What should Erie hosts know about a local 'responsible agent' living?

A local 'Responsible Agent' living within Erie County is mandatory for all units.

What are the key requirements for Erie hosts?

Off-street parking of 1 space per rentable unit must be provided on the property.

What are the key requirements for Erie hosts?

Ads must display the license number or they will be flagged for license revocation.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Erie?

R-1 and R-1A zones require physical screening (fencing/landscaping) for outdoor living areas.

Erie, PA Short-Term Rental Laws: Comprehensive Hosting Guide

Summary

Short-term rentals in the City of Erie require both a Zoning Certificate and an annual Short-Term Rental License, with mandatory safety inspections and insurance coverage.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Erie, you must first clear zoning requirements and then obtain a city license, which involves an annual fee and a safety inspection. Owners must provide one off-street parking space per unit and name a 'Responsible Agent' who lives within Erie County to handle emergencies. Guests must follow strict quiet hours, and you are required to keep a log of all visitors and their stay dates.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$80

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Erie allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Dwelling, Flat/Duplex, Apartment Building, Condo.
•Erie prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational Vehicle (RV), Camper Trailer, Tent.
•Erie: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Erie: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(13)

•Erie STR warning: Ads must display the license number or they will be flagged for license revocation.
•Erie STR warning: R-1 and R-1A zones require physical screening (fencing/landscaping) for outdoor living areas.
•Erie STR warning: Off-street parking of 1 space per rentable unit must be provided on the property.
•Erie: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(9)

•How to set up an STR in Erie: To host a short-term rental in Erie, you must first clear zoning requirements and then obtain a city license, which involves an annual fee and a safety inspection. Owners must provide one off-street parking space per unit and name a 'Responsible Agent' who lives within Erie County to handle emergencies. Guests must follow strict quiet hours, and you are required to keep a log of all visitors and their stay dates.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Erie charges a registration fee of $80 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $65 (Initial inspection fee of $65 is required).

Taxes(2)

•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Erie County charges a Erie County Hotel Room Rental Tax of 0.07%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Erie enforces quiet hours: Sun-Thu: 10:00 PM - 8:00 AM; Fri-Sat: 11:59 PM - 8:00 AM.
•Erie: R-1 and R-1A zones require physical screening (fencing/landscaping) for outdoor living areas.
•Erie occupancy calculation: Limited to one 'Family' as defined by code OR no more than four unrelated occupants.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Erie requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Smoke alarms on every story and in each bedroom, Passage locks only allowed on bedroom doors, House meter for common areas, Rear yard screening required in R-1/R-1A zones.

Penalties(2)

•Erie enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Citation and fines per municipal court. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Possible license revocation. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Erie: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Erie: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Erie exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Rooming Houses, Owner-Occupied units for direct family only (parents/children).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Erie

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Erie

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 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 Erie?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Erie?

3What are the parking and agent requirements in Erie?

4Are there guest conduct and record-keeping rules in Erie?

Related Content

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Scranton

Hershey

State College