What zoning rules apply to STRs in Hershey?

STRs are strictly prohibited in all R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zoning districts.

What should Hershey hosts know about one off-street parking space is?

One off-street parking space is required per bedroom used for the STR.

What are the key requirements for Hershey hosts?

Permits must be renewed annually, and properties are subject to re-inspection.

What are the key requirements for Hershey hosts?

The 5% County Hotel Tax is separate from the 6% State Sales Tax; both must be remitted.

Hershey

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

PennsylvaniaLast updated: February 10, 2026

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Verified: Feb 9, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hershey are regulated by Derry Township and are only permitted in specific commercial and mixed-use zoning districts, with residential zones strictly prohibited.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•Standard permit fee: $250
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

If you want to run an Airbnb in Hershey, you must be located in a commercial or village core zone; most residential neighborhoods do not allow STRs. You are required to obtain a zoning permit, pass a safety inspection, and pay an annual registration fee to Derry Township.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Hershey: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Hershey: STRs are strictly prohibited in all R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential zoning districts.
•Hershey prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational Vehicles, Tents, Unfinished Basements.

Requirements(12)

•Hershey: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Hershey requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit". Apply through Derry Township Community Development Department. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Hershey: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(8)

•Hershey STR permit - Step 2: Register for Dauphin County Hotel Tax. Register your rental with the Dauphin County Treasurer's Office to obtain a tax account number. Required documents: Business Information. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Hershey charges a registration fee of $250 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Hershey: The 5% County Hotel Tax is separate from the 6% State Sales Tax; both must be remitted.
•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Dauphin charges a Dauphin County Hotel Tax of 0.05%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Hershey occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom, up to a maximum of 10 persons total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Hershey limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom, up to a maximum of 10 persons total.
•Hershey enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Hershey limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Hershey requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Interconnected smoke alarms, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Visible house numbers.

Penalties(2)

•Hershey: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Hershey enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $600 per day. Second offense: Increased fines and possible legal action. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: 600. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Hershey exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Hershey: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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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.

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Pennsylvania

Strict

Harrisburg requires a mandatory Short-Term Rental License, enforces strict zoning based on owner-occupancy, and levies a 6% city occupancy tax in addition to state and county taxes.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.2% total tax

Scranton

Pennsylvania

Strict

Scranton requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual rental license, satisfy primary residency requirements, and provide one off-street parking space per guest bedroom.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Bensalem

Pennsylvania

Moderate

Bensalem regulates short-term rentals under its general residential rental licensing program, requiring annual inspections and compliance with Bucks County and state tax mandates.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

State College

Pennsylvania

Prohibited

State College requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license and a separate CRCA safety permit. Properties must be the host's primary residence (8+ months/year) and are capped at 120 rental nights per year.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Hershey

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(7)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

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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Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Scranton

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Hershey

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Hershey?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Hershey?

3Are there specific zoning restrictions for STRs in Hershey?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Hershey?

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Harrisburg

Scranton

Bensalem

State College