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

• Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Ridgway Township (Elk County, PA), provided the STR is conducted as an accessory use to the principal residential use of the property and the owner of record resides on the premises during the rental period. The ordinance defines Short-Term Rentals (STRs) as “the renting out of a furnished home, apartment or condominium unit, otherwise used as a principal residential use on the subject property, by the owner of record, for a short-term business or vacation stay by the day, week or period up to thirty (30) days, with the owner also in residence during rental period.” [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. III, 3.01] [1]
• The operator’s presence is an explicit condition in both the definition and the overall zoning framework (see “Bed and Breakfast” and “Home Occupation” provisions). Non-owner-occupied rentals are not addressed and therefore are not authorized under the current zoning ordinance. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. III, 3.01] [1]

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

• Confirm zoning compliance
  • Verify your parcel is in an appropriate residential zoning district (R-U Residential-Urban or R-A Residential-Agricultural are typically the default for single-family homes; see the Zoning Map/Ordinance to confirm district).
  • Ensure the STR is operated as an accessory to the principal residential use with owner living on-site during rentals. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. III, 3.01] [1]
• Obtain zoning/building authorization
  • Apply for a Zoning Permit (and Building Permit if applicable) from the Zoning Officer to verify the STR use and any building/life-safety code requirements. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. VI] [1]
  • If structural or life-safety questions arise (e.g., egress, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, electrical), coordinate with the Township’s Code Enforcement Officer. The Township follows the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. VI] [1]
• Confirm occupancy and lengths-of-stay
  • Limit rentals to 30 days or less; owner-residency during rentals is mandatory per ordinance. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. III, 3.01] [1]
• Prepare for taxes
  • Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for state Sales and Use Tax and any applicable local taxes; ensure collection and remittance of any local occupancy/transient taxes (confirm local rates with the municipality and county).
  • Monitor any resort tax requirements that may apply to lodging providers in your jurisdiction.
• Market prudently
  • Avoid exterior signage that would imply commercial use; STRs are residential accessory operations. Advertising must not violate sign regulations or disturb the residential character. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, 5.21] [1]
• Life-safety and operations
  • Maintain smoke detectors, CO alarms, and basic egress safety; post emergency and property rules for guests; ensure on-site management when guests are present.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning Permit (and Building Permit if construction/alteration work is planned)
  • Issued by the Zoning Officer upon confirmation that the use meets zoning requirements (principal residential use, owner-occupied STR, and district compliance).
  • Include: property owner verification of residency; STR scope (days, occupancy, services, no retail sales); site plan/diagram; building/life-safety code compliance as applicable. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. VI] [1]
• Building/Life-Safety Compliance (UCC)
  • Submit plans/forms as required by the Code Enforcement Officer; ensure smoke/CO detection, egress, electrical, and fire safety compliance. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. VI] [1]
• PA Department of Revenue Registration
  • Sales and Use Tax account for lodging providers (often “Transient Vendor” registration may apply, depending on how bookings are processed).
  • Establish procedures for collecting/remitting state and local occupancy/transient taxes.
• Local/County Tax Registrations (as applicable)
  • Register for any local occupancy/transient taxes with Ridgway Township (if applicable) and Elk County (as required).
• Insurance
  • Maintain appropriate liability and property coverage reflecting short-term lodging operations; verify no exterior business appearance that could affect residential classification.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

• City/Township-Level Regulations (Ridgway Township)
  • Owner-occupied, principal residence requirement: STRs must be accessory to the principal residential use with the owner in residence during rental periods. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. III, 3.01] [1]
  • Maximum stay: Rentals are limited to 30 days or less. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. III, 3.01] [1]
  • Zoning districts: Typical STRs would be in R-U or R-A districts (confirm with Zoning Map/Ordinance). [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. IV] [1]
  • Signs: No exterior business signage allowed; all signage must comply with residential sign regulations. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, 5.21] [1]
  • Parking: STRs must adhere to residential off-street parking standards (no commercial parking display). [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, 5.17] [1]
  • Bed and Breakfast vs. STR: Bed and Breakfast Inns are a defined lodging use; STRs are distinct as accessory, owner-occupied residential stays with limited services. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. III, 3.01] [1]
• County-Level Regulations (Elk County)
  • No county-specific, STR-dedicated ordinances are provided; county-level requirements typically focus on taxes, public health, and building codes. Comply with county tax collection for occupancy/transient taxes (confirm with county treasurer/commissioners).
• State-Level Regulations (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
  • Sales and Use Tax: Short-term lodging is subject to Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax; register with the PA Department of Revenue and collect/remit.
  • Transient Vendor: If you solicit or conduct rentals without a fixed place of business in PA (e.g., using online platforms without a local office), you may need to register as a transient vendor. Confirm scope with the PA Department of Revenue.
  • Occupational Tax/Earnings Tax: If renting your home, earnings may be subject to local earned income taxes; coordinate with your municipality’s tax officer and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
  • Building/Life Safety: Comply with UCC; if renting rooms, ensure smoke/CO detection, egress, and electrical safety standards are met. [Source: Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116, Art. VI] [1]
• Notes and Limitations
  • Non-owner-occupied rentals are not addressed in the provided ordinance; such uses are not currently authorized.
  • STRs that include retail sales, staff, or significant external business appearance risk reclassification as commercial uses requiring special approvals or being prohibited.

Local Contacts

• Ridgway Township (Zoning Officer)
  • Phone: 814-772-9251
  • Address: 128 Main Street, Ridgway, PA 15853
  • Website: Ridgway Township (official Township site)
• Ridgway Township Board of Supervisors
  • Phone: 814-772-2166
  • Address: 128 Main Street, Ridgway, PA 15853
• Zoning Hearing Board
  • Contact via Township (phone: 814-772-2166)
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
  • Website: revenue.state.pa.us
  • Phone: PA Department of Revenue (general information line)
• Elk County (Taxation/Commissioners)
  • Phone: Contact Elk County for occupancy/transient tax and related matters
  • Website: elkcountypa.org
• Pennsylvania Department of Health (if applicable to lodging standards)
  • Phone: PA Department of Health
  • Website: health.pa.gov

Links to Source Pages

• Ridgway Township Zoning Ordinance No. 116 (Comprehensive Rezoning, adopted Jan 31, 2019)
  • Definition of Short-Term Rentals: Article III, 3.01
  • Zoning Districts: Article IV
  • Administration and Enforcement: Article VI
  • Off-Street Parking: Subsection 5.17
  • Sign Regulations: Subsection 5.21
  • Source: [1] static1.squarespace.com/static/5f89c0f7b9e5f1084e0b4368/t/5f9ae2afef715743168ac1b8/1603986124325/Ridgway+Township+-+Ordinance+No.+116+-+Comprehensive+Rezoning_Adopted+January+31%2C+2019.pdf

Investor Takeaway

• Ridgway allows short-term rentals only as owner-occupied, accessory uses to the principal residential use, with stays capped at 30 days. Non-owner-occupied rentals are not authorized.
• Start by confirming zoning and obtaining the required Zoning Permit (and Building Permit if needed), then register for state/local taxes and ensure life-safety compliance.
• Keep the STR discrete: no external signage, residential parking patterns, and no commercial services that would change the residential nature of the operation.