Middle Smithfield Township Short-Term Rental Permit: Rules, Fees and How to Apply

The rules in Middle Smithfield Township

• A Short-Term Rental License for each home, renewed every year (the license year runs November 1 to October 31), plus a one-time zoning permit for the change of use. Not transferable; a new owner must apply before renting.
• Occupancy: 2 people per bedroom plus 4, up to 14 (since November 2024). Day guests up to 75%. Bedrooms capped by the septic permit (3 without one).
• A person in charge who lives or has an office within 15 miles, acts as your legal agent and answers the township within 1 hour.
• Apply with 24-hour phone numbers, septic details and pumping within 3 years, the county hotel tax certificate, PA sales tax permit, a signed trespass waiver and the deed.
• Parking on the property only, at most 1 car per bedroom. No RVs, campers, tents or outdoor sleeping. The home must look like the neighboring houses.
• After 2 credible noise complaints you must install an outdoor noise monitor (no camera or recording).
• Smoke and CO detectors, GFI outlets, a metal dryer vent, a visible kitchen fire extinguisher and code-compliant pool and hot tub barriers. Post a front-door notice (the township has a sample).
• Fines $100 to $1,000 a day; 3 uncured violations in 12 months can cost you the license. The township suggests checking your HOA's rules first.

Fees

• Short-term rental $500, inspection $50, certificate of compliance $50 (2026 fee schedule). The change-of-use zoning permit form lists $75.

How to apply

Download the application from the township's Short-Term Rentals page. 147 Municipal Drive, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302, 570-223-8920.

Before you apply: your tax registrations

Townships usually ask for proof that you're registered for lodging taxes, so do these first:

• Pennsylvania's 6% hotel occupancy tax: register for a sales, use and hotel occupancy tax license in myPATH (the PA-100 registration).
• Monroe County's 3% hotel room rental tax, registered with the County Treasurer (see our Monroe County hotel tax guide).

Confirm with the township

• Whether the $500 is charged every year (the ordinance requires a yearly fee).

Tips

• Check your community or HOA rules too. Many Pocono communities have their own renter registration, fees and limits, and you have to follow both.
• Keep one folder with your deed, insurance declaration page, floor and site plans, septic records and tax certificates. Renewals usually ask for the same papers.
• Make sure the guest limit on Airbnb, Vrbo and our site matches your permit.