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

Short-term rentals are permitted in Mechanicsburg, PA. The Borough does not appear to have specific restrictions banning short-term rentals, and the existing rental regulations apply broadly to all residential rental properties. However, operators must comply with the Borough's Residential Rental Inspection Ordinance and all applicable building, zoning, and tax requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mechanicsburg

Starting a short-term rental business in Mechanicsburg requires following a systematic approach to ensure compliance with all local regulations:

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

• Confirm your property is located within Mechanicsburg Borough limits using the property mapper at www.ccpa.net
• Review the Zoning Map to ensure short-term rental use is permitted in your zoning district
• Check the Table of Permitted Uses for specific use permissions

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits

• Building Permit: Required for any construction, alteration, or renovation work (fees: $75 for first $1,000 + $15 per additional $1,000 in job cost)
• Zoning Permit: Required for change of use, adding space, fences, accessory structures, or changes to hardscape coverage
• Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) Application: Required if property is located in the Historic District

Step 3: Complete Rental Inspection Process

• Schedule inspection with the Codes and Zoning Department
• Obtain Certificate of Compliance (valid for 36 months)
• Reinspect and renew certificate before expiration

Step 4: Register Business and Handle Tax Obligations

• Register for Pennsylvania state tax accounts
• Collect and remit applicable sales and hotel occupancy taxes for rentals under 30 days
• Obtain any required business licenses

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Borough-Level Requirements

Certificates and Inspections:

• Certificate of Compliance (required for all residential rental properties)
• Residential rental inspection prior to occupancy
• 36-month validity for Certificate of Compliance

Permits:

• Building Permit: Required for construction, alterations, repairs, demolition, or occupancy changes
  • Fee structure: $75 for first $1,000 of job cost + $15 per additional $1,000
  • Emergency repairs require permit filing next business day
• Zoning Permit: Required for use changes, additions, fences, accessory structures, hardscape modifications
  • Application fee: $55
• HARB Application: Required for properties in Historic District
• Street Cut/Sidewalk Excavation Permit: Required for excavation work

Required Forms:

• Zoning Permit Application
• Building Permit Application
• HARB Application
• Tenant Form

State-Level Requirements (Pennsylvania)

Tax Obligations:

• Sales Tax: 6% state sales tax on accommodations
• Hotel Occupancy Tax: Variable local hotel taxes (rates vary by locality)
• Business Registration: Required if not already registered
• Income Tax: Federal and state income tax reporting for rental income

Key Tax Considerations for STRs:

• Properties rented for 7 days or less may be classified as commercial real estate (39-year depreciation vs. 27.5-year for residential)
• Properties rented for more than 7 days but less than 30 days with significant personal services may not qualify as rental activity
• Short-term rentals under 30 days subject to sales and hotel occupancy tax collection and remittance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Mechanicsburg Borough Regulations

Residential Rental Inspection Ordinance (Ordinance 1076):

• Applies to all residential rental dwelling units
• Certificate of Compliance required before occupancy
• Certificate valid for 36 months
• Also applies to hotel/motel facilities permitting weekly or monthly occupancy
• Properties must be inspected prior to occupancy and certificate issuance

Enforcement Actions:

• §5-413: Property owners can be cited, fined up to $1,000, or imprisoned up to 30 days for non-compliance
• §5-405: No residential dwelling unit may be occupied without Certificate of Compliance
• Violations can result in tenant eviction until compliance obtained

Building and Zoning Compliance:

• Building permits required before commencing work (emergency repairs excepted)
• Working without building permit: maximum $1,000 per day fine and up to 30 days imprisonment
• Zoning compliance required for all property modifications and use changes

Cumberland County Regulations

No specific county-level short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. State regulations apply uniformly across the county.

Pennsylvania State Regulations

Tax Requirements:

• Sales tax (6%) and hotel occupancy tax apply to rentals under 30 days
• Local hotel taxes may apply in addition to state taxes
• Registration required for tax collection and remittance

Classification and Depreciation:

• Short-term rentals (≤7 days average stay): Commercial real estate classification, 39-year depreciation
• Traditional rentals (>7 days): Residential real estate, 27.5-year depreciation
• Properties with significant personal services may not qualify as rental activities

Contact Information for Local Authority

Borough of Mechanicsburg Codes & Zoning Department

Physical Address: 36 W. Allen St. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Phone: 717-691-3310

Email: codes@mechanicsburgpa.org

Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Key Contacts:

• Codes and Zoning Department (primary contact for permits and inspections)
• Historic Architectural Review Board (for properties in Historic District)

Online Resources:

• Borough Website: www.mechanicsburgpa.org
• Codes & Zoning Page: Services/Codes & Zoning Enforcement
• Rental Properties: Rental Properties Information

Additional Borough Services:

• Police Department: mechanicsburgpolice.org
• Fire Department: www.mfd29fire.org

Important Links to Source Pages

Primary Borough Resources:

• Borough of Mechanicsburg - Rental Properties
• Codes & Zoning Enforcement
• Borough of Mechanicsburg Homepage

Permits and Applications:

• Building Permit Application
• Zoning Permit Application
• HARB Application
• Table of Permitted Uses

Reference Materials:

• Zoning Map
• Property Mapper
• Codified Ordinances

Tax and Financial Guidance:

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals - Tax Perspective (Trout CPA)

Additional Borough Services:

• Codes Complaints
• Tenant Form

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided content and should be used for informational purposes only. Investors should consult directly with the Borough of Mechanicsburg Codes & Zoning Department and qualified tax professionals to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations before proceeding with any short-term rental operation.