Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jefferson County, PA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Jefferson County requires operators of hotels, motels, inns, guest houses, and bed-and-breakfasts to register and collect a 5% Hotel Room Rental Tax on taxable transient occupancy; occupancy of 30 consecutive days or more constitutes a permanent residency and is exempt. Operators must register within 15 days of starting business and file quarterly tax reports, while local municipalities may enforce additional zoning or permit requirements.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the Jefferson County Hotel Room Tax Registration Form to the County Treasurer within 15 days of starting business. 2) Obtain and conspicuously display the permanent certificate of authorization issued by the Treasurer. 3) Collect the 5% tax and file quarterly returns by the 25th day of the month following each calendar quarter.

Official Resources

Official Jefferson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Jefferson County, PA?
Jefferson County requires operators of hotels, motels, inns, guest houses, and bed-and-breakfasts to register and collect a 5% Hotel Room Rental Tax on taxable transient occupancy; occupancy of 30 consecutive days or more constitutes a permanent residency and is exempt. Operators must register within 15 days of starting business and file quarterly tax reports, while local municipalities may enforce additional zoning or permit requirements.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County. 1) Complete and submit the Jefferson County Hotel Room Tax Registration Form to the County Treasurer within 15 days of starting business. 2) Obtain and conspicuously display the permanent certificate of authorization issued by the Treasurer. 3) Collect the 5% tax and file quarterly returns by the 25th day of the month following each calendar quarter.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Jefferson County?
1) Complete and submit the Jefferson County Hotel Room Tax Registration Form to the County Treasurer within 15 days of starting business. 2) Obtain and conspicuously display the permanent certificate of authorization issued by the Treasurer. 3) Collect the 5% tax and file quarterly returns by the 25th day of the month following each calendar quarter.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction