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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in York, PA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are regulated as tenant-occupied units requiring a license for Group I or Group R occupancies. Owners not residing in York County or a contiguous county must appoint a local manager for service of process. Units must pass inspections for property maintenance and fire safety codes, and licenses must be displayed on-site.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a rental license application and annual fee to the Department of Economic and Community Development. 2. Schedule and pass a city inspection for compliance with Property Maintenance and Fire Prevention Codes. 3. Receive the license, which must be renewed annually by the end of the calendar year.

Regulatory Updates — York

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2023

City of York STR Registration Ordinance

York enacted an STR registration ordinance requiring all operators to obtain a city rental license, pass a housing inspection, and designate a local contact. The ordinance applies to all short-term rentals within city limits and requires annual renewal.

PassedApril 2024

Zoning Compliance Review for STR Properties

York's code enforcement division increased review of STR applications for zoning compliance, ensuring that properties operating as vacation rentals are in zoning districts that permit transient occupancy. Some residential zones require a special exception or conditional use permit for STR operation.

PassedJanuary 2023

Pennsylvania Marketplace Facilitator Tax Collection

Pennsylvania requires marketplace facilitators like Airbnb and Vrbo to collect and remit Pennsylvania sales tax and applicable local hotel tax on behalf of hosts. This has improved tax compliance among York area vacation rental operators.

Official source

Official Resources

Official York STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

York County Economic AllianceLocal

Economic development organization tracking business regulations in York County including STR licensing and zoning requirements that affect the local tourism and hospitality sector.

Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®Statewide

Statewide association tracking property regulations including STR-related zoning and licensing changes affecting Pennsylvania property owners.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing compliance resources and regulatory monitoring for vacation rental managers in mid-Atlantic markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in York, PA?
Short-term rentals are regulated as tenant-occupied units requiring a license for Group I or Group R occupancies. Owners not residing in York County or a contiguous county must appoint a local manager for service of process. Units must pass inspections for property maintenance and fire safety codes, and licenses must be displayed on-site.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in York?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in York. 1. Submit a rental license application and annual fee to the Department of Economic and Community Development. 2. Schedule and pass a city inspection for compliance with Property Maintenance and Fire Prevention Codes. 3. Receive the license, which must be renewed annually by the end of the calendar year.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in York?
1. Submit a rental license application and annual fee to the Department of Economic and Community Development. 2. Schedule and pass a city inspection for compliance with Property Maintenance and Fire Prevention Codes. 3. Receive the license, which must be renewed annually by the end of the calendar year.
What licenses are required to operate a short-term rental in York, PA?
Operators need a City of York rental license (requiring a housing inspection and 24/7 local contact designation), and must verify their property's zoning permits short-term rental use. Some residential zones require a special exception or conditional use permit before an STR license is issued. Pennsylvania sales tax and York County hotel tax registration are also required — though Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit these automatically for most bookings.
What taxes apply to York PA short-term rental income?
Pennsylvania imposes a 6% state sales tax on short-term rental income. York City levies an additional local services tax, and York County may impose a hotel tax. The combined effective tax rate on rental receipts is typically 8–10%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Pennsylvania state tax and most local taxes on behalf of hosts through the state's marketplace facilitator law. Operators booking directly must register and remit independently with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
What makes York, PA a viable short-term rental market?
York's STR market benefits from its location at the convergence of several demand drivers: it sits roughly equidistant between Baltimore (40 miles) and Harrisburg (25 miles), making it attractive for work-related stays; it's a gateway to Pennsylvania Dutch Country and Lancaster County; and the city itself has a growing arts, brewery, and food scene. The WellSpan Health system and other large employers drive year-round midweek corporate travel demand alongside weekend leisure stays.

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