Overview: STR Allowance in Upper Darby, PA

Short-term rentals are permitted in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, though they are subject to the township's rental property licensing requirements and state-level regulations. While Upper Darby does not have specific short-term rental ordinances separate from traditional long-term rentals, investors must comply with the township's existing rental property framework and Pennsylvania's statewide short-term rental laws.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Upper Darby

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning Compliance

• Verify zoning classification using the township's zoning map
• Ensure your property complies with residential use restrictions
• Check Homeowners Association (HOA) bylaws if applicable

Step 2: Obtain Required Licenses

• Rental Property License: Required for any dwelling occupied by someone other than the owner for one (1) month or more in any year
• Business Privilege License: Required through eCollect platform
• Annual license renewal mandatory

Step 3: Pass Required Inspections

• Schedule rental property inspection within 30 days of application submission
• Ensure property meets all safety and code requirements (detailed checklist provided below)

Step 4: Tax Registration and Compliance

• Register with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for tax obligations
• Obtain hotel license if renting property for more than 15 days per year (state requirement)

Step 5: Insurance and Business Setup

• Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for short-term rental operations
• Consider professional management services if desired

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

Rental Property License

Primary Requirements:

• Completed [Rental License Application](https://www.upperdarby.org/media/Departments/License and Inspections/LI/Permit Applications/Rental License Application.pdf)
• Non-refundable application fee
• Annual renewal required

Business Privilege License

• Obtained through eCollect platform
• Additional licensing requirement for rental operations

Safety and Code Compliance Inspection Checklist

Exterior Requirements:

• Address numbers at front and rear (4" high, ½" brush stroke minimum)
• Electric service cable must not be frayed, cracked, or broken
• Sidewalks, steps, and walkways must be free of broken concrete or tripping hazards
• No peeling or flaking paint on woodwork (exterior and interior)
• No trash or debris on exterior
• Grass, weeds, shrubs, and trees must be maintained
• Tenants must have two trash cans with lids

Interior Safety Requirements:

• GFI receptacles required in bathrooms
• Kitchen countertop receptacles must be GFI protected
• Check for water damage from roof or pipe leaks
• Fix leaking sink traps (kitchen, bathroom, laundry tub)
• Windows and skylights must be operable with screens
• Smoke detectors: one in each bedroom and on each level of home
• Carbon monoxide detectors: one in basement and one on second floor, outside bedroom doors
• Hot water heater and furnace must have drip pipes or relief valves piped to within 6" of floor
• Dryer must be properly vented
• Bathrooms need exhaust fan if no window or skylight available
• Railings required on stairwells
• Interior locks must be knob type (not keyed) for exterior egress
• Junction boxes, switches, and receptacles require cover plates
• Sump pump must discharge to exterior

State-Level Requirements

Hotel License

• Required if property is rented out for more than 15 days in a calendar year
• Obtained through Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

Tax Obligations

• 6% state sales tax on all rentals
• Local hotel tax (varies by county/municipality)
• Must collect and remit taxes to appropriate authorities

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Upper Darby Township (Municipal Level)

Noise Regulations

• Noise violations enforced before 6 AM and after 10 PM
• Reference ordinance available at: Noise Ordinance Details

Trash Collection Requirements

• Trash must be placed out for collection 8 hours prior to pickup
• Required to use trash cans with lids at designated trash lines
• Full ordinance details at: Trash Collection Ordinance

Property Maintenance

• High grass and weeds become a violation when exceeding 10 inches in height
• Homeowner responsible for pruning and upkeep of trees between curb and sidewalk

Delaware County (County Level)

• County-specific tax obligations may apply
• Various county services and permits may be relevant depending on property location

Pennsylvania State (State Level)

Tax Framework

• 6% state sales tax on short-term rentals
• Hotel occupancy tax obligations
• Requirement for hotel license if renting >15 days annually

Building Codes

• Township enforces Pennsylvania state-mandated Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
• Current code: 2015 ICC family of codes with amendments
• State guidelines available at: PA UCC Information

Contact Information for Local Authority

Upper Darby Township - Licenses & Inspections Department

Primary Contact Information:

• Address: 100 Garrett Road, Room 109, Upper Darby, PA 19082
• Phone: (610) 734-7613
• Fax: (610) 734-7638
• Email: li@upperdarby.org
• One Center Request Line: (610) 734-7625
• One Center Email: one@upperdarby.org

Rental Property Licensing:

• Dedicated Rental License Phone: (610) 734-7640
• Rental License Email: LI@upperdarby.org

Office Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Appointments strongly encouraged

Emergency Contact:

• For emergencies, dial 911

Key Resources and Departments

• Licenses & Inspections: Handles rental property licenses and inspections
• Code Enforcement: Handles zoning and property code violations
• Business Licensing: Manages business privilege licenses through eCollect platform

Source Links

Primary Municipal Sources:

• Rental Property License Information
• Licenses & Inspections Department
• Licenses & Inspections FAQs
• [Rental License Application Form](https://www.upperdarby.org/media/Departments/License and Inspections/LI/Permit Applications/Rental License Application.pdf)
• [Rental Inspection Checklist](https://www.upperdarby.org/media/Departments/License and Inspections/LI/Rentals/Rental Inspection Checklist.pdf)

State Resources:

• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
• Pennsylvania UCC Information

Business Licensing:

• eCollect Business Privilege License Portal

Ordinances and Codes:

• Upper Darby Zoning Map
• Noise Ordinance
• Trash Collection Ordinance
• Upper Darby Ordinance 3096 Section 417-11 AAA

Important Note: This guide reflects information available as of the content provided. Regulations and requirements may change, and investors should verify current requirements with the township directly before proceeding with any short-term rental investment or operation.