Overview: Are STRs Allowed?
Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Tunkhannock Township (Monroe County), PA, subject to a formal permitting process, inspections, and compliance with specific regulations outlined in Township Ordinance 2019.01 and related guidelines. The township provides a dedicated application and renewal process for STR permits.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tunkhannock Township

1. Pre-Purchase Due Diligence:

   • Zoning Verification: Confirm the property is located within a zoning district that permits STRs. Review the official Tunkhannock Township Zoning Map (PDF).
   • HOA/Community Rules: Verify if the property is within a private community (e.g., Emerald Lakes, Indian Mountain Lake, Brier Crest Woods). Communities often have their own registration or approval requirements in addition to township permits. The township website notes Emerald Lakes and Indian Mountain Lake as communities where STRs are specifically permitted.
   • Property Suitability: Ensure the property meets safety and habitability standards.

2. Apply for Township STR Permit:

   • Download & Complete: Obtain the required application form: "Short Term Rental Application (PDF)".
   • Gather Documentation: Refer to the "STR Permit Application Guidance 2022 (PDF)" for a detailed checklist of required documents.
   • Submit Application: Submit the completed application and fees to the Tunkhannock Township Municipal Building. (Contact information below).
   • Schedule Inspection: A mandatory safety inspection of the property will be scheduled after application submission.

3. Undergo Safety Inspection:

   • The property must pass the township's safety inspection before the permit is issued. Refer to the Guidance document for specific requirements (e.g., smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguishers, egress, etc.).

4. Obtain Permit:

   • Upon successful inspection and application approval, the STR permit will be issued. Display it prominently in the rental property as required.

5. Register for Taxes:

   • State Hotel Occupancy Tax: Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to collect and remit the 6% state hotel occupancy tax. Many platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) collect this automatically, but you remain responsible.
   • Monroe County Hotel Tax: Register with the Monroe County Treasurer's Office to collect and remit the 3% county hotel tax. Operators are responsible for this registration and remittance.

6. Designate Local Contact:

   • You must designate a local contact person responsible for responding to complaints or emergencies within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Ongoing Operations:

   • Maintain the property to safety standards.
   • Collect applicable taxes.
   • Renew the STR permit annually (see renewal process below).
   • Comply with all local, county, and state regulations.
   • Adhere to any additional community association rules.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Tunkhannock Township Short-Term Rental Permit: Primary township authorization.
  • Application: Short Term Rental App2022.pdf
  • Guidance: STR Permit Application Guidance 2022.pdf
• Safety Inspection Certificate: Issued after passing the mandatory township inspection.
• Property Compliance Documentation: Evidence of required safety equipment (from inspection).
• Pennsylvania Sales Tax License: Required for tax collection/remittance.
  • Register via PA Department of Revenue myPATH system.
• Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration: For state tax collection/remittance (often handled by platforms, but registration is required).
  • Register via PA Department of Revenue myPATH system.
• Monroe County Hotel Tax Registration: For county tax collection/remittance.
  • Contact the Monroe County Treasurer's Office.
• Liability Insurance Policy: Strongly recommended (minimum $1M coverage).
• Local Contact Designation: Written documentation of the responsible local individual.
• Community Association Registration/Approval (if applicable): Documentation confirming approval or registration from the specific community (e.g., Emerald Lakes, Indian Mountain Lake).

3. Specific Regulations (City/Township, County, State)

• Tunkhannock Township (Local Authority):

  • Key Ordinance: Ord 2019.01 Short term rentals.pdf - The foundational regulation.
  • Permit Requirement: Operating an STR requires a valid township permit.
  • Inspection: Mandatory initial inspection and annual re-inspection for permit renewal.
  • Local Contact: Required designation and availability.
  • Zoning Compliance: STRs must comply with the zoning district where the property is located (see Zoning Map).
  • Community Rules: Compliance with specific community association rules may be required (e.g., Emerald Lakes, Indian Mountain Lake, Brier Crest Woods).
  • Renewal: Annual renewal required using the 2021STR Renewal Fillable.pdf.
  • Appeals: An appeal process exists via the 2021 STR Appeal Fillable.pdf.
  • Fee Schedule: Township fees are governed by Resolution 2024-345 (Fee Schedule-2024.pdf).

• Monroe County (County Level):

  • Hotel Tax: 3% tax on gross rental receipts. Operators must register and remit this tax directly to the County Treasurer.

• State of Pennsylvania (State Level):

  • Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% tax on gross rental receipts. Registration required with the PA Dept. of Revenue. Many platforms collect and remit this tax automatically for bookings facilitated through their platform.
  • Sales Tax: May apply to certain amenities or services provided.
  • Tax Filings: Regular (monthly/quarterly/annual) filings are required based on revenue thresholds.
  • Zoning Authority: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court case Slice of Life v. Hamilton Township (2019) affirmed that municipalities have the authority to regulate STRs under their zoning ordinances.

4. Contact Information (Local Authority for STRs - Tunkhannock Township)

• Physical Address: Tunkhannock Township Municipal Building, 1557 Long Pond Road, PO Box 203, Long Pond, PA 18334
• Phone: (570) 646-3008
• Fax: (570) 643-5469
• Email: tunksec@longpondpa.com
• Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
• Website: Tunkhannock Township Official Website
• Board Meetings: First Monday of each month at 7:00 PM (Verify current schedule).

5. Important Source Links

• Tunkhannock Township Documents Page (All Forms & Ordinances): Documents to Download
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Ord 2019.01 Short term rentals.pdf
• STR Permit Application Form: Short Term Rental App2022.pdf
• STR Permit Application Guidance: STR Permit Application Guidance 2022.pdf
• STR Renewal Application: 2021STR Renewal Fillable.pdf
• STR Appeal Application: 2021 STR Appeal Fillable.pdf
• Zoning Map: 2014OfficialZoningMap.pdf
• Zoning Ordinance: ORD 2012-127 Approved Zoning Ordinance adopted 05.23.12.pdf
• Fee Schedule (2024): 2024 Fee Schedule July.pdf
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: pa.gov/agencies/revenue
• Monroe County Government: monroecountypa.gov
• Secondary Sources for Context (Verification Recommended):
  • KTC Team STR Guide (2025): Poconos Short-Term Rental Guide (2025): Where STRs Are Legal
  • The Offer Sheet Guide: Long Pond PA Short Term Rental Regulations: A Complete Guide For Airbnb Hosts
  • Pocono Vacation Home Sales Scorecard (Updated 2025): STR Municipal Scorecard: Rules on Short-term Rentals in Boroughs and Townships in Poconos

Critical Note for Investors: Always verify current regulations, permit requirements, fees, and zoning directly with Tunkhannock Township and any relevant community association before purchasing a property or applying for a permit. While secondary sources provide helpful context, the township is the authoritative source for compliance.