Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Quarryville?

Yes—short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Quarryville Borough but only under a specific set of rules and approvals.

• Zoning classification: STRs are treated as a permitted use by special exception in the Mixed-Use (MU) District only. They are expressly excluded from home occupations and are not permitted in residential-only districts.
• Key eligibility constraints:
  • Only one STR unit may be located in a structure, and that structure cannot also contain any dwelling unit or any other unit of occupancy (with a specific exception for buildings where all units are STRs).
  • STRs cannot be used as an event venue, retreat center, or gathering place.
  • External appearance changes that would alter the building’s residential character are prohibited, except for fire escapes.
• Annual permit requirement and tax registration prerequisites apply before certificate of occupancy issuance.

This guide details step-by-step how to launch and maintain a compliant STR in Quarryville, including permits, safety standards, occupancy limits, taxes, posted notices, and local contacts.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Quarryville

Launching an STR in Quarryville requires a formal zoning approval and code compliance. The process is summarized below and must be completed before accepting guests.

1. Confirm property eligibility and zoning

• Confirm the property lies within the MU District.
• Confirm the structure qualifies under the STR definition (a dwelling unit used for non-transient occupancy; approved bed-and-breakfast accessory uses are not STRs).
• Confirm you can comply with the “single-structure” limitation: only one STR unit per structure and no other residential or occupancy use within the same building (except where all units in the structure are STRs).

2. Prepare for the Special Exception application and UCC compliance

• Commission a Uniform Construction Code (UCC) compliance report from the Building Code Official. This report must demonstrate that the STR unit meets the UCC and must be submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to issuance of a zoning permit.
• Prepare a structural plan identifying building square footage and all rooms on each floor to enable the Zoning Hearing Board to determine the number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy.

3. Submit to the Zoning Hearing Board

• File a special exception application for STRs.
• Post and present the required public notice at the STR property (requirements listed in detail below).
• Demonstrate installation of an outdoor manifest box (see details below).
• Submit the UCC compliance report.
• Designate a local contact person (see section below) and provide the required contact information.
• Pay any applicable application fees.

4. Register for hotel taxes and tax collection

• Register with the Lancaster County Treasurer to collect and remit Lancaster County hotel/room tax.
• If using booking agents (e.g., Airbnb), note that booking agents are responsible for collecting applicable state and local hotel occupancy taxes; verify your arrangement with the agent and maintain records. If you accept payments directly, you must register and remit directly with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the Lancaster County Treasurer.

5. Install safety equipment and post notices

• Install all required safety devices and equipment.
• Post the required informational placard(s) in the unit and the outdoor manifest box (see “Required Documents…” section for details).

6. Apply for and obtain the annual STR permit

• After special exception approval, apply to the Zoning Officer for the annual STR permit.
• The Zoning Officer may inspect the unit for compliance.
• The Zoning Officer will not issue a certificate of occupancy until you present confirmation of registration for county hotel taxes.

7. Begin operations and maintain compliance

• Rent only to guests 21+ years of age.
• Enforce occupancy limits by building size and bedroom count.
• Respond within one hour to Borough or police notifications regarding violations.
• Renew the permit annually.

Notes:

• Begin the UCC report process early; it is a prerequisite to issuance of the zoning permit.
• Maintain a local contact person at all times the STR is operated; notify the Zoning Officer in writing of any changes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Special Exception (Zoning Hearing Board)

• Application package with the required notice to be posted at the STR unit (full language requirements are detailed below).
• Structural plan identifying square footage and rooms for bedroom count and occupancy determination.

UCC Compliance

• UCC compliance report prepared by the Building Code Official and submitted to the Zoning Officer prior to issuance of the zoning permit.

Annual STR Permit

• Annual application to the Zoning Officer accompanied by a fee established by resolution.
• Application must include:
  • Local contact person name and 24/7 contact details.
  • Confirmation that the STR unit meets all STR-specific requirements.
  • Confirmation that the STR unit meets all other applicable Borough ordinances.
• Zoning Officer inspection(s) may be conducted to confirm compliance.
• Certificate of occupancy will be issued only after the STR unit is confirmed compliant and the owner submits county hotel tax registration confirmation.

Hotel/Room Tax Registration

• Lancaster County registration (for county taxes) is required prior to CO issuance.
• State hotel occupancy tax and any applicable local taxes must be collected and remitted. If using a booking agent, the agent typically collects and remits for you; if not, you must register and remit directly with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and Lancaster County.

Required Postings and Safety Standards

• On-site posting at the STR unit:

  • Name of local contact person or owner and a telephone number reachable on a 24-hour basis.
  • Property address used by Lancaster County Wide Communications for emergency response purposes.
  • Maximum number of occupants permitted.
  • Maximum number of vehicles allowed on the property and a statement that parking is not permitted in any public road right-of-way.
  • Notification that recyclables, trash, and refuse shall not be left or stored on the exterior except in secure, watertight metal or plastic containers or similar containers designed for such storage and that meet all requirements of Chapter 337 (Solid Waste).
  • Notification that occupants may be cited and fined for creating a disturbance or violating other Borough ordinances.
  • Notification that occupants must complete a manifest identifying occupants and emergency contact information and place such manifest in the outdoor manifest box.
  • Notification that activities outside the structure must comply with Borough noise regulations and must take place at least 20 feet from all property lines.

• Outdoor manifest box:

  • An outdoor box installed to contain the occupant manifest and emergency contact information.

• Safety and building standards (UCC-aligned; verified via Building Code Official’s report):

  • Smoke detector in each bedroom.
  • Smoke detector outside each bedroom in the common hallway.
  • Smoke detector on each floor (including attic and basement).
  • GFCI outlet if outlet is located within six feet of a water source.
  • Metal exhaust from dryer (if dryer provided).
  • Carbon monoxide detector if fossil fuel appliances or furnace are installed.
  • Carbon monoxide detector if an attached garage is present.
  • Fire extinguisher in kitchen mounted in a conspicuous location with a current charging tag.
  • Indoor and outdoor stairs in good condition with handrails.
  • All outlets and switches properly covered.
  • Fully functional bathing and toilet facilities.
  • Placard showing floor plan to the front door exit, posted on the interior side of the front exit door or an alternate location approved by the Zoning Officer.

• Parking:

  • Short-term rentals require a minimum of two off-street parking spaces.

Specific Regulations: Quarryville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Quarryville Borough-Level

• Zoning status: STRs are a permitted use by special exception in the MU District only.
• Not allowed as home occupations.
• Single-structure limitation:
  • Nomorethanone STR unit may be located in a structure, and a STR unit may not be located in a structure which also contains a dwelling unit or any other unit of occupancy.
  • If a structure with multiple units is owned by a single entity and all units are STRs, multiple STRs are allowed in that structure. The intent is that a STR unit cannot be located in a structure that has any use in addition to the STR unit(s).
• Maximum occupancy:
  • Based on bedrooms:
    • Each bedroom: no more than two persons, excluding children under age five.
    • Building size caps:
      • Less than 2,200 square feet: maximum of three bedrooms.
      • 2,200 square feet or more: maximum of four bedrooms.
  • Renters must be 21 years of age or older.
• Safety and sanitation:
  • All safety items listed above must be met; compliance verified by UCC report and Zoning Officer inspection.
• Posting and notifications:
  • The eight required on-site notices must be prominently and continuously posted at the STR unit.
• Outdoor activities:
  • Must comply with Borough noise regulations and must take place at least 20 feet from all property lines.
• Exterior appearance:
  • No modifications that alter the residential character of the building, except fire escapes.
• Use limitations:
  • STRs may be used for transient lodging only. They may not be used as an event venue, gathering place, retreat center, or any other use involving attendance of persons other than the transient guests staying at the STR unit.
• Local contact person:
  • Must be designated and have access and authority to assume management and remedial measures.
  • Owner residing in the Borough or within 30 miles may designate themselves; otherwise a local contact must be appointed.
  • Must respond to Borough or police within one hour of notification.
  • If not the owner, must immediately advise the owner of any notification of a violation.
  • Must be available at all times the STR is operated.
  • Owner may change the local contact only after written notice to the Zoning Officer; new contact must meet all requirements.
• Annual permit and renewals:
  • Annual application and fee required.
  • Zoning Officer may inspect to confirm compliance.
  • Operating without the annual permit is a violation.
  • Failure to renew before expiration causes the special exception to expire; new special exception is required to re-start operations.
• Parking:
  • Minimum of two off-street parking spaces for STRs.

Lancaster County-Level

• County hotel/room tax:
  • County hotel/room tax applies and must be registered for and remitted via the Lancaster County Treasurer.
  • Registration confirmation is required before certificate of occupancy issuance.
• County emergency addressing:
  • Use the property address for emergency response purposes as specified in the posting requirements.

Pennsylvania State-Level

• State hotel occupancy tax:
  • Pennsylvania imposes a state hotel occupancy tax. Operators of lodging (including STRs) are responsible for collecting and remitting these taxes; booking agents are required to collect and remit on behalf of hosts in many cases.
  • State tax obligations are separate from any local county taxes; check current rates and filing requirements on the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website or consult with a tax professional.
• UCC:
  • STR units must meet the Uniform Construction Code as adopted by the Borough; the Building Code Official must verify compliance.
• Noise and disorderly conduct:
  • Owners and local contacts must use best efforts to ensure occupants do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate Borough or state laws. Upon notification, they must promptly prevent recurrence.

Contact Information

In the provided materials, direct contact details (phone, email, website) for the Zoning Officer, Zoning Hearing Board, or Borough administration were not included. For contacts:

• Contact Quarryville Borough Council or the Zoning Officer directly through the Borough office to obtain current phone, email, and website information.
• For building code and UCC issues, request the contact information for the Building Code Official.
• For hotel/room tax registration, contact the Lancaster County Treasurer’s office.

When you reach out:

• Ask for:
  • Zoning Officer contact details and special exception application procedures.
  • Building Code Official contact details for UCC compliance reports.
  • Borough STR permit application form, fee schedule, and any required inspection checklist.
  • Hotel/room tax registration procedures and forms (county-level), and confirmation of state tax registration requirements.

Source Links

• Quarryville Borough Ordinance No. 455 (2023) — Zoning amendments establishing STR regulations: ecode360.com/QU2919/laws/LF2020883.pdf
• Joint State Government Commission (2025) — The Short-Term Rental Industry in Pennsylvania (state-level context): jsg.legis.state.pa.us/resources/documents/ftp/publications/2025-03-17%20Short-term%20Rental%20Web%203.17.25.pdf

Practical Compliance Checklist

• Confirm MU District zoning.
• Verify structural limitations and whether your building qualifies under “single STR per structure” rules.
• Engage the Building Code Official for UCC report; address all safety items.
• Prepare the structural plan for bedroom count and occupancy limits.
• Prepare and post all required notices; install the outdoor manifest box.
• Designate a local contact person and ensure 24/7 availability and 1-hour response capability.
• Apply for and obtain the special exception; then apply for the annual STR permit.
• Register for county hotel taxes and ensure state hotel tax compliance (or with your booking agent).
• Maintain parking, exterior appearance, and noise compliance.
• Prepare for annual inspections and permit renewals; respond promptly to any Borough or police notifications.

This pathway, when executed correctly, allows STR investors to operate lawfully within Quarryville’s framework while preserving neighborhood safety, quiet enjoyment, and residential character.