Overview: STR Status in Tobyhanna Township, PA

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Tobyhanna Township, PA, as of June 28, 2022. Previously, STRs were not a permitted use in the Township based on the Zoning Ordinance. On June 28, 2022, the Board of Supervisors passed the Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Ordinance No. 569) and subsequent Zoning Ordinance amendment (Ordinance No. 570), making short-term rentals a permitted use within any residential district. However, these properties are subject to comprehensive regulations and require permits for operation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tobyhanna Township

Step 1: Understand Compliance Requirements

• Review all applicable ordinances and requirements before applying
• Ensure your property meets zoning and safety requirements
• Check with homeowners' associations if applicable, as they may have stricter regulations

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

• Apply for Short-Term Rental Permit through the township portal
• Obtain Monroe County Hotel Excise Tax Certificate
• Obtain Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax Permit
• Maintain $500,000 general liability insurance

Step 3: Submit Application

• Applications available via online portal: tobyhannatownshippa.munirevs.com/
• Paper applications available at Tobyhanna Township office
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed
• Permit applications can be submitted up to 60 days before annual expiration

Step 4: Prepare for Inspection

• All STRs are subject to township oversight and inspection
• Ensure all safety equipment and requirements are in place
• Verify all application information is accurate

Step 5: Maintain Compliance

• Display permit number on STR platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
• Collect and remit required taxes
• Maintain all insurance and safety requirements
• Renew permit annually

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits and Licenses:

1. Tobyhanna Township Short-Term Rental Permit
2. Monroe County Hotel Excise Tax Certificate
3. Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax Permit
4. Liability Insurance ($500,000 minimum)

Required Documents and Information:

• Property address
• Owner information (name, address, telephone, email)
• 24-hour contact information for person(s) in charge
• Floor plan identifying all rooms, bedroom locations, and pool types
• Total number of permitted bedrooms
• Multiunit structure details (if applicable)
• On-site parking space diagram or aerial photograph
• Septic system evaluation (if not on central sewer) and proof of tank pumping within past 3 years
• Monroe County hotel room excise tax certificate
• Pennsylvania sales and use tax permit certificate
• HOA notification (if applicable)
• Required signatures (owner, STR operator, person(s) in charge)
• Proof of general liability insurance
• STR permit number for posting on platforms
• Any renovation notifications to township

Safety Equipment Requirements:

• Smoke detectors in each bedroom
• Smoke detectors outside bedrooms in common hallways
• Smoke detectors on each floor
• GFI outlets within six feet of water sources
• Aluminum or metal exhaust from dryer
• Carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable conditions)
• Fire extinguisher in kitchen
• Indoor and outdoor stairs in good condition
• Windows in good working order
• Fireplaces cleaned every two years

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City/Township Level (Tobyhanna Township):

• Zoning: STRs are permitted use in all residential districts (as of September 26, 2022)
• Occupancy: Maximum 2 people per bedroom, with 10-person maximum for appropriately sized homes
• Minimum Stay: 2 nights and 3 days minimum booking
• Age Restriction: Renters must be at least 25 years old
• Permit Term: Valid for 1 year from approval date
• Transferability: Permits are nontransferable; new owners must reapply
• Application Deadlines: Permit applications required; enforcement began March 1, 2023
• Fee Structure: Initial application fees plus $200 additional fee for reviews beyond 3rd review
• Platform Requirements: Permit number must be displayed in designated platform field or property description

County Level (Monroe County):

• Hotel Excise Tax: Required certificate for tax collection
• Tax Collection: County-level hotel excise tax applies to STR operations

State Level (Pennsylvania):

• Sales and Use Tax: Required permit for tax collection and remittance
• Tax Reporting: Monthly or quarterly tax filings required depending on volume

Contact Information for Local Authority

Tobyhanna Township

• Phone: (570) 646-1212
• Fax: (570) 646-9025
• Address: Government Center 105 Government Center Way Pocono Pines, PA 18350
• Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• STR Complaint Hotline (Non-Emergency): (570) 507-8181

Online Portal: tobyhannatownshippa.munirevs.com/

STR Application Support (GovOS):

• Email: blt.str.support@govos.com
• Phone: (888) 751-1911

Links to Source Pages

• Tobyhanna Township STR Page
• STR Application Portal
• STR Permit Application Procedures
• STR FAQ Portal
• Tobyhanna Township Zoning Code
• Required Affidavit (Updated January 29, 2024)
• PA Sales Tax Self-Declaration (Updated March 3, 2025)
• Monroe County Hotel Excise Tax Application
• STR Ordinance Amendment
• Short Term Rental Ordinance
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment for STR

Important Notes for STR Investors:

• All STR operations must be in full compliance with township ordinances regardless of permit status
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
• Property owners are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable regulations
• STR permits may be revoked for failure to comply with ordinance provisions
• Additional reviews beyond the third will incur $200 fee per review
• Permit renewal applications must include updated information regarding any improvements requiring STR permit modification