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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in West Chester, PA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are allowed only by special exception/conditional use in the Borough’s Town Center (TC) district. Lease of individual bedrooms is prohibited; STRs are not permitted as student homes or in larger multifamily buildings; the Town Center is capped at 20 approved STRs with a register and waiting-list process. Owners must maintain $1,000,000 general liability insurance and provide one off-street parking space per bedroom in residential permit parking areas.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Obtain required zoning approval (special exception/conditional use) for an STR in the applicable district; 2) Within 60 days of zoning approval, apply for an annual short-term rental permit via the Borough’s permitting & licensing portal (SmartGov); 3) Provide proof of $1M liability insurance and any required site plans, pass a health/safety inspection, and pay applicable fees. Licenses must be renewed annually by July 1.

Official Resources

Official West Chester STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in West Chester, PA?
Short-term rentals are allowed only by special exception/conditional use in the Borough’s Town Center (TC) district. Lease of individual bedrooms is prohibited; STRs are not permitted as student homes or in larger multifamily buildings; the Town Center is capped at 20 approved STRs with a register and waiting-list process. Owners must maintain $1,000,000 general liability insurance and provide one off-street parking space per bedroom in residential permit parking areas.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in West Chester?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in West Chester. 1) Obtain required zoning approval (special exception/conditional use) for an STR in the applicable district; 2) Within 60 days of zoning approval, apply for an annual short-term rental permit via the Borough’s permitting & licensing portal (SmartGov); 3) Provide proof of $1M liability insurance and any required site plans, pass a health/safety inspection, and pay applicable fees. Licenses must be renewed annually by July 1.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in West Chester?
1) Obtain required zoning approval (special exception/conditional use) for an STR in the applicable district; 2) Within 60 days of zoning approval, apply for an annual short-term rental permit via the Borough’s permitting & licensing portal (SmartGov); 3) Provide proof of $1M liability insurance and any required site plans, pass a health/safety inspection, and pay applicable fees. Licenses must be renewed annually by July 1.
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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