What are the permit fees in Easton?

500-foot separation rule: You cannot open an STR if another is located within 500 feet of your property.

What are the key requirements for Easton hosts?

Parking: You must provide one off-street parking space per guest, which is stricter than many other jurisdictions.

What are the key requirements for Easton hosts?

30-mile rule: Non-local owners must have a designated manager living within 30 miles of the city.

What should Easton hosts know about signs: no signage identifying the?

Signs: No signage identifying the property as a short-term rental is permitted.

Easton, PA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permit Requireme…

Summary

Easton requires short-term rentals to obtain an annual license, pass a yearly inspection, and maintain a 500-foot buffer from other STR properties.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 11 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $260
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Easton, you must register your property annually by August 15 and pay a $260 fee. You are also required to obtain a city business license, provide one off-street parking space for every guest, and ensure your property is at least 500 feet away from any other licensed short-term rental. If you live more than 30 miles from Easton, you must appoint a local manager who lives or works within that 30-mile radius.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$260

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.500-foot separation rule: You cannot open an STR if another is located within 500 feet of your property.
2.Parking: You must provide one off-street parking space per guest, which is stricter than many other jurisdictions.
3.30-mile rule: Non-local owners must have a designated manager living within 30 miles of the city.
4.Signs: No signage identifying the property as a short-term rental is permitted.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Easton: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Easton: 500-foot separation rule: You cannot open an STR if another is located within 500 feet of your property.
•Easton: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Easton does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(13)

•Easton: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.
•Easton: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Easton STR warning: Parking: You must provide one off-street parking space per guest, which is stricter than many other jurisdictions.

Application Process(9)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Easton: Step 1: Obtain Zoning Permit - Contact the Easton Codes/Zoning Office to verify that your property is eligible for short-term rental use and that it meets the 500-foot buffer requirement from other STRs. Documents needed: Site plan. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.easton-pa.com/codes-zoning-office Step 2: Apply for City Business License - Short-term rental owners must obtain a general business license from the Finance Department. Documents needed: Business identification. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 25. More info: https://www.easton-pa.com/finance/pages/other-taxes Step 3: Register with Northampton County - Apply for a County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate to handle the 4% county tax. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.norcopa.gov/community-and-housing/hotel-tax-grants Step 4: Submit STR License Application - Register each unit as a Short-Term Regulated Rental Unit with the Licensing and Inspection Office. Documents needed: Business License, Zoning Permit, Manager Designation Form. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 260. More info: https://eastonpa.portal.opengov.com/categories/1081 Step 5: Pass Annual Safety Inspection - Schedule a safety and habitability inspection with the Code Enforcement Officer. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.easton-pa.com/residential-rental-properties-licensing-and-inspection-office

Fees & Costs(1)

•Easton charges a registration fee of $260 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Northampton County charges a Hotel Excise Tax of 0.04%.
•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Easton enforces quiet hours: 10pm - 7am.
•Easton limits STRs to a maximum of 3 guests. Formula: Maximum of 3 unrelated persons per unit.
•Easton occupancy calculation: Maximum of 3 unrelated persons per unit.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Easton limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Easton requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual inspection required, Street address numbers must be visible, Lead paint certification (if applicable), Property must meet all property maintenance codes.

Penalties(2)

•Easton: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Easton enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code section; typically includes fines for unregistered units.. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Unlock: 5-Step Application Guide

Get step-by-step application guides and access to all 51+ markets.

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.

Easton

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

Create a free account

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Scranton

Hershey

State College

Easton

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 Easton?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Easton?

3Are there spacing or location limits in Easton?

4What are the management requirements for Easton rentals?

Related Content

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Scranton

Hershey

State College