East Stroudsburg Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental License (Chapter 124, Article III) plus Zoning Permit for Short-Term Rental land use…

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Permitted use only in zoning districts C-1, C-1A, C-1B, C-2, OM-1, S-1, and I-U (Table of Land Uses); not a permitted use in the Borough's residential-only zoning districts.

Application Process

Submit STR License Application, Zoning Permit Application, and Trespass-Waiver with deed copy, floor plan, site plan, Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate, PA Sales & Use Tax License, and $500,000 insurance certificate to the Zoning and Code Enforcement Department in person, by mail, or by email (PDF only); an initial inspection (for 2006 IPMC compliance) is required before the license is issued, and annual re-inspection is required for renewal

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 9% of gross rental income.

Collection: Some home-sharing platforms/third-party brokers voluntarily collect and remit the PA hotel occupancy tax on the host's behalf; if a host does not exclusively use such a platform (or the platform does not collect/remit), the host must register with the PA Department of Revenue for a Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax License and file/remit electronically via myPATH. Hosts must also hold a current Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate.

Rental Limits

East Stroudsburg does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

No more than one Family per Dwelling Unit overnight; day guests (in addition to overnight occupants) limited to 75% of the maximum overnight occupancy

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-Term Rentals are a permitted use only in the C-1, C-1A, C-1B, C-2, OM-1, S-1, and I-U zoning districts (Ordinance No. 1380 Table of Land Uses); not permitted in the Borough's residential-only zoning districts

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Working smoke alarms in required locations
• Carbon monoxide alarms (where required)
• Clearly identified means of egress
• Fire extinguisher(s) as required by code
• Compliance with the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code, verified by annual inspection

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Summary offense fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 per violation (each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation), plus court costs and attorney's fees; three violations on a property within a rolling 12-month period may result in license revocation or denial of renewal for 6 months (first set of three violations) or 1 year (subsequent sets)

Platform Requirements

Marketing a Short-Term Rental with an advertised occupancy that exceeds the maximum occupancy permitted, or that promotes any other prohibited activity, is itself a violation of the ordinance

Market Snapshot

Demand context for East Stroudsburg from official government and tourism statistics — the latest published annual figures, not a projection of rental income.

Reminder: permit availability is constrained in this market (see the caveat near the top of this page) — demand figures do not mean a new permit is obtainable.

Figures are the latest annual statistics published by the linked official sources (retrieved 2026-07-13). Visitor counts cover the geography stated by each source, which can be wider than the city itself. Regulations above — not market conditions — determine whether and how you may operate.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in East Stroudsburg:

1. Meet safety requirements. Working smoke alarms in required locations. Carbon monoxide alarms (where required). Clearly identified means of egress. Fire extinguisher(s) as required by code. Compliance with the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code, verified by annual inspection.
2. Obtain liability insurance. $500,000 minimum.
3. Apply for Short-Term Rental License plus Zoning Permit for Short-Term Rental land use. Submit application + $600 fee.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and Monroe County Treasurer's Office.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 9% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $600 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in East Stroudsburg?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in East Stroudsburg requires a Short-Term Rental License.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in East Stroudsburg?

A Short-Term Rental License in East Stroudsburg costs $600 per year.

Does East Stroudsburg require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. East Stroudsburg allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in East Stroudsburg?

East Stroudsburg does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in East Stroudsburg?

Short-term rental stays in East Stroudsburg are subject to a combined 9% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax + 3% Monroe County Hotel Room Rental Excise Tax. Hosts are legally responsible; many booking platforms collect and remit them automatically on the host's behalf.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in East Stroudsburg?

Penalties run up to $1,000.