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

The rules in Pocono Township

• Pocono Township calls a short-term rental a "Transient Dwelling Use" (TDU). The licensing chapter applies to properties in the Commercial and Recreational zoning districts, and a change-of-use zoning approval plus the TDU license are required. If your home is in another district, ask the township whether a short-term rental is allowed there.
• The license year runs November 1 to October 31; the fee is the same whenever you apply. Not transferable; one license per home.
• At least $500,000 liability insurance, the county hotel tax certificate and PA sales tax license, and a copy of your rental agreement form.
• The guest signing the agreement must be at least 21.
• If you don't live in the home, a person in charge must live or have an office within 15 miles and answer the township within 1 hour.
• Occupancy: 2 people per bedroom plus 4, up to 14. Day guests up to 75% of the overnight maximum. Bedrooms capped by the sewage permit (3 without one); proof of septic pumping within 12 months.
• No street or yard parking; no tents, RVs or outdoor sleeping. Weekly trash pickup. A township placard stays posted on the front door.
• Violations must be fixed within 7 days. Fines $500 to $1,000; two uncured violations can mean a 1-year revocation.

Fees

• $500 per year for the TDU license, due November 1 (2024 fee schedule, the newest the township has posted).

How to apply

Download the TDU application from the township's Permits & Documents page and submit it to the Zoning Officer, 205 Old Mill Rd, Tannersville, PA 18372. Phone 570-629-1922.

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

• Which zoning districts allow short-term rentals, if your home isn't in the Commercial or Recreational district.
• Whether the fee changed after the 2024 schedule.

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.