Jenkintown, PA Short-Term Rental (STR) Investor Guide

Overview: STRs are permitted in Jenkintown, PA, but under strict new regulations proposed in 2025. The borough has drafted a specific ordinance regulating STRs, requiring special exception approval in designated zoning districts and annual rental property licensure.

1. Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Jenkintown

Jenkintown requires a structured legal process:

1. Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is located within one of the two zoning districts where STRs are permitted by special exception:
   • Traditional Infill Overlay District.
   • Town Center District.
2. Special Exception Application: Apply to the Zoning Hearing Board for a Special Exception to operate an STR within the permitted district. This process requires meeting specific criteria defined in the ordinance.
3. Annual Rental License: Apply for an annual license under the amended Chapter 142 of the Jenkintown Borough Code, which governs all rental properties (including STRs). This license has specific application requirements and renewal procedures.
4. Compliance: Adhere to all license conditions, safety standards, and ongoing regulations outlined in the ordinance.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

| Requirement | Details | Source | |-------------|---------|--------| | Zoning Special Exception | Mandatory for properties in the Traditional Infill Overlay District or Town Center District. | 1 | | Annual Rental Property License (Chapter 142 Amendment) | Required for all rental properties, including STRs, with specific application requirements and renewal procedures. | 1 | | Compliance with Special Exception Criteria | Must meet criteria established in the proposed STR ordinance (details not fully specified in sources). | 1, 3 | | Adherence to Borough Codes | Must comply with all relevant sections of the Jenkintown Borough Code as amended, including the new STR rules and overall rental property regulations. | 1, 3 |

3. Specific Regulations for STRs

Key Regulatory Points from Proposed Ordinances:

1. Permitted Zoning: STRs are allowed only by Special Exception in the Traditional Infill Overlay District and the Town Center District.
2. Mandatory Annual License: Chapter 142 is being amended to require an annual license for all rental properties, including STRs. Non-compliance results in penalties.
3. Definition & Distinction: The ordinance likely defines STRs distinctly from other lodging types (like hotels/B&Bs) and establishes related special exception criteria and definitions.
4. Oversight & Enforcement: The licensing requirement provides the borough with tools for oversight, including compliance with business privilege taxes. Concerns were raised during Planning Commission review regarding the need for clear definitions and the practicality of occupancy limits (the ordinance includes occupancy limits, though specific numbers weren't detailed in the sources).

4. State-Level Regulations (Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania State Tax Obligations for STR Hosts:

1. Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% tax on the total listing price (including cleaning fees).
2. Pennsylvania Sales Tax: 1% tax applied in addition to the occupancy tax.
3. Collection: These taxes are often collected automatically by booking platforms like Airbnb/VRBO, but hosts must verify compliance and payment.
4. No Statewide STR Law: Pennsylvania does not have a uniform statewide STR law. Regulations are primarily set by municipalities (like Jenkintown).

5. Local Authority Contact Information

• Jenkintown Borough Hall
  • Address: 700 Summit Avenue, Jenkintown, PA 19046
  • Primary Phone: (Contact information not explicitly provided in the sources. Calling Borough Hall is recommended).
  • Website: jenkintownboro.com (for ordinances, agendas, meeting minutes, and general information).

6. Source Links

• Primary Source on Jenkintown's Proposed STR Ordinance: Jenkintown to Regulate Short-Term Rentals (SRA News - April 18, 2025)
• Proposed Ordinance Location: Jenkintown Borough Hall (per Source 1).
• Draft Ordinance Document Reference: April 16 Committee Meeting Agenda Packet (https://jenkintownboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/April-Agenda-and-Documents.pdf) (Contains the draft ordinance text).
• Planning Commission Review Context: Jenkintown Planning Commission Minutes - January 21, 2025 (Discusses ordinance clarifications and concerns).
• Pennsylvania State Tax Context: Airbnb Rules in Pennsylvania - Hostaway Blog (Provides state tax obligations and context that state-level rules are minimal).
• Philadelphia STR Reference (Nearby Major City): City of Philadelphia - Rent Your Property (Short-Term) (Provides example of comprehensive local rules but not applicable to Jenkintown).