What zoning rules apply to STRs in Poconos?

STRs are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 residential zones unless they hold legal nonconforming use status.

What are the key requirements for Poconos hosts?

A local person in charge must be designated and must reside or work within 15 miles of the rental unit.

What should Poconos hosts know about total occupancy is capped at?

Total occupancy is capped at a maximum of 14 people, regardless of the number of bedrooms.

What are the key requirements for Poconos hosts?

The license term runs from November 1 to October 31 each year; renewal must be completed annually.

Poconos

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

PennsylvaniaLast updated: February 11, 2026

Baseline Verification

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Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals (Transient Dwelling Use) in Pocono Township are only permitted in Commercial and Recreation zoning districts and require an annual license and safety inspection.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 95 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an STR in Pocono Township, your property must be located in an approved Commercial or Recreational zone, as they are prohibited in residential-only zones (R-1 and R-2). You must obtain a Transient Dwelling Use (TDU) license annually, maintain $500,000 in liability insurance, and pass a safety inspection that checks for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Additionally, you are required to designate a local person in charge who lives within 15 miles of the property to handle emergencies.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.STRs are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 residential zones unless they hold legal nonconforming use status.
2.A local person in charge must be designated and must reside or work within 15 miles of the rental unit.
3.Total occupancy is capped at a maximum of 14 people, regardless of the number of bedrooms.
4.The license term runs from November 1 to October 31 each year; renewal must be completed annually.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Poconos: STRs are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 residential zones unless they hold legal nonconforming use status.
•Poconos does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Poconos: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Poconos: 1. STRs are strictly prohibited in R-1 and R-2 residential zones unless they hold legal nonconforming use status. 2. A local person in charge must be designated and must reside or work within 15 miles of the rental unit. 3. Total occupancy is capped at a maximum of 14 people, regardless of the number of bedrooms. 4. The license term runs from November 1 to October 31 each year; renewal must be completed annually.

Application Process(8)

•Poconos: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: PA Sales Tax License, Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate, Proof of $500,000 Liability Insurance, Floor Plan showing bedrooms, Parking Plan showing off-street spaces, Local Person in Charge Contact Info.

Taxes(2)

•Pennsylvania has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Poconos charges a Monroe County Hotel Excise Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits the 3% county tax, but owners must still file quarterly reports.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Poconos occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 4 (up to 14 total). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Poconos enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Poconos: Total occupancy is capped at a maximum of 14 people, regardless of the number of bedrooms.
•Poconos limits STRs to a maximum of 14 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 4 (up to 14 total)
•Poconos limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Poconos requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Public notice placard must be posted on the front door, GFI outlets within 6ft of water, Metal dryer exhaust.

Penalties(3)

•Poconos: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Poconos enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by violation. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $1,000. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Poconos exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels/Motels, Bed and Breakfasts where owner is present 24/7.
•Poconos: 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

Hershey

Pennsylvania

Prohibited

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.

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

Poconos

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(12)

Application Process(8)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Harrisburg

Scranton

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Poconos

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 Poconos?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Poconos?

3Are there zoning restrictions for rentals in Poconos?

4What are the insurance and safety requirements in Poconos?

Related Content

Other Pennsylvania Markets

Harrisburg

Scranton

Hershey

State College