Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed? (Explicit Answer)

Yes. Honey Brook Township allows short‑term rentals (STRs). In July 2025, the Township adopted an ordinance amending its zoning chapter to add definitions and regulations specifically relating to short‑term rentals. Investors can therefore pursue STRs in the Township, but must comply with zoning definitions, permitted use standards, and any procedural requirements added by that ordinance. Because this is a newly adopted rule set, investors should confirm the current status and any effective dates before investing or listing a property.

Notes:

• The Township also adopted a parallel On‑Lot Sewage Management Ordinance. This is not an STR rule; however, it imposes mandatory sewage inspections and pump‑outs every three years that can affect STR hosting if the property uses on‑lot septic systems.
• If you are considering a property that includes an accessory dwelling unit (ADU, also referenced locally as “carriage homes”), ADUs can be permitted by right or by special exception depending on specific standards; some municipalities in Chester County allow ADUs to be used as STRs. Honey Brook’s current ADU provisions are found in Section 27‑207 of the zoning code, which separates attached and freestanding units with distinct definitions and regulations. You should verify whether STR use is an allowed use for ADUs under Honey Brook’s updated STR ordinance.

Sources:

• Honey Brook Township zoning ordinance (STR definitions/regulations): ecode360.com/HO3693/laws/LF2420563.pdf
• Honey Brook Township on‑lot sewage management ordinance: ecode360.com/HO3693/laws/LF2420564.pdf
• SRA news brief announcing the adoption: www.suburbanrealtorsalliance.com/news/2025/07/25/chester-county/honey-brook-township-passes-ordinances-regulating-on-lot-sewage-and-short-term-rentals/
• County planning context on ADUs (Honey Brook references Section 27‑207): www.chescoplanning.org/Housing/MissingMiddle/Opportunities/Low-ADU.cfm

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in This Market

1. Due diligence before purchase

• Confirm the property’s zoning district and whether STRs are permitted, and whether any conditions apply (e.g., principal residence, special exceptions, caps, parking, size limits).
• Verify that the STR use complies with any updated definitions and regulations adopted in July 2025. If the property includes an ADU or carriage house, confirm whether STR use is allowed under the ADU standards and the new STR ordinance.
• Identify the sewage system. If it’s on‑lot septic, plan for mandatory inspections and pump‑outs every three years, including any inspection timing tied to rental operations or turnover.
• Review HOA, historic district, and neighborhood covenants that may restrict STRs or impose additional requirements. These are private restrictions and can be more restrictive than municipal code.
• For mixed‑use or multi‑unit properties, confirm whether the STR use is permitted within the applicable residential or mixed‑use zoning category.

2. Licensing and compliance setup

• Apply for any required municipal STR registration, permit, or business license under the new ordinance.
• Implement tax remittance processes for state and local hotel taxes where applicable. The exact local rates and remittance procedures should be confirmed with the PA Department of Revenue and the local tax collection officer.
• Maintain compliance with sewage inspections/pump‑outs every three years, and keep documentation available for Township inspection.

3. Operations and guest management

• Screen and vet guests consistent with fair housing and state law; consider minimum age, occupancy limits, quiet hours, parking rules, and trash/recycling practices.
• Set property rules covering maximum occupancy, parties/events, smoking, pets, and local quiet hours. Require acknowledgement of local noise, parking, and nuisance rules.
• Verify all smoke and CO alarm requirements are met. Retain safety documentation and emergency contact information on‑site.
• If septic, coordinate maintenance cycles and guest turnover to avoid sanitation issues. Schedule inspections and pump‑outs every three years and keep records.

4. Ongoing monitoring

• Monitor updates to the zoning code and the STR ordinance to track effective dates and any amendments.
• Retain copies of application filings, correspondence, inspection reports, and tax remittances. Set calendar reminders for triennial sewage inspections and any license renewals.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Municipal STR registration/permit or business license: Obtain from Honey Brook Township in accordance with the July 2025 ordinance; confirm whether this is issued by the Zoning Office or Township Secretary/Manager.
• Zoning confirmation: Secure written confirmation that the STR use is permitted at the subject property under the zoning district, or obtain special exception approval if required.
• Sewage compliance: For on‑lot septic, retain documentation of inspections and pump‑outs every three years; the Township’s On‑Lot Sewage Management Ordinance mandates these cycles.
• State taxes: File and remit Pennsylvania state hotel occupancy tax and any applicable local hotel taxes. Confirm remittance mechanics and the local tax collector’s procedures with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the Township.
• Fire/life safety: Follow any Township or state requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, posted emergency egress plans, and emergency contact signage.
• If applicable (ADUs/carriage homes): Confirm that the ADU is compliant with Section 27‑207, including any owner‑occupancy or residency conditions, and that STR use is permitted under the updated STR regulations.

Citations:

• Honey Brook STR ordinance: ecode360.com/HO3693/laws/LF2420563.pdf
• On‑lot sewage management ordinance: ecode360.com/HO3693/laws/LF2420564.pdf

Specific Regulations (Township/County/State)

Township: Honey Brook

• STRs are permitted subject to definitions and standards adopted in July 2025. The ordinance amends the zoning chapter to add STR definitions and regulations; exact use permissions, conditions, caps, parking, and notification requirements are detailed in the adopted text. Investors must consult that document for current requirements.
• ADUs (accessory dwelling units) are regulated under Section 27‑207 of the zoning code, which distinguishes between attached and freestanding units with separate definitions and standards. The local context also references “carriage homes” as a traditional ADU form.
• On‑lot septic is regulated under the On‑Lot Sewage Management Ordinance, requiring inspections and pump‑outs every three years. These obligations may impact STR hosting logistics and property maintenance.

County: Chester County

• County planning materials acknowledge ADUs as a traditional housing form locally and note that municipalities can regulate ADUs through considerations such as permitted locations, resident restrictions, and form. Resident restrictions may include owner‑occupancy, affordability, purchase limitations, and use as short‑term rentals. This is general guidance and does not replace Honey Brook’s specific code; it helps frame the policy context.
• Sources: Chester County Planning Commission ADU guidance: www.chescoplanning.org/Housing/MissingMiddle/Opportunities/Low-ADU.cfm

State: Pennsylvania

• State hotel occupancy tax applies to short‑term lodging; additional local hotel taxes may apply depending on the municipality or county. Operators must collect and remit these taxes per Pennsylvania Department of Revenue rules. Honey Brook’s local tax rates, if any, should be confirmed with the Department and local tax collection officer.
• State fire/life safety and property maintenance standards apply; ensure compliance with smoke and CO alarm requirements and applicable building codes.
• Local zoning regulations are preempted only where state law specifically requires; otherwise, zoning and land use rules are local and must be followed.

Contacts

Honey Brook Borough (municipal contact)

• Phone: Not specified in the provided materials.
• Email: Not specified in the provided materials.
• Website: Not specified in the provided materials.
• Note: This contact point should be used for general inquiries pending confirmation of the current municipal contact details.

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

• Hotel tax registration, filing, and remittance: Confirm procedures for state and local hotel taxes.

Chester County Planning Commission

• Phone: Not specified in the provided materials.
• Email: Not specified in the provided materials.
• Website: www.chescoplanning.org/
• ADU zoning context (information only, not permitting): www.chescoplanning.org/Housing/MissingMiddle/Opportunities/Low-ADU.cfm

Suburban REALTORS Alliance (SRA)

• Phone: (610) 981‑9000
• Email: sra@suburbanrealtorsalliance.com
• Website: www.suburbanrealtorsalliance.com
• News brief announcing the ordinances: www.suburbanrealtorsalliance.com/news/2025/07/25/chester-county/honey-brook-township-passes-ordinances-regulating-on-lot-sewage-and-short-term-rentals/

Source Links (Per Your Request)

• Honey Brook Township short‑term rental ordinance (zoning code amendment): ecode360.com/HO3693/laws/LF2420563.pdf
• Honey Brook Township on‑lot sewage management ordinance: ecode360.com/HO3693/laws/LF2420564.pdf
• Chester County Planning Commission: ADU context and municipal ordinance examples: www.chescoplanning.org/Housing/MissingMiddle/Opportunities/Low-ADU.cfm
• Suburban REALTORS Alliance news brief (July 2025): www.suburbanrealtorsalliance.com/news/2025/07/25/chester-county/honey-brook-township-passes-ordinances-regulating-on-lot-sewage-and-short-term-rentals/

Practical next step for investors: Obtain and review the adopted STR ordinance text for your target district; confirm the effective date; schedule any required pre‑application meetings; and secure Zoning Office confirmation that your property’s STR use is permitted or eligible by special exception before listing or acquiring.