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

PennsylvaniaUpdated Feb 11, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 11, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 95

Classification

Prohibited

Severity

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

What this means for you

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

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

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

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements12 rules

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 process8 rules

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.

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions5 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties3 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Poconos

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Ensure the property is located in the Commercial (C) or Recreation (RD) districts, as rentals are prohibited in R-1 and R-2 zones.

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

Zoning Map

Official resource

Step 2

Register for State and County Taxes

Obtain a PA Sales Tax License from the Department of Revenue and a Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate from the County Treasurer.

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

Tax Application Forms

Official resource

Step 3

Submit TDU License Application

Submit the Transient Dwelling Use application to the Township Zoning Officer along with the required documents and fee.

2 weeks

Documents needed

Tax Certificates
Proof of $500k Insurance
Parking Plan
Floor Plan

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Safety Inspection

The Township Code Official will conduct an inspection within 15 business days of application submission to verify safety compliance.

1-2 weeksFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Poconos

Prohibited

PennsylvaniaUpdated Feb 11, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 11, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 95

Classification

Prohibited

Severity

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

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

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

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements12 rules

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 process8 rules

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.

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions5 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties3 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Poconos

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Ensure the property is located in the Commercial (C) or Recreation (RD) districts, as rentals are prohibited in R-1 and R-2 zones.

1-3 daysFree

Documents needed

Zoning Map

Official resource

Step 2

Register for State and County Taxes

Obtain a PA Sales Tax License from the Department of Revenue and a Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate from the County Treasurer.

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

Tax Application Forms

Official resource

Step 3

Submit TDU License Application

Submit the Transient Dwelling Use application to the Township Zoning Officer along with the required documents and fee.

2 weeks

Documents needed

Tax Certificates
Proof of $500k Insurance
Parking Plan
Floor Plan

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Safety Inspection

The Township Code Official will conduct an inspection within 15 business days of application submission to verify safety compliance.

1-2 weeksFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Register for State and County Taxes

Submit TDU License Application

Pass Safety Inspection

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?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Register for State and County Taxes

Submit TDU License Application

Pass Safety Inspection

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?

Disclaimer