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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Millersville Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2024-04 on June 25, 2024, which amended Chapter 380 of the Zoning Code to provide comprehensive regulations governing short-term rentals. However, they are only permitted through a special exception process and are subject to strict operational requirements and limitations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Millersville

1. Property Assessment and Zoning Verification

• Confirm your property is located within Millersville Borough limits
• Verify the zoning district allows short-term rentals (see zoning table below)
• Ensure the property structure meets requirements (only one STR unit per structure, no additional dwelling units)

2. Special Exception Application Process

• Apply to the Zoning Hearing Board for a special exception
• Submit required documentation including building plans and compliance reports
• Attend public hearing for Board review and approval

3. Building Code Compliance

• Obtain Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code compliance report from certified inspector
• Complete any required modifications for sprinklers and accessibility
• Address specific safety equipment requirements

4. Registration and Permits

• Register with Lancaster County Treasurer for hotel/room taxes
• Obtain annual permit from Zoning Officer
• Complete use and occupancy permit process

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Special Exception Application Requirements:

• Building plans identifying proposed short-term rental unit layout
• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code compliance report from certified accessibility inspector/plans examiner
• Structural modification plans for compliance with new use group requirements
• Detailed fire safety and accessibility compliance documentation

Annual Permit Application Requirements:

• Local contact person information
• Confirmation of compliance with all STR regulations
• Certification that property meets all applicable Borough ordinances
• Any required fees (amounts set by Borough Council resolution)

Mandatory Safety Equipment and Features:

• Smoke detector in each bedroom
• Smoke detector outside each bedroom in common hallway
• Smoke detector on each floor (including attic and basement)
• GFCI outlets within six feet of water sources
• Metal exhaust duct from dryer (if dryer provided)
• Carbon monoxide detectors (if fossil fuel appliances/furnace present)
• Carbon monoxide detectors (if garage attached to unit)
• Fire extinguisher in kitchen with current charging tag
• Indoor and outdoor stairs in good condition with handrails
• Properly covered outlets and switches
• Fully functional bathing and toilet facilities
• Fully functional kitchen
• Floor plan placard showing route to front door exit

Registration Requirements:

• Lancaster County Treasurer registration for hotel/room tax collection
• Annual STR permit from Millersville Borough Zoning Officer

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Property Limitations:

• Maximum one short-term rental unit per structure
• Cannot be located in structure containing additional dwelling units
• Maximum six bedrooms per STR unit
• Maximum occupancy: 2 people per bedroom (excluding children under 5)
• Renters must be 21 years of age or older

Operational Requirements:

Local Contact Person:

• Must be designated by property owner
• Must have access and authority to manage the unit
• Owner may serve as contact if residing within Borough or 20 miles of property
• Must respond to Borough/police notifications within one hour
• Must be available at all times during operation
• Change requires written notice to Zoning Officer

Required Property Posting:

Information placard continuously posted at unit containing:

• Name and 24-hour contact number of local contact person/owner
• Property's 911 address
• Maximum number of permitted occupants
• Maximum number of permitted vehicles and parking restrictions
• Trash storage requirements and limitations
• Notice of potential fines for disturbances

Parking and Vehicle Restrictions:

• No parking permitted in public road right-of-way
• Parking on grass prohibited
• All vehicles must park within garage (if provided) or on paved driveway/off-street parking space
• Maximum vehicle limit must be specified on posted notice

Trash Management:

• Trash and refuse cannot be left or stored on exterior except in secure, waterproof metal or plastic containers
• Maximum three secured containers permitted

Zoning District Permitted Uses Table:

| Zoning District | Short-Term Rental Status | |----------------|------------------------| | R1 (Single-Family Residential) | Special Exception Required | | R2 (Two-Family Residential) | Not Permitted | | R3 (Multi-Family Residential) | Not Permitted | | P (Park District) | Not Permitted | | RP (Residential Professional) | Special Exception Required | | NC (Neighborhood Commercial) | Not Permitted | | GC (General Commercial) | Not Permitted | | R-1A (Residential) | Not Permitted |

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Annual permit renewal required
• Zoning Officer may conduct inspections
• Operation without required annual permit is a violation
• Borough ordinances and state law compliance required
• Owners must use best efforts to prevent disturbances
• Immediate response required for violation notifications

Tax Obligations:

• Lancaster County hotel and/or room tax registration required
• Collection and remittance obligations apply
• Certificate of occupancy withheld until tax registration confirmed

Contact Information for Local Authority

Millersville Borough Government

Address: 100 Municipal Drive
Millersville, PA 17551

Phone: 717-872-4645
Fax: 717-872-1895
Email: millersville@millersvilleborough.org

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Key Departments:

Code Enforcement & Zoning Department

• Special exception applications
• Zoning permit processing
• Annual STR permit renewals
• Property compliance inspections

Administration & Finance Department

• General borough administration
• Tax registration guidance
• Licensing requirements

Zoning Hearing Board

• Reviews and approves special exception applications for short-term rentals
• Public hearing scheduling and proceedings

Links to Source Pages

1. Millersville Borough Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2024-04): millersvilleborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ordinance-Short-Term-Rentals-3657013d-240206-3-71.pdf

2. Borough Ordinances Directory: millersvilleborough.org/government/ordinances/

3. Borough Code of Ordinances (Online): ecode360.com/MI2395/home

4. Code Enforcement & Zoning Department: millersvilleborough.org/code-enforcement-zoning/

5. Borough Contact Information: millersvilleborough.org/contact-us/

Important Note: This guide is based on the Borough's Ordinance 2024-04 adopted June 25, 2024. Investors should verify current regulations with the Borough before proceeding, as ordinances may be amended. The special exception process requires public hearing approval, and compliance with all safety codes is mandatory before operation.