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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lewisburg, PA. In fact, Lewisburg Borough takes a distinctly welcoming and supportive stance toward short-term rentals. The Borough Council has explicitly stated: "Lewisburg values the income-generating potential to owners of Short-term Rentals, and the increased visitor capacity that Short-term Rentals bring to our local businesses."

Lewisburg implemented its Short-Term Rental Licensing and Inspection Ordinance (Ordinance No. 1065) in January 2022, which established a clear, business-friendly regulatory framework. Unlike many Pennsylvania communities that have imposed restrictive caps, bans, or punitive regulations, Lewisburg has created a simple policy that both protects residential neighborhoods and allows homeowners to generate income from their properties.

The Borough's stated goals for regulating STRs are clear and supportive:

1. Ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses (without adverse impacts)
2. Provide property owners with the option to utilize properties for short-term rental use
3. Minimize risks to public safety and health for both occupants and owners
4. Maintain property values
5. Support visitation and tourism to Lewisburg and Union County

Important Limitation: Lewisburg's ordinance specifically defines short-term rentals as "owner-occupied property offering one to five bedrooms or an accessory structure." Buildings with six or more sleeping units are excluded from the STR ordinance and would fall under different lodging classifications.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lewisburg

Starting an STR business in Lewisburg follows a straightforward, six-step process:

Step 1: Market Research and Property Selection

Lewisburg offers several prime investment opportunities:

• Downtown Historic District: Properties within walking distance of Market Street's restaurants, shops, and cultural venues
• Bucknell University Area: Properties near campus for visiting parents, prospective families, and university events
• Susquehanna River Corridor: Properties with river access or views for outdoor enthusiasts

Key Market Metrics:

• Average annual revenue: $31,205
• Average occupancy: 44%
• Average daily rate: $243
• Peak demand periods: September-October (fall events), April-May (graduation), February (Ice Festival)

Step 2: Due Diligence and Acquisition

Before purchasing, verify:

• Property is in a permitted zoning district
• Property has 1-5 bedrooms (ordinance limitation)
• Adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces recommended)
• No deed restrictions or HOA limitations on short-term rentals
• Property qualifies as "owner-occupied" under the ordinance

Step 3: Prepare for Permits and Applications

Contact Central Keystone COG at (570) 524-4491 to discuss your specific property and current requirements.

Step 4: Submit Permit Applications

Lewisburg allows you to submit both the Zoning Permit Application and Short-Term Rental Unit Application simultaneously.

Step 5: Property Inspection

After zoning approval, schedule an inspection with the Code Enforcement Officer to verify compliance with Property Maintenance Codes.

Step 6: Obtain License and Begin Operations

Upon passing inspection and paying license fees, you'll receive your Short-Term Rental Unit License, which must be displayed according to Borough requirements.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits and Licenses

1. Zoning Permit Application

• Submit to Central Keystone COG
• Requires property information, owner details, site plan showing parking areas, and floor plans

2. Short-Term Rental Unit Application

• Can be submitted simultaneously with zoning permit
• Requires proof of ownership, liability insurance, 24-hour contact information

3. Short-Term Rental License

• Issued after successful inspection and fee payment
• Must be displayed prominently
• Contains important guest information including maximum occupancy and emergency contacts

4. Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax License

• Register with PA Department of Revenue at mypath.pa.gov
• Required for collecting and remitting 6% state hotel occupancy tax
• Registration through PA Online Business Tax Registration

Required Documentation

For Initial Applications:

• Property address and tax parcel number
• Owner name, address, phone, and email
• Agent information (if using a property manager)
• Site plan showing parking areas
• Complete floor plans of all levels and habitable spaces
• Property deed or title documentation
• Liability insurance documentation
• 24-hour contact information (required if owner lives more than 15 miles from property)

For Safety Compliance:

• Smoke detector placement and functionality documentation
• Carbon monoxide detector certification (where required)
• Hot water pressure relief valve documentation
• Evidence of clear egress routes
• Property address visibility verification

For Ongoing Operations:

• House rules and policies for guests
• Emergency procedures and contact information
• Guest registry records
• Tax remittance documentation
• Insurance policy updates

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Definition and Scope

Lewisburg defines short-term rentals as: "Owner-occupied property offering one to five bedrooms or an accessory structure, e.g., garage apartment, guest house, duplex, additional dwelling unit, for let or occupancy on a transient basis."

Exclusions:

• Hotels or motels
• Congregate living facilities
• Residential rental properties (long-term leases)
• Rooming or lodging houses
• Buildings with six or more sleeping units

Zoning and Location Requirements

• STRs are generally permitted throughout most of Lewisburg's residential and mixed-use districts
• Downtown Historic District properties are particularly prime locations
• Properties within walking distance of Bucknell University command strong demand
• River corridor properties appeal to outdoor enthusiasts

Owner-Occupancy Requirements

The ordinance specifies "owner-occupied property," which may impose restrictions on absentee landlord operations. Contact Central Keystone COG to clarify specific requirements.

Bedroom Limitations

Properties must offer "one to five bedrooms." Larger properties require different classification or licensing.

Safety and Inspection Requirements

Required Safety Equipment:

• Smoke detectors in all sleeping areas and on every level
• Carbon monoxide detectors where gas appliances or attached garages are present
• Hot water pressure relief valves
• Clear, unobstructed emergency egress routes
• Clearly visible property address for emergency services

Inspection Process:

• Initial inspection required after zoning approval
• Regular re-inspections to maintain license
• Compliance with Lewisburg Borough Property Maintenance Codes
• Correction of deficiencies before license issuance

Parking Requirements

• Zoning officer reviews parking availability as part of permit application
• Typical standards: One off-street parking space per bedroom, minimum two spaces
• Clearly defined parking areas on site plans required

Tax Obligations

Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% tax applies to all rentals under 30 consecutive days

• Tax applies to nightly rate, cleaning fees, service charges, and total accommodation charges
• Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO typically collect this tax automatically
• Direct bookings require personal collection and remittance
• Register through myPATH at mypath.pa.gov

License Terms and Renewal

• Licenses remain valid unless required conditions change
• Regular re-inspections verify continued compliance
• Owners must renew licenses before expiration
• Changes to property condition or use may require new inspections

Fee Structure

Fees are "established, from time to time, by resolution of the Lewisburg Borough Council." Contact Central Keystone COG at (570) 524-4491 for current fee schedules.

State and County Regulations

Pennsylvania State Regulations

• Definition: Short-term rentals provide lodging for less than 30 consecutive days
• Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% state rate applies to all qualifying rentals
• Registration: Required through PA Department of Revenue via myPATH
• Filing: Monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual based on revenue levels

Union County Regulations

• Verify with Union County authorities for any additional county-level lodging taxes
• County requirements may vary and should be confirmed directly

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contact: Central Keystone COG

• Phone: (570) 524-4491
• Website: ckcog.com
• Services: Zoning Permit Applications, STR Unit Applications, Zoning enforcement
• Location: Serves Lewisburg Borough and surrounding municipalities

Lewisburg Borough Office

• Address: 55 South Fifth Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837
• Phone: Contact for current number
• Website: lewisburgborough.org
• Services: General Borough information, Code Enforcement coordination

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (Tax Registration)

• Phone: (717) 787-1064
• Website: revenue.pa.gov
• myPATH Portal: mypath.pa.gov
• Services: Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax registration and filing

Additional Resources

• Lewisburg Downtown Partnership: 328 Market Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837 - lewisburgpa.com
• Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau: visitcentralpa.org
• Union County: Contact for county-specific requirements

Links to Source Pages

Official Borough Resources

• Lewisburg Borough Short-Term Rental Q & A
• Lewisburg Borough Zoning Application
• Lewisburg Borough Short-Term Rental Application
• Lewisburg Borough STR Pre-Inspection Checklist
• Lewisburg Borough STR Fee Resolution

News and Reference Sources

• Standard Journal: Lewisburg passes short-term rental ordinance
• Central Keystone COG Short-Term Rentals Page

State Resources

• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue myPATH Portal
• Pennsylvania Revenue Department

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Investment Summary: Lewisburg, PA offers an exceptional opportunity for short-term rental investors. The Borough's explicitly pro-business stance, combined with Bucknell University's consistent demand, rich cultural programming, historic charm, and straightforward regulatory requirements, creates an ideal environment for well-operated STRs. With average annual revenues around $31,000, occupancy rates of 44%, and a regulatory environment that welcomes rather than restricts short-term rentals, Lewisburg stands out as one of Pennsylvania's most attractive STR investment markets.