STR Regulations Guide: Whitehall, Pennsylvania

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Whitehall, PA?

Yes, short-term rentals are conditionally allowed in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania. However, they are subject to stringent regulations and restrictions that significantly limit their operation. In Whitehall Township, short-term rentals are only permitted in single-family residences located in C-1 and C-2A zoning districts, must be owner-occupied, and require an annual license/permit. For entire residential unit accommodations, owners are limited to a maximum of 30 calendar days per year (January 1 to December 31).

Important Distinction: This guide covers Whitehall Township (Lehigh County), which has specific STR regulations. Whitehall Borough (a separate municipality) has different zoning definitions but appears to lack specific STR ordinances based on the provided content. Investors must verify the specific municipality where their property is located.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Whitehall Township

Step 1: Zoning Verification

Before proceeding, confirm your property is located in Whitehall Township and zoned C-1 or C-2A. Short-term rentals are prohibited in multi-family structures, apartments, or any non-residential property.

Step 2: Property Type Requirements

Your property must be a single-family residence that will remain your primary residence during any rental period. The STR cannot be a separate investment property where you don't reside.

Step 3: Choose Operating Model

Whitehall Township permits two STR arrangements:

• Bedroom Rental: Rent up to 2 bedrooms to transient visitors (minimum 24-hour stay, maximum 30 consecutive days). You must occupy the residence during guest stays.
• Entire Unit Rental: Rent your primary residence for 7-30 consecutive days, maximum 30 total days per calendar year. You are not required to be present during guest stays.

Step 4: Secure Required Approvals

Obtain all necessary zoning approvals and municipal permits before operating.

Step 5: Pass Required Inspections

Schedule and pass inspections by Whitehall Township Bureau of Fire and Property Maintenance Inspectors.

Step 6: Submit Annual License Application

Apply for the annual Short-Term Rental License/Occupancy Permit (issued as a certificate of occupancy for the use).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Annual Short-Term Rental License/Occupancy Permit

Required for operation: This is the primary authorization document, issued annually (January 1-December 31). A separate license is required for each dwelling unit used as an STR.

Submission Requirements:

1. Floor Plan: Accurately drawn floor plan of residence showing every level, indicating size and location of all rooms to be rented
2. Safety Equipment Location: Location of all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and means of egress
3. Site Plan: Indicating parking facilities, exterior structures including swimming pools, decks, sheds, gazebos, etc.
4. Garbage/Recycling: Garbage and recycling hauler information
5. Business License: Proof of required Whitehall Township Business License
6. Tax Registration: Application for Lehigh County Hotel Room Rental Tax
7. Contact Information: Details regarding persons in charge
8. Owner Information: Name, address, telephone number and email address of the owner, manager or managing agency

Business License

Contact the Township Treasurer's Office for business license information and requirements.

Lehigh County Hotel Room Rental Tax

Operators must register and pay the Lehigh County Hotel Room Rental Tax pursuant to LC Ordinance 2005-180, as amended.

Certificate of Occupancy Inspection

Mandatory before any new tenant occupancy. This includes completing an inspection request form and scheduling with the township. All properties (residential and commercial) must be inspected, and code violations must be corrected before occupancy.

Responsible Agent Designation

If the owner's address is located more than 10 miles from the Township boundary, you must designate a responsible agent for emergency response who resides or operates within 10 miles of the township.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Requirements

• Only permitted in single-family residences located in C-1 and C-2A zones
• Prohibited in: multi-family structures, apartments, or any non-residential property
• No detached accessory buildings or structures may be used as STRs
• No campers, trailers, or tents are considered STRs

Occupancy and Rental Limits

• Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom, maximum 14 persons total (including day guests), whichever is less
• Bedroom requirements: Minimum 70 square feet, must contain closet and be in close proximity to bathroom
• Entire unit rentals: Limited to 7-30 consecutive days, maximum 30 calendar days per year
• Bedroom rentals: Minimum 24-hour stay, maximum 30 consecutive days

Owner-Occupancy Requirements

• STRs must be owner-occupied
• For bedroom rentals, owner must occupy residence during guest stays
• For entire unit rentals, owner may but is not required to remain on premises

Parking Requirements

• One improved off-street parking space per bedroom required
• Garage space may count if available for vehicle parking
• No parking on grass or unpaved surfaces
• No parking on others' properties
• Maximum number of vehicles must be clearly posted

Safety Equipment Requirements

All STRs must be equipped with:

• Smoke detectors in each bedroom
• Smoke detectors outside each bedroom in common hallways
• Smoke detectors on each floor
• GFCI outlets as required per Township ordinances
• Aluminum or metal exhaust from dryer
• Carbon monoxide detectors as required by Township and State regulations
• Fire extinguisher in kitchen, conspicuously located
• All paths of egress and exits clearly marked and illuminated
• Swimming pools and similar structures must meet all Whitehall Township requirements

Prohibited Activities

• No receptions, parties, or meetings in STRs
• No partial property rentals (pool-only, yard-only, etc.)
• No use for other than residential lodging
• No signage related to the STR
• No violation of Township's Noise Ordinance

Waste Management

• No use of Township garbage and recycling services
• Private arrangements required for waste disposal
• Dumpsters must be self-latching and contain hauler information
• Trash regulations must be clearly posted

Property Standards

• Must remain single household residential living unit with common housekeeping, kitchen and laundry facilities
• No alterations permitted that would convert structure to other use
• No exterior alterations permitted to change residential character

Mandatory Posting Requirements

Properties must clearly post:

• Person in charge information including 24-hour contact
• 911 address of unit
• Trash regulations
• Noise ordinance information
• Maximum number of occupants
• Maximum number of vehicles
• Local ordinance rules regarding prohibition on parties, meetings and other gatherings

State-Level Regulations (Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code

All construction work must comply with Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and Whitehall Township's local amendments. Permits and approvals required before work commences.

Plumbing Requirements

Plumbing work on rental properties must be performed by a MASTER LICENSED plumber. Property owners cannot perform plumbing work on their rental properties.

Accessibility Requirements

All multi-family and commercial property owners must comply with Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Fair Housing Accessibility Provisions, including reasonable accommodations and accessible paths to parking facilities.

Contact Information

Whitehall Township Government

Address: 3219 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, PA 18052
Website: www.whitehalltownship.org

Specific Department Contacts

Treasurer's Office (Business Licenses): Contact through main township number
Building/Code Enforcement: Contact through main township number
Fire Department/Bureau of Fire: Contact through main township number

Note: Specific phone numbers and email addresses were not provided in the source documents. Investors should contact the main township office and ask to be directed to the appropriate department.

Lehigh County

For Hotel Room Rental Tax information and payment, contact Lehigh County government offices.

Important Resources and Forms

Whitehall Township Website

• Website: www.whitehalltownship.org
• Forms Location: Forms and documents tab
• Available Forms: Fillable forms for rental registration, construction permits, and inspection requests

State Resources

• PA Housing Equality Center: equhousing.org (for state and federal landlord obligations)
• Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (for construction code questions)

Source Pages

1. Whitehall Township Landlord Guide (Rev. 5/2025)
2. Whitehall Borough Zoning Code Chapter 180 - Article II Definitions
3. Whitehall Township Ordinance No. 3298 - Short-Term Rental Regulations
4. STR Municipal Scorecard - Pocono Mountains Region

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Critical Note for Investors: The regulations in Whitehall Township are among the most restrictive in the region. The 30-day annual limit for entire unit rentals and mandatory owner-occupancy requirements significantly impact the profitability and operational flexibility of STR investments. Thorough due diligence and consultation with township officials is essential before proceeding with any STR investment in this market.