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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Eagles Mere, PA. The presence of established rental management companies like Robin Vacation Rentals and the existence of multiple vacation rental listings on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO confirm that short-term rental operations are permitted and actively operating within the borough. However, investors must navigate a multi-layered regulatory environment that includes borough zoning requirements, Eagles Mere Association (EMA) rules for lake access, and standard Pennsylvania state regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Eagles Mere

Step 1: Initial Market Assessment

Eagles Mere presents a unique short-term rental market characterized by:

• Seasonal Demand: The community has 120 full-time residents but swells to over 3,000 during summer months
• Primary Attractions: Private lake access, historic village, museums, outdoor recreation
• Target Demographics: Families seeking traditional resort experiences, outdoor enthusiasts, historical tourists

Step 2: Property Acquisition and Zoning Compliance

Before purchasing property for STR purposes:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Contact the borough zoning officer to confirm short-term rentals are permitted in your target property's zoning district
2. Review Borough Codes: Access the complete Eagles Mere Borough Codes at www.ecode360.com/EA1776
3. Consider EMA Membership: Properties near the lake may require EMA compliance for guest access to recreational facilities

Step 3: Business Registration and Licensing

1. Pennsylvania Business Registration: Register your business entity with the Pennsylvania Department of State
2. Tax Registration: Obtain appropriate tax accounts with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
3. Local Business License: Confirm if Eagles Mere Borough requires local business licensing (contact borough office)

Step 4: Operational Setup

1. Insurance Coverage: Secure comprehensive liability and property insurance
2. Property Management: Decide between self-management or professional property management (Robin Vacation Rentals is a local option)
3. Guest Services: Establish protocols for guest check-in, communication, and emergency procedures

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Borough-Level Requirements

Zoning Permit: Required for properties used as short-term rentals

• Application: Final Zoning Permit Application (378 kb PDF)
• Cover Letter: Zoning Permit Cover Letter (50 kb DOC)
• Process: Submit through Code Inspections, Inc. (codeinspectionsinc.com/permits-inspection-info/)

Noise Ordinance Compliance:

• Borough has a formal noise ordinance (PDF available on borough website)
• Guests must comply with disturbance prevention regulations

Contractor Registration (if renovations needed):

• EM Contractor Registration required for work performed in the borough
• 745 kb PDF application available

Eagles Mere Association (EMA) Requirements

Temporary Membership Processing:

• Rental agencies and property owners must submit guest lists via email to EMA office
• Required information: cottage name, all guest names, rental dates
• Deadline: Must be submitted no later than 3 days before rental begins
• Fee Structure: Based on number of guests staying in rented cottage
• Registration: Temporary members must register at Beach Office during summer season

State-Level Requirements (Pennsylvania)

Business Registration:

• Register business entity with PA Department of State
• Obtain tax accounts with PA Department of Revenue
• If employing workers, register with PA Department of Labor & Industry

Consumer Protection:

• Provide required consumer notices under Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing laws
• Maintain compliance with Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act provisions

Industry Best Practices

Professional Management Considerations: Local property managers like Robin Vacation Rentals can provide:

• Guest screening and management
• Property maintenance coordination
• Compliance with local regulations
• Marketing and booking services

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Eagles Mere Borough Regulations

The borough operates under codified ordinances available through the eCode360 system. Key areas affecting STRs include:

Zoning Compliance: Properties must be located in zoning districts that permit transient accommodation uses. Contact the borough zoning officer for specific district requirements.

Noise and Nuisance Control: Borough enforces noise ordinances requiring reasonable quiet hours and neighborhood compatibility.

Parking and Traffic: Seasonal traffic increases require compliance with local parking and traffic management ordinances.

Eagles Mere Association (EMA) Regulations

Lake Access Privileges:

• Only EMA members and their guests may use lake and beach facilities
• Renters must obtain temporary membership through property owner/manager
• Strict enforcement of beach rules including supervision requirements for minors
• Alcohol restrictions during beach hours

Property Use Restrictions:

• No camping or habitation on EMA property except with written permission
• Tree and shrub cutting prohibited without prior authorization
• All watercraft using the lake must be EMA registered

Guest Conduct Standards:

• EMA enforces acceptable behavior standards for all users
• Violation can result in loss of beach/lake privileges
• Owners are responsible for guest conduct and financial obligations

Sullivan County Considerations

As part of Sullivan County, STRs must comply with:

• County health department regulations for lodging establishments
• Pennsylvania state lodging and accommodation regulations
• County tax collection requirements for transient occupancy

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Eagles Mere Borough

Primary Contact:

• Phone: 570-525-3247
• Email: secretary@emborough.org
• Address: 915 Laporte Avenue, P.O. Box 393, Eagles Mere, PA 17731
• Website: www.eaglesmerepa.org
• Permit Information: eaglesmerepa.org/ordinance-zoning--permits.html

Additional Contacts:

• Code Inspections, Inc.: codeinspectionsinc.com/permits-inspection-info/
• Borough Codes: www.ecode360.com/EA1776

Eagles Mere Association (EMA)

Primary Contact:

• Phone: 570-525-3515
• Email: office@emalake.org
• Address: 487 Lakewood Avenue, P.O. Box 308, Eagles Mere, PA 17731
• Website: www.emalake.org

Key Departments:

• Beach and Lake Director: For temporary membership and lake access questions
• Operations Committee: For rule interpretation and guest privilege issues

Local Property Management Services

Robin Vacation Rentals (Local STR Management):

• Phone: 570-525-3929
• Address: 51 Sullivan Avenue, Eagles Mere, PA 17731
• Services: Full-service rental management, guest services, compliance assistance

Regional Resources

Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce:

• Website: www.sullivanpachamber.com/
• Resources: Business networking, local regulations, tourism data

Pennsylvania Business One Stop Shop:

• Website: business.pa.gov/
• Resources: State registration, tax information, compliance guidance

Links to Source Pages

Official Borough Resources

1. Eagles Mere Borough Homepage: www.eaglesmerepa.org/
2. Borough Ordinances & Permits: eaglesmerepa.org/ordinance-zoning--permits.html
3. Borough Codes (eCode360): www.ecode360.com/EA1776
4. Code Inspections, Inc. (Permit Processing): codeinspectionsinc.com/permits-inspection-info/

Eagles Mere Association Resources

1. EMA Homepage: www.emalake.org/
2. EMA Rules & Regulations: www.emalake.org/rules.html
3. EMA Temporary Membership Info: eaglesmereassociatio.fatcow.com/temporary-membership.html

State and County Resources

1. PA Business One Stop Shop: business.pa.gov/
2. Sullivan County Chamber: www.sullivanpachamber.com/
3. PA Office of Open Records: www.openrecords.pa.gov/

Local Business Resources

1. Robin Vacation Rentals: www.robinvacationrentals.com/
2. Visit Historic Eagles Mere: visithistoriceaglesmere.com/
3. Endless Mountains Visitor Bureau: www.endlessmountains.org/

Investment Considerations and Best Practices

Seasonal Market Dynamics

Eagles Mere's extreme seasonal population variation (120 full-time to 3,000+ seasonal) creates unique investment challenges:

• Summer Peak: Maximum occupancy and rates possible
• Off-Season Strategy: Winter activities limited to toboggan slide (weather-dependent)
• Shoulder Seasons: Spring and fall require specialized marketing

Compliance Risk Management

Multi-Jurisdictional Oversight: Success requires compliance with:

• Borough zoning and nuisance ordinances
• EMA lake and beach access rules
• Pennsylvania state lodging regulations
• County health and safety requirements

Documentation Maintenance: Keep current:

• Zoning permits and compliance certificates
• EMA temporary membership records
• State business registrations and tax accounts
• Insurance policies with adequate coverage limits

Competitive Landscape

Established Players: Robin Vacation Rentals represents multiple properties and provides benchmark services and pricing Property Types: Mix of historic cottages, lake homes, and village properties Unique Selling Points: Private lake access, historic charm, family-friendly activities

This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that while short-term rentals are permitted in Eagles Mere, operators must maintain careful compliance with borough, association, and state requirements to operate successfully in this unique resort community.