Marietta, Pennsylvania
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Marietta, PA
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STR Regulations for Marietta, Pennsylvania
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?
Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Marietta, PA (East Donegal Township), but with specific restrictions and requirements. The township has developed a regulatory framework for STRs that requires property owner residency and compliance with various operational standards. The current framework allows STRs as permitted uses in most zoning districts with appropriate permits and adherence to township regulations.
What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Marietta?
Marietta hosts earn a median $23,720/year with $157 ADR and 54% occupancy.
Top performers pull in $31,894+ per year.
See the full Marietta market breakdownHow to Start a Short-Term Rental Business
Starting a STR business in East Donegal Township requires several steps:
- Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is in an eligible zoning district (Conservation, Agricultural, Village Center, or Historic Preservation Overlay)
- Establish Owner Residency: Ensure you can meet the residency requirement (must reside in the detached single-family house being rented)
- Obtain Required Permits: Apply for zoning permits and any necessary building permits
- Prepare Documentation: Compile all required documentation including emergency contact information, insurance, and compliance certificates
- Submit Applications: File applications with the township zoning officer
- Schedule Inspections: Complete any required life-safety inspections
- Establish Operational Procedures: Implement parking, waste disposal, and guest management protocols
Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines
Based on the township regulations, operators must provide:
Documentation Requirements:
- Property ownership verification
- Emergency contact information (24/7 accessible)
- Proof of insurance meeting township standards
- Life-safety compliance certificates (building code requirements)
- Parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces
- Waste disposal plan meeting township standards
Permits and Licenses:
- Zoning permit for short-term rental use
- Building permits if any modifications are required
- Special exception approval if operating in Historic Preservation Overlay district
- Fire safety inspection and certificate of occupancy compliance
Operational Guidelines:
- Maximum rental period of 30 days per guest stay
- Prohibition of special events at STR properties
- Compliance with building codes and life-safety requirements
- Waste disposal protocols as established by township
- Parking restrictions as specified in the ordinance
Specific Regulations
Zoning Districts Where STRs Are Permitted:
- Conservation District: Permitted use
- Agricultural District: Permitted use
- Village Center District: Permitted use
- Historic Preservation Overlay: Special exception required
Key Operational Restrictions:
- Owner Residency Requirement: Property owner must reside in the detached single-family house being rented out (established in June 2023)
- Maximum Stay Duration: 30 days per guest
- Property Type: Individual existing dwelling unit only
- Special Events: Prohibited at STR properties
- Parking: No specific number of spaces required, but adequate parking must be provided
Compliance Requirements:
- Building Code Compliance: Must meet all life-safety requirements
- Waste Management: Proper disposal protocols must be established
- Emergency Contact: 24/7 contact information required
- Local, County, and State Regulations: Full compliance mandatory
Ongoing Obligations:
- Regular inspections may be required
- Maintenance of compliance with all township regulations
- Response to township inquiries and enforcement actions
Contact Information
East Donegal Township
- Address: 190 Rock Point Road, Marietta, PA 17547
- Phone: (717) 492-1504
- Email: Contact through township website
- Website: eastdonegaltwp.com
Key Township Officials:
- Township Manager: Jeffrey Butler (mentioned in meeting minutes)
- Zoning Officer: Contact through township office for zoning permit applications
For Current Information:
- Board of Supervisors meetings held first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM
- Planning Commission meetings as scheduled
- Check township website for current ordinance status and updates
Source Pages
Important Note: This analysis is based on documents from 2021-2023. STR regulations can evolve, and investors should verify current requirements directly with East Donegal Township before making investment decisions. The township was in the process of finalizing the ordinance framework, and updates may have occurred since these documents were published.
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Marietta
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Overview of Marietta
Marietta is a small historic borough situated along the western bank of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with a population of roughly 2,600 residents. The town has the unmistakable feel of a 19th-century river community, with rows of brick rowhouses lining steep streets that descend toward the water and a quiet, walkable downtown that reflects its long history as a river-trade hub. Today Marietta is best known as a peaceful base for exploring the wider Lancaster County region — including Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Amish farmlands, and the outlet-shopping corridors around Lancaster city — and as a jumping-off point for outdoor recreation along the Susquehanna River. It sits approximately 75 miles west of Philadelphia and about 15 miles west of Lancaster, with Harrisburg roughly 30 miles to the northwest.
Just north of town, Chickies Rock County Park is one of the most scenic overlooks in central Pennsylvania, a few minutes' drive from Marietta. The park's namesake quartzite ridge rises several hundred feet above the river and offers a short hike to a dramatic viewpoint where the Susquehanna bends through the gorge. It is popular for picnicking, rock scrambling, and sunset photography, and a regional rail-trail passes through its lower sections.
Directly across the river, the neighboring borough of Columbia is reachable in roughly five minutes via the nearby Route 30 bridge. Columbia has its own compact historic district and is home to the National Watch and Clock Museum, a well-regarded institution that traces the history of timekeeping from early American clocks to modern horology. Visitors typically pair a trip to the museum with a walk along Columbia's riverfront and a look at its 19th-century architecture.
A short drive east of Marietta opens up the broader attractions of Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Within roughly 20 minutes, visitors can reach Amish farmlands, traditional markets, and the outlet and antique shopping clustered around Lancaster and the surrounding townships. The area's mix of covered bridges, farmers' markets, and family-friendly attractions draws visitors year-round, giving Marietta a steady flow of potential guests looking for an alternative to busier downtown hotels.
About 20 minutes north of Marietta in Manheim, Spooky Nook Sports has grown into one of the largest indoor sports complexes in North America, hosting tournaments, leagues, and events that bring significant weekend traffic to the area. The combination of river-town charm, easy access to Lancaster's tourism draws, and proximity to both outdoor recreation and major event venues makes Marietta a flexible and attractive base for short-term rental operators.
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