Benton, Pennsylvania Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Benton, PA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Benton Township, PA. Benton Township has enacted specific regulations governing short-term rentals (STRs) through Ordinance 04-22, which was adopted in 2022 and subsequently amended on November 1, 2023. The township maintains an active regulatory framework that permits STR operations while establishing requirements to ensure compliance with local standards.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Benton?

Benton hosts earn a median $22,972/year with $171 ADR and 49% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $34,749+ per year.

See the full Benton market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Benton Township

To establish a short-term rental business in Benton Township, follow these essential steps:

Review Applicable Regulations: Obtain and study the current Short-Term Rental Ordinance (BT-shortterm-rental-ord-2024-1.pdf) to understand all requirements.
Complete Application Process: Submit the Benton Township Short-Term Rental Application Form, which must be filed with township officials.
Compliance Verification: Ensure your property meets all zoning, safety, and operational requirements before commencing operations.
Maintain Ongoing Compliance: Adhere to all operational guidelines, reporting requirements, and renewal obligations specified in the ordinance.
Keep Records: Maintain documentation of all permits, licenses, and compliance activities for future reference and inspections.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on the township's regulatory framework, short-term rental operators must obtain:

Primary Documentation

Short-Term Rental Application (using the township's official form)
Valid Property Ownership Documentation or lease agreements if operating as a tenant
Property Insurance Documentation demonstrating appropriate coverage levels
Compliance Certificates (specific certificates to be determined from the full ordinance text)

Regulatory Compliance Documents

Zoning Compliance Verification to confirm the property is located in an appropriate zoning district
Safety Inspection Reports (if required by the ordinance)
Occupancy Permits (if applicable under state or local building codes)

Ongoing Requirements

Annual License Renewal documentation
Tax Registration with appropriate state and local authorities
Business Registration (if operating as a formal business entity)

Note: The exact application form and any additional requirements can be obtained through the township's official forms and zoning resources page.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Municipal Level (Benton Township)

The Benton Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance establishes the following regulatory framework:

Operational Requirements

STRs must comply with all township zoning regulations
Properties must meet safety and maintenance standards as outlined in township ordinances
Operators must maintain the property in accordance with local property maintenance codes

Permitting and Licensing

All STRs require a valid short-term rental license from Benton Township
Licenses must be renewed annually according to township requirements
Applications must be submitted using official township forms

Compliance and Enforcement

Violations of STR regulations are subject to enforcement actions
Township officials conduct periodic compliance reviews
Non-compliance may result in license suspension or revocation

County Level (Columbia County)

While the provided sources do not detail specific Columbia County regulations for short-term rentals, investors should be aware that county-level requirements may apply, particularly regarding:

Building code compliance and inspections
Health and safety standards
Sewage and waste management requirements
Emergency services and fire safety standards

State Level (Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania state regulations that may apply to short-term rentals include:

Business Registration and Tax Obligations

Pennsylvania Sales Tax registration for transient occupancy tax collection
Corporate registration if operating as a business entity
State income tax obligations for rental income

Consumer Protection and Safety Standards

Compliance with Pennsylvania's landlord-tenant laws where applicable
Adherence to state health and safety codes
Emergency egress and fire safety requirements per state building codes

Note: For comprehensive state-level requirements, consult the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and relevant state agencies for current compliance obligations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Benton Township (Primary Jurisdiction)

Physical Address: Benton Township Office 236 Shickshinny Road Benton, PA 17814

Phone: 570-925-6166 Fax: 570-925-5966 Email: bentontwp@frontiernet.net

Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Key Departments:

Township Supervisors: Primary governing body for ordinance enforcement
Zoning Officer: For zoning compliance and permit questions
Code Enforcement: For property standards and compliance verification

Additional Contact Resources:

Township Website: bentontownship.us/
Contact Page: bentontownship.us/contact-us/

Columbia County (Secondary Jurisdiction)

For county-level requirements, investors should contact:

Columbia County Planning Commission: For comprehensive planning and development guidance
Columbia County Courthouse: For business registration and legal requirements
Columbia County Health Department: For health and safety compliance questions

Source Links

Primary Municipal Sources:

Benton Township Key Ordinances: bentontownship.us/key-ordinances/
Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2022): bentontownship.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-2022.pdf
Short-Term Rental Application Form: bentontownship.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Short-Term-Rental-Form.pdf

Updated Regulatory Documents:

Ordinance Amendments Page: bentontwppa.org/ordinance-amendments/
Most Recent STR Ordinance (2024): bentontwppa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BT-shortterm-rental-ord-2024-1.pdf

Additional Municipal Resources:

Forms & Zoning Information: bentontownship.us/forms-zoning/
Permit Applications: bentontwppa.org/resources/permit-applications/
Zoning Ordinance: bentontwppa.org/resources/zoning-ordinance/

Important Note: All investors should verify the most current regulations and requirements directly with Benton Township officials before proceeding with any short-term rental business venture. The regulatory landscape may have evolved since the provided sources were published, and local officials can provide the most up-to-date guidance for compliance.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Benton

Benton is a small borough in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, nestled in the rural landscape on the southern edge of the Endless Mountains region in the northeastern part of the state. With a population of roughly 800, it retains the quiet, slow-paced character of a traditional Pennsylvania small town, surrounded by wooded ridges, farmland, and clear-running trout streams. Benton is best known as a gateway to Ricketts Glen State Park, one of the most celebrated natural areas in Pennsylvania, and it serves as a convenient home base for visitors exploring the broader Endless Mountains and the Susquehanna Valley. The borough sits about 35 miles east of Williamsport and roughly 60 miles southwest of Wilkes-Barre, placing it within easy reach of several larger cities in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The headline draw near Benton is Ricketts Glen State Park, located roughly 10 to 15 miles to the north in neighboring Sullivan County. The park is famous for its Falls Trail, a strenuous loop that passes more than 20 named waterfalls cascading through two deep glacial glens, as well as Lake Jean, which offers swimming, paddling, and trout fishing. Hikers, photographers, and leaf-peepers travel from across the region to experience its old-growth forest and dramatic gorges, making it one of the most visited state parks in Pennsylvania and a year-round draw for outdoor travelers.

A short drive to the south brings visitors to Knoebels Amusement Resort, in Elysburg, about 20 miles from Benton in Northumberland County. Often described as one of the country's most beloved family-owned amusement parks, Knoebels has free admission, classic wooden roller coasters, an antique carousel, a swimming pool, and an on-site campground, making it a popular day trip for families vacationing in the region.

Benton itself sits within a network of state game lands and designated trout streams that draw anglers in spring and fall, while the winding county roads of Columbia and Sullivan counties attract cyclists, motorcyclists, and fall-foliage drivers throughout the autumn months. The borough is also within roughly half an hour of Bloomsburg and the Susquehanna River, where the annual Bloomsburg Fair is a well-known regional event that brings an extra surge of visitors to the area each fall.

The combination of small-town character, easy access to a marquee state park, and proximity to a beloved amusement park and other regional draws makes Benton a natural fit for short-term rental ownership. Travelers who want to spend their days hiking among waterfalls, riding wooden roller coasters, and exploring the Endless Mountains will find Benton a peaceful, well-located base, with the dining, shopping, and amenities of larger communities just a short drive away.