant in the borough.

To submit these requirements, property owners should contact the Stroudsburg Borough Zoning Officer. The initial fee for registration is $250 per rental unit, which includes the initial inspection for compliance. Annual renewal applications and a $150 per unit fee are required by May 1st each year.

The processing time for license applications can vary, but property owners should allow several weeks for inspections and review of their application.

Operating a short-term rental without a license in Stroudsburg is considered a violation of the ordinance. Penalties for non-compliance can be severe:

1. A fine of up to $1,000 per day may be assessed against property owners who fail to register their rental property, refuse to abide by the rules and regulations, or provide false information.
2. The borough may revoke or deny renewal of a Short-Term Rental Permit for repeated violations.
3. Additional inspections deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer will result in an additional $100 inspection fee per unit.

It's crucial for property owners to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure the legal operation of their short-term rental in Stroudsburg.

Required Documents for Stroudsburg Short-Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, property owners must submit several important documents along with their Short-Term Rental Permit Application. Here's a comprehensive list of the required documents and their purposes:

1. Zoning Permit Application: This ensures your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals.
2. Floor Plans: Provide detailed floor plans with dimensions of all rooms and specific locations of bedrooms. This helps verify the property's layout and occupancy limits.
3. Site Plan: Submit a plan showing property lines, driveways, structures, and the location and number of on-site parking spaces. This ensures adequate parking and compliance with property regulations.
4. Septic System Evaluation: If not on a central sewer system, provide a recent evaluation and pump record (within the past three years) for approval by the Sewage Enforcement Officer. This verifies the system's proper functioning and capacity.
5. Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate: This proves registration to collect and remit the required county lodging tax.
6. Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax License: This demonstrates registration to collect and remit state sales tax on rental income.
7. Property Deed: Include a copy of the current recorded deed to establish ownership.
8. Insurance Policy Declaration Page: Provide evidence of liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000 for the short-term rental property.
9. Homeowners Association Approval: If applicable, submit written approval from your property owners' association for short-term rental use.
10. Trespass Waiver: Sign a waiver allowing access to the premises for inspections by the Zoning and/or Code Enforcement Officer.
11. Solid Waste Hauler Contract: Provide a copy of a contract with a solid waste hauler for weekly pickup, as short-term rentals are not included in municipal waste collection.
12. Tax Compliance Evidence: Show proof that there are no delinquent borough fees, county hotel taxes, or state sales taxes for any properties owned by the applicant.

These documents can typically be obtained from various sources:

1. Zoning and floor plans can be prepared by the property owner or a professional.
2. Tax certificates and licenses are available from the Monroe County Tax Office and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, respectively.
3. Property deeds are on file with the Monroe County Recorder of Deeds.
4. Insurance documents can be obtained from your insurance provider.
5. HOA approval should come from your homeowners association board.
6. Waste hauler contracts can be arranged with local waste management companies.

By submitting these documents, property owners demonstrate compliance with local regulations and ensure the safety and proper management of their short-term rental properties in Stroudsburg.

Pennsylvania Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

While Pennsylvania does not have comprehensive state-wide regulations specifically governing short-term rentals, there are some state-level requirements that affect Stroudsburg hosts and other short-term rental operators across the commonwealth:

1. State Hotel Occupancy Tax: All short-term rental operators in Pennsylvania must collect and remit a 6% state hotel occupancy tax on their rental income. This tax applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days.
2. Sales and Use Tax: Short-term rentals are also subject to Pennsylvania's 6% sales and use tax. However, it's important to note that if a host exclusively uses a third-party booking platform (such as Airbnb or VRBO) that collects and remits these taxes on their behalf, the individual host is not required to obtain a separate Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax license from the Department of Revenue.
3. Local Tax Collection: The state allows counties and municipalities to impose their own taxes on short-term rentals. In Monroe County, where Stroudsburg is located, there is an additional 3% Hotel Room Excise Tax.
4. Building and Safety Codes: While specific requirements may vary by municipality, all short-term rentals in Pennsylvania must comply with state building and safety codes. This typically includes having functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
5. Insurance Requirements: While not a state-wide mandate, many municipalities in Pennsylvania, including Stroudsburg, require short-term rental operators to maintain liability insurance. The typical minimum coverage required is $500,000.
6. Zoning Considerations: The state allows municipalities to regulate short-term rentals through zoning ordinances. This means that even if there are no state-wide restrictions, local zoning laws may limit where short-term rentals can operate.
7. Tenant Protections: Pennsylvania's landlord-tenant laws apply to short-term rentals, providing basic protections for guests even during short stays.
8. Tax Reporting: Short-term rental income must be reported on Pennsylvania state tax returns, in addition to federal tax reporting requirements.

It's crucial for Stroudsburg hosts to understand that while these state-level rules provide a framework, local regulations often impose additional, more specific requirements. The lack of uniform state-level directives means that short-term rental regulations can vary significantly from one municipality to another within Pennsylvania. Therefore, hosts should always consult local ordinances and potentially seek legal advice to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Does Stroudsburg Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Stroudsburg is not particularly Airbnb-friendly compared to other cities, and the borough strictly enforces its short-term rental (STR) rules. The regulations in Stroudsburg are relatively stringent, and the city takes a proactive approach to ensure compliance.

Stroudsburg has implemented specific rules to govern short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO, which are designed to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods while allowing for this type of accommodation. The borough requires all STR operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental License, which involves a rigorous application process and annual renewals.

The enforcement of these rules is taken seriously, with significant penalties for non-compliance. Property owners who fail to register their rental property, refuse to abide by the rules and regulations, or provide false information can face fines of up to $1,000 per day. Additionally, the borough may revoke or deny renewal of a Short-Term Rental Permit for repeated violations.

Despite the strict regulations, some hosts do attempt to operate in Stroudsburg without proper licensing. However, this is a risky endeavor and not recommended. The borough's proactive stance on enforcement, coupled with the severe penalties for non-compliance, makes it challenging for hosts to operate under the radar.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Stroudsburg

Starting a short-term rental business in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania can be a rewarding venture. Follow these steps to successfully launch your STR:

1. Research local regulations and obtain necessary permits: Before diving in, thoroughly research Stroudsburg's short-term rental regulations. Obtain a Short-Term Rental License from the Borough, which involves submitting a detailed application to the Zoning Officer. Ensure your property is in a zone that allows STRs and prepare to provide floor plans, site plans, and other required documentation. This step is crucial as operating without proper licensing can result in hefty fines of up to $1,000 per day.
2. Prepare your property: Make your rental safe, clean, and well-maintained. Install smoke detectors in each bedroom and common areas, carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas, and fire extinguishers as required by local ordinances. Consider the maximum occupancy limits set by the borough when planning your space.
3. Designate a local contact person: Stroudsburg requires STR owners to designate a local contact person who resides within 15 miles of the rental property and is available 24/7. This person will be responsible for handling any issues or emergencies related to the rental.
4. Secure proper insurance: Obtain liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000 for your short-term rental property. This protects you and your guests in case of accidents or damages.
5. Set up tax collection: Register to collect and remit the 6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax, 3% Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax, and any applicable local taxes. Set up systems to track and report your rental income accurately.
6. Create an attractive listing: Take high-quality photos of your space and write a compelling description highlighting your property's unique features and local attractions. List your property on popular platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, as well as on your own website if possible.
7. Establish house rules and guest communication: Develop clear house rules that align with Stroudsburg's regulations, such as quiet hours and parking restrictions. Create a guest guidebook with important information about the property, local attractions, and emergency contacts.
8. Implement a cleaning and maintenance schedule: Establish a rigorous cleaning protocol between guests and schedule regular maintenance checks. Stroudsburg requires STR operators to have a contract with a solid waste hauler for weekly pickup, so arrange this service.
9. Monitor your business and stay compliant: Keep detailed records of your rental activity, including dates rented and number of guests. Be prepared to renew your Short-Term Rental License annually and undergo any required inspections.
10. Engage with the local community: Build positive relationships with your neighbors and local businesses. Consider joining local tourism boards or short-term rental associations to stay informed about industry trends and changes in local regulations.

By following these steps and staying committed to providing excellent guest experiences, you can build a successful short-term rental business in Stroudsburg. Remember to continuously monitor your performance, gather guest feedback, and adapt your offerings to meet changing market demands and regulations.

Who to Contact in Stroudsburg about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you're looking to start or manage a short-term rental in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, it's crucial to stay informed about local regulations and zoning requirements. Here are the key contacts and resources for short-term rental operators in Stroudsburg:

Stroudsburg Borough Zoning Officer

1. Contact: Kenelle DeStefano
2. Phone: 570-421-5444
3. Email: kdestefano@stroudsburgboro.com
4. Address: 700 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

The Zoning Officer is responsible for enforcing short-term rental regulations and can provide information on zoning requirements and permit applications.

Stroudsburg Borough Manager's Office

1. Contact: Lawrence E. Kopp, Borough Manager
2. Phone: 570-421-5444
3. Email: lkopp@stroudsburgboro.com

The Borough Manager's office can provide general information about Stroudsburg's policies and direct you to the appropriate departments for specific inquiries.

Monroe County Planning Commission

1. Phone: 570-517-3157
2. Email: CMeinhart@monroecountypa.gov
3. Address: 701 Main Street, Suite 405, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

The County Planning Commission can offer insights into broader regional planning and zoning considerations that may affect short-term rentals.

Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO)

• Website: https://poconosvro.wildapricot.org/
• This local association provides resources, advocacy, and a community for short-term rental owners in the Poconos region, including Stroudsburg.

Stroudsburg Borough Website

• URL: https://www.stroudsburgboro.com/
• The official borough website often has updated information on local ordinances, permit applications, and zoning regulations.

Online Communities and Forums

• BiggerPockets Forum: There's an active community discussing short-term rentals in the Poconos area, including Stroudsburg. You can find threads specific to the region and connect with other hosts.
• Reddit r/Poconos: This subreddit occasionally features discussions about short-term rentals in the area, providing local insights and experiences.

When contacting these resources, be prepared with specific questions about short-term rental regulations, zoning requirements, permit processes, and any recent changes to local ordinances. Keep in mind that regulations can change, so it's advisable to verify information regularly and maintain open communication with local authorities to ensure compliance with all current rules and regulations.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Stroudsburg on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Stroudsburg and the surrounding Poconos area have mixed opinions about local short-term rental (STR) regulations. Here are some insights from real hosts and investors:

Regulatory Challenges:

A BiggerPockets user seeking advice about STRs in Monroe County, PA (which includes Stroudsburg) expressed concerns about the complex regulatory environment. They asked about "rules and regulations of STR and what is needed for a STR license," indicating that navigating the local requirements can be challenging for new hosts.

Market Saturation:

On Reddit, a user who previously worked in the STR industry in the Stroudsburg area noted that the market has become saturated. They mentioned, "Short-term rentals are frowned upon generally anymore (part of the problem)." This suggests that increased competition and community pushback have made it more difficult for hosts to operate successfully.

Community Impact:

Local sentiment towards STRs in Stroudsburg and the Poconos region appears to be increasingly negative. A Reddit user expressed frustration with the proliferation of Airbnbs, stating, "I am so Tired of Airbnbs." This post, from August 2024, indicates growing tension between long-term residents and short-term rental operators.

Zoning and HOA Restrictions:

A BiggerPockets forum member seeking STR-friendly areas in PA mentioned hearing about "many restrictive zones" in the Poconos region, including East Stroudsburg. This suggests that zoning regulations and homeowners association (HOA) rules are significant concerns for potential STR investors in the area.

Profitability Concerns:

As of September 2021, a BiggerPockets user familiar with the Poconos market noted, "I (and my team) handle a ton of short-term rental properties. Very familiar with this market." This indicates that despite regulatory challenges, some operators have found ways to manage multiple properties successfully.

These insights reveal that while Stroudsburg and the Poconos area have been popular for STRs, hosts face increasing regulatory scrutiny, market saturation, and community resistance. Successful operators in the area emphasize the importance of thorough research, compliance with local regulations, and sensitivity to community concerns.