1) Overview and legal status

• Are STRs allowed in Union Dale, PA? Yes, short‑term rentals are permitted in Union Dale (Susquehanna County), but they are subject to multiple layers of rules: borough zoning/land use, county zoning and permitting, state building/safety codes, and state/local hotel occupancy taxes.
• What you must do to operate: verify land use approval under Susquehanna County zoning; comply with the Pennsylvania Construction Code (UCC) and local code enforcement; collect and remit the PA state 6% hotel occupancy tax and the local 1% hotel occupancy tax; follow any property‑level requirements (e.g., parking, nuisance, addressing, stormwater/floodplain, etc.); and comply with the borough’s Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (see below for link and document requirements).
• Licenses: As of 2025, Union Dale does not impose a city- or borough‑level business license for STRs. Hosts must nevertheless obtain all required state, county, and local approvals and maintain compliance. [Sources: gosummer.com overview; checkmaterentals.com overview; Union Dale Borough ordinances listing.]

2) How to start a STR business in Union Dale (step‑by‑step)

• Step 1 – Zoning and land use
  • Confirm Susquehanna County zoning allows the intended STR use at your specific property (dwelling type and area).
  • If uncertainty exists, obtain a zoning determination/verification from the Susquehanna County Planning Commission (see “Contacts”).
• Step 2 – Building/safety and code compliance (UCC)
  • If the rental involves new construction, a change in use/occupancy, structural work, or significant life‑safety systems (e.g., fire detection/suppression), obtain the appropriate UCC permits and inspections.
  • Under the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (Act 45), you are responsible for compliance regardless of whether you hire a contractor; confirm whether your project requires a building permit before listing.
• Step 3 – Local borough ordinances and standards
  • Review the Union Dale Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (below) and any referenced property‑level requirements that apply to your listing (e.g., parking, nuisance, road and driveway access).
• Step 4 – Addressing and emergency response
  • Assign/confirm the official address under Union Dale’s Road Naming and Addressing Ordinance. Accurate addressing improves guest access and 911 response.
• Step 5 – Tax registration and collections
  • Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to collect and remit the 6% PA hotel occupancy tax (often reported as Hotel Tax on the Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax Return).
  • Also register for and remit the 1% local hotel occupancy tax that applies in Susquehanna County (as applicable to your booking location). Many hosts maintain a combined process for the two taxes.
  • Keep booking records adequate to support returns and audits.
• Step 6 – Operational readiness
  • Maintain the property in good repair and keep required safety devices/service records (per UCC) and local nuisance standards.
  • Provide guests with clear house rules, check‑in/out procedures, and local guidance (trash, parking, quiet hours, emergency info).
• Step 7 – Documentation
  • Maintain proof of zoning clearance/verification, UCC permit/inspection records (if applicable), tax registrations, and compliance with Union Dale ordinances (e.g., nuisance, parking).
• Step 8 – Monitoring
  • Monitor borough ordinance updates; there is no ongoing borough registration/license requirement today, but that could change.

3) Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Borough-level ordinance(s)
  • Short Term Rental Ordinance (Union Dale Borough)
  • Nuisance Ordinance (guest behavior, noise, exterior conditions)
  • Parking Ordinance (on‑street/parking impacts in a residential setting)
  • Road Naming and Addressing Ordinance (official address assignment/confirmation)
  • Pennsylvania Construction Code Ordinance (UCC adoption within borough)
  • Driveway/Street Excavation Ordinance (if any new access/driveway work affects the road)
• County-level and state-level approvals
  • Susquehanna County zoning verification/determination letter (confirm STR use is permissible for the parcel)
  • PA UCC permits/inspections when triggered (new work, occupancy changes, or life‑safety systems)
• Taxes and registration
  • PA Department of Revenue account for Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state)
  • Local Hotel Occupancy Tax remittance (1% where applicable in Susquehanna County)
  • Basic recordkeeping of reservations, rates, and tax remittances
• STR licensing
  • No current borough/city STR license or registration requirement identified in Union Dale as of 2025.

Key: If your property sits in a floodplain or special hazard area, review Union Dale’s Floodplain Ordinance and stormwater rules for potential elevation, setback, or permitting constraints.

4) City, county, and state regulations

• Union Dale Borough
  • Short-Term Rental Ordinance—sets local expectations for STR operation and compliance.
  • Nuisance Ordinance—addresses noise, exterior maintenance, and behavior issues that can affect neighbors and code enforcement.
  • Parking Ordinance—governs on‑street and off‑street parking practices in a small‑town setting.
  • Road Naming and Addressing Ordinance—ensures the property has an official address and that it is posted properly.
  • Pennsylvania Construction Code Ordinance—adopts the UCC; any building, alteration, or life‑safety changes tied to hosting must meet UCC requirements.
  • Driveway/Street Excavation Ordinance—applies to any work affecting public road access/utility cuts.
• Susquehanna County
  • County zoning ordinances may limit STR uses or impose conditions; obtain a zoning verification for your parcel before listing.
  • Coordinate with the Susquehanna County Planning Commission (planning office) for zoning and development guidance.
• Pennsylvania State
  • Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%)—required to collect and remit on short‑term lodging; register with the PA Department of Revenue.
  • Local Hotel Occupancy Tax (1% in Susquehanna County)—hosts remit this local tax where applicable.
  • Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (UCC)—governs building safety, permitting, and inspections for applicable work.

5) Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

Union Dale Borough (primary municipal contact for ordinance and code compliance)

• Website: uniondaleboroughpa.com (Ordinances page at uniondaleboroughpa.com/borough-ordinances)
• Phone: 570-679-2420
• Address: Union Dale Borough, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania (mailing/office: contact via borough website for exact mailing address)
• Permit Desk (local permits/inspections): follow links under “Permits” on the borough site
• Notes: The borough enforces local ordinances and UCC compliance locally.

Susquehanna County Planning Commission (county zoning verification and planning)

• Phone: 570-278-4600 (Planning/Zoning)
• Website: scpaonline.org
• Address: 31 Public Ave, Suite 150, Montrose, PA 18801
• Notes: Request a zoning determination/verification for STR use at your specific property.

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (state hotel occupancy tax)

• Website: revenue.pa.gov (look for Hotel Occupancy Tax and business tax registration)
• Phone: 717-787-1064
• Notes: Register and file Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state) and, as applicable, local hotel tax.

Note: If the property lies within a fire protection district or a special permitting boundary (e.g., driveway/ROW), contact the appropriate authority identified in the relevant ordinance (links below).

6) Links to source pages/documents

• Union Dale Borough – Ordinances page (includes Short‑Term Rental, Nuisance, Parking, Road Naming & Addressing, UCC, Driveway/Street Excavation): uniondaleboroughpa.com/borough-ordinances
• Short Term Rental Ordinance (PDF): uniondaleboroughpa.com/borough-ordinances (click “Short term rental Ordinance” PDF link)
• Short‑Term Rental regulation summary and guidance (gosummer.com): gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/union-dale-pennsylvania
• Short‑Term Rental regulation summary and guidance (checkmaterentals.com): checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/union-dale-pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (Hotel Occupancy Tax information and registration): revenue.pa.gov
• Susquehanna County Planning Commission (zoning/planning, zoning verification): scpaonline.org

Important reminders for investors

• County zoning can be dispositive. Obtain a written zoning verification from Susquehanna County before purchase or listing.
• Borough ordinances evolve. Review the Short‑Term Rental Ordinance and any referenced requirements periodically for updates.
• Taxes apply even if you use a property manager. Register, collect, and remit the 6% state and 1% local hotel taxes.
• Building/safety work triggers UCC. Confirm whether your setup, conversions, or life‑safety systems need permits and inspections.

This guide is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult the cited ordinances, your local code official, county zoning staff, and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for project‑specific guidance.