Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Stevens, PA?

Yes. Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Stevens, PA, which falls under Clay Township’s jurisdiction. STRs are permitted in certain zoning districts only and require approval (a Special Exception in some districts and a Conditional Use in others). Importantly, STRs are not permitted in the Residential and Limited Industrial zoning districts. See the “Specific Regulations” section below for district details and approvals.

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

• Confirm zoning eligibility: Determine your property’s zoning district with Clay Township’s Zoning map or by contacting the township. Only properties in eligible districts can proceed.
• Secure required land‑use approval:
  • Special Exception (Agricultural and Neighborhood Commercial districts)
  • Conditional Use (Forest Rec and Agricultural Transition districts)
• Review and prepare to comply with the Short‑Term Rental Ordinance adopted August 12, 2024, including any operational conditions, safety requirements, and ongoing obligations.
• Submit applications: Work with the Zoning Officer and follow the procedures for Special Exception or Conditional Use, as applicable. Include the property address and any required documentation in your initial inquiry.
• Maintain compliance: After approval, operate strictly per the ordinance and any conditions of approval; violations can lead to enforcement.

Practical note: Many hosts also prepare for listing platforms (e.g., Airbnb/Vrbo), implement standard operating procedures for turnover and guest communications, and ensure local tax considerations are addressed at the state/county level. Clay Township’s ordinance focuses on land‑use eligibility and compliance; confirm any separate tax or registration requirements with county or state agencies.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Land‑use approval:
  • Special Exception (Agricultural, Neighborhood Commercial districts)
  • Conditional Use (Forest Rec, Agricultural Transition districts)
• Full Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (adopted August 12, 2024): Reference for all operational requirements, definitions, and compliance standards.
• Zoning determination: Confirm the subject property’s zoning district.
• Application forms and fee schedules: Available via the township’s “Forms, Applications, Fee Schedules” page or by contacting the township.

Note on permits/licenses: Clay Township’s notice emphasizes zoning approvals (Special Exception/Conditional Use) and ordinance compliance. The provided materials do not specify a separate township business license or registration for STRs. Always verify current requirements with the township before filing.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals: City (Clay Township), County, and State

City/Township (Clay Township):

• Allowed with approval in specific zoning districts:
  • Agricultural and Neighborhood Commercial: Special Exception required
  • Forest Recreation and Agricultural Transition: Conditional Use required
• Not permitted: Residential and Limited Industrial zoning districts
• Governing ordinance: Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (adopted August 12, 2024)

County:

• No county‑specific STR regulation is provided in the sources for the Stevens area. Lancaster County’s typical practices may apply for matters like transient occupancy taxes, but confirm directly with the county.

State (Pennsylvania):

• No state‑wide prohibition on STRs exists in the provided materials. Municipalities regulate land use via zoning and local ordinances.
• Market context: Pennsylvania has a large and active STR market, with 53,810 active listings in 2023 across all 67 counties, generating approximately $856.7 million in revenue statewide, and an average daily rate of $175. Occupancy averaged around 35%. These benchmarks show healthy demand but also highlight the importance of local compliance for new hosts.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Clay Township

• Address: 870 Durlach Road, Stevens, PA 17578
• Phone: (717) 733‑9675
• Email: info@claytwp.com
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Initial inquiry tip: Include the property address in any email to help staff route your request quickly and accurately.

Source Pages (Links)

• Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (Clay Township) – Ordinance page and PDF
  • Ordinance landing page: claytwp.com/short-term-rental-ordinance/
  • Direct PDF link: claytwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-081224.pdf
• Zoning and related ordinances
  • Code of Ordinances: claytwp.com/code-of-ordinances/
  • Zoning Ordinance: claytwp.com/zoning-ordinance/
  • Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO): claytwp.com/subdivision-and-land-development-ordinance-saldo/
  • Forms, Applications, Fee Schedules: claytwp.com/forms-applications-fee-schedules/
  • Zoning map page: claytwp.com/zoning/
• Research and market context
  • Inventory and Analysis of Short‑Term Rentals in Pennsylvania (Center for Rural Pennsylvania, 2024): journals.psu.edu/ruralpolicy/article/download/63350/62235/72369

Bottom line for investors: STRs are viable in Stevens, PA, but only within specific zoning districts and with the appropriate land‑use approval. Confirm district eligibility early, prepare a complete approval package, and align your operating model to the Clay Township ordinance. For tax or county‑level matters not addressed in the ordinance, coordinate with county and state agencies.