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Stevens, PA

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STR Regulations for Stevens, Pennsylvania

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Stevens?

Stevens hosts earn a median $20,067/year with $165 ADR and 48% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $25,289+ per year.

See the full Stevens market breakdown

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)

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.

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Stevens

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
3/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Stevens Market Analysis

Photos of Stevens

Overview of Stevens

Stevens is a small, unincorporated village in northern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, home to a few hundred residents. Tucked into the rolling farmland of southeastern Pennsylvania, the community carries the unhurried, rural character that defines much of the county and serves as a quiet gateway to one of the country's most distinctive cultural landscapes, Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The village sits roughly twenty miles north of the city of Lancaster and about seventy miles west of Philadelphia, placing it within an easy drive of major metropolitan areas while preserving its country atmosphere.

One of the most celebrated draws in the region is the surrounding Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where Amish and Mennonite farms, covered bridges, and country markets stretch across the county. Visitors come from around the world to experience buggy rides, working farm tours, and traditional markets, and the countryside around Stevens is itself dotted with these agricultural operations, making the village feel a natural part of that tapestry. (Pennsylvania Dutch Country)

Just a short drive to the south, the town of Ephrata offers a window into the area's colonial past through the Ephrata Cloister, a preserved eighteenth-century religious community founded by German settlers in 1732. The site includes original sandstone buildings, a printing press, and gardens that tell the story of one of America's earliest communal societies, and it lies roughly ten minutes from Stevens. (Ephrata Cloister)

A few miles further east, Lititz is often cited as one of the most charming small towns in Pennsylvania. Its walkable Main Street is lined with independent shops, cafes, and inns, while the nearby Lititz Springs Park offers a peaceful green space fed by natural springs. The town is also home to a long-established pretzel bakery and the historic Moravian Church settlement founded in 1756, and it sits about fifteen minutes from Stevens.

To the north, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area spans the Lancaster–Berks county line and provides a major stopover for migratory birds, including wintering populations of tundra swans and snow geese. The preserve's trails, lake, and visitor center draw hikers, photographers, and birdwatchers throughout the year, and it lies roughly twenty minutes from Stevens.

Stevens offers short-term rental owners an appealing combination of rural tranquility and steady tourism demand. Its position within comfortable driving distance of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, paired with immediate access to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the historic towns of Ephrata and Lititz, and the natural beauty of Middle Creek, gives visitors a peaceful home base from which to explore one of the most visited cultural regions in the United States.

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