Short-Term Rental Investment Guide: East Stroudsburg, PA

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

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in East Stroudsburg, PA, but only under specific regulations and licensing requirements established by Borough Ordinance No. 1379. The borough has created a comprehensive regulatory framework that permits STR operations while addressing community concerns about noise, parking, litter, security, and public safety impacts on residential neighborhoods.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in East Stroudsburg

Step 1: Property Eligibility Assessment

• Verify your property is a residential dwelling unit within East Stroudsburg borough limits
• Ensure compliance with zoning requirements for single-family dwelling parking standards (3 spaces per unit)
• Confirm property can meet the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code standards

Step 2: License Application Process

• Submit complete Short-Term Rental License application to the Code Enforcement Officer
• Pay initial licensing fees (amount established by Borough Council resolution)
• Complete required annual inspection process
• Maintain valid license for ongoing operations

Step 3: Compliance Setup

• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher)
• Establish private solid waste collection service (weekly pickup, no dumpsters permitted)
• Obtain required insurance coverage ($500,000 general liability minimum)
• Set up hotel room excise tax collection system with Monroe County

Step 4: Operational Launch

• Post required occupancy and contact information notices
• Establish 24/7 contact system (owner or designated manager)
• Implement guest communication protocols for noise and behavior management
• Monitor compliance with occupancy limits and parking requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Licensing Requirements:

1. Short-Term Rental License (issued by Code Enforcement Officer)
2. Annual inspections (Code Enforcement Officer and Rental Housing Inspector)
3. Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate
4. Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax License

Mandatory Documentation for License Application:

• Owner identification (name, address, phone, email)
• Manager designation (if owner not within 20-mile radius)
• Floor plans with habitable space and bedroom count
• Multi-dwelling unit information (if applicable)
• Site plan showing parking spaces and sewage disposal system
• Current recorded deed establishing ownership
• Certificate of Insurance ($500,000 minimum general liability)
• Trespass waiver for inspection access
• Solid waste hauler contract
• Evidence of no delinquent borough water, sewer, or solid waste fees
• Evidence of no delinquent county or state taxes
• Owner and Manager signatures

Operational Standards Required:

• 2006 International Property Maintenance Code compliance
• Single-family occupancy limit per dwelling unit
• Day guest limit (75% of maximum overnight occupancy)
• Off-street parking meeting zoning requirements
• Posted occupancy and contact information notices
• 24-hour contact availability for owner or manager

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (East Stroudsburg Borough):

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum overnight occupancy: One family per dwelling unit
• Day visitor limit: 75% of maximum overnight occupancy
• No overnight camping in recreational vehicles, tents, or outdoor areas

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum 3 off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit (stacked parking permitted)
• Overnight guests must park off-street (not on public streets)
• Day visitors may park on-street per applicable street regulations
• Parking areas must be mud-free with paving, stone, or similar material
• Parking expansion requires prior borough approval

Waste Management:

• STR properties excluded from municipal solid waste collection
• Mandatory private solid waste hauler with weekly pickup
• No dumpsters permitted on premises

Property Standards:

• Annual inspection required for license renewal
• Compliance with 2006 International Property Maintenance Code
• Required posting of occupancy limits, contact information, and regulations
• Owner responsible for guest behavior and compliance

Prohibited Activities:

• Disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace
• Excessive noise, tumultuous conduct, or public indecency
• Creating dangerous or physically offensive conditions
• Marketing properties with occupancy exceeding maximum limits

County-Level Regulations (Monroe County):

• Hotel Room Excise Tax applies to rentals under 30 days
• Compliance with Monroe County Ordinance No. 2004-03 (hotel tax definition)

State-Level Regulations (Pennsylvania):

• Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax License required
• Compliance with Pennsylvania Borough Code authority
• State tax collection and remittance obligations

Licensing Fees and Terms

Initial License:

• Fee amount: Established by Borough Council resolution (specific amount not provided in source)
• Valid for: One year maximum or until conditions change
• Separate license required for each dwelling unit in multi-unit buildings

Renewal Process:

• Annual renewal required
• Renewal fee: Established by Borough Council resolution
• Updated inspection required
• Must report any changes from previous application

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Consequences:

• First tier: $100-$1,000 per violation plus court costs and attorney fees
• License revocation: After 3 violations within any 12-month rolling period
  • First revocation: 6-month suspension
  • Subsequent revocations: 1-year suspension
• Separate violations: Each day of continued violation constitutes separate offense
• Additional remedies: Injunctive relief and equitable enforcement authorized

Enforcement Process:

• Written Notice of Violation delivered by personal service or certified mail
• Time frame for correction established by Enforcement Officer
• Appeal rights through Property Maintenance Board of Appeals (30-day deadline)

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

• East Stroudsburg Borough Code Enforcement Officer
• Enforcement: Code Enforcement Officer and Rental Housing Inspector
• Address: East Stroudsburg Borough Municipal Building
• Inspection Access: Required trespass waiver signed as part of application process

Note: Specific phone numbers, email addresses, and website information for the Code Enforcement Officer were not provided in the source documents and would need to be obtained directly from the borough office.

Important Resources and Source Links

Primary Regulatory Document:

• East Stroudsburg Short-Term Rental Ordinance No. 1379
• Effective: Five days after enactment
• Full regulatory framework and compliance requirements

Key Regulatory Framework:

• Pennsylvania Borough Code (Articles XII, XXXII-A, and XXXIII)
• 2006 International Property Maintenance Code
• East Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances, Chapter 124, Article III

Property Maintenance Standards:

• Property Maintenance Code of Appeals procedures
• Annual inspection requirements and standards
• Appeal process and hearing procedures

Critical Compliance Reminders for STR Investors

1. Pre-Application Planning: Verify property eligibility and prepare all required documentation before applying
2. Insurance Requirements: Maintain minimum $500,000 general liability coverage throughout license period
3. Local Management: Ensure owner or designated manager resides within 20-mile radius for immediate response capability
4. Ongoing Monitoring: Maintain active compliance with annual inspection requirements and address violations promptly
5. Tax Compliance: Establish systems for Monroe County hotel tax and Pennsylvania sales tax collection and remittance
6. Community Relations: Implement proactive measures to minimize neighborhood impact and respond to concerns quickly

This comprehensive regulatory framework provides clear pathways for legitimate STR operations while protecting community character and residential quality of life in East Stroudsburg.