What is a Short-Term Rental?
A Short-Term Rental (STR) within the Borough of East Stroudsburg is any residential dwelling unit utilized as a single-family residence rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for a period of not less than one day and not more than 30 days, and which meets the definition of “hotel” for the purpose of imposing an excise tax by the County of Monroe as defined in the County of Monroe Ordinance No. 2004-03, as amended.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE REQUIRED BEFORE OPERATION
- All property owners are required to obtain an approved Short-Term Rental (STR) License prior to offering, advertising, leasing, or otherwise using a property for short-term rental purposes within the Borough of East Stroudsburg.
- No dwelling unit may be utilized as a short-term rental unless a valid STR License has been issued by the Borough of East Stroudsburg and all applicable zoning, building, fire, and safety requirements have been satisfied. This requirement applies regardless of whether the property is owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied.
- Operating a short-term rental without first securing the required license constitutes a violation of municipal regulations and may result in enforcement action, including but not limited to fines, suspension or revocation of rental privileges, and other remedies authorized by the Borough Code.
- Property owners are responsible for ensuring continued compliance with all licensing conditions, inspection requirements, and operational standards as a condition of maintaining an active Short-Term Rental License.
Short-Term Rentals are listed as a permitted use in the zoning districts identified in Ordinance No. 1380 (see the adopted “Table of Land Uses” amendment).
Property owners seeking to operate a Short-Term Rental (STR) within East Stroudsburg Borough must submit a complete application package. Incomplete submissions will not be processed.
Below is a standard list of required documentation:
1. Completed Forms and Applications
Zoning Permit Application – A Zoning Permit is required for all Short-Term Rental land uses within the Borough.
- Trespass-Waiver
2. Multi-Dwelling-Unit Structure
If the building is a multi-dwelling-unit structure, the total number of dwelling units in the structure and the number of dwelling units being used as short-term rentals. Each dwelling unit in a multi-dwelling-unit structure is required to have a separate short-term rental license.
3. Proof of Ownership
- Copy of the current recorded deed for the premises establishing ownership.
If the property is owned by an LLC or corporation, documentation verifying authorized signatory authority may be required.
4. Floor Plan
A legible floor plan showing:
- All bedrooms and sleeping areas
- All levels of the dwelling
Room labels must be clearly identified.
5. Site Plan
A site plan or diagram showing:
- A site plan showing the location and number of on-site parking spaces.
- If not on a central sewer system, the location, approximate age and capacity of the sewage disposal system.
6. Copies of the Following Licenses:
- Current Monroe County Hotel Room Excise Tax Certificate
- Current Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax License.
7. Tresspass Waiver
Trespass waiver signed by the owner allowing access to the premises for the Code Enforcement Officer and the Rental Housing Inspector for the purpose of inspection to verify compliance with this Ordinance.
8. Evidence of No Delinquent Utility Fees
Evidence that there are no delinquent Borough water, sewer and solid waste collection fees for all properties owned, in whole or in part, by the owner in the Borough.
9. Copy of Contract with a Solid Waste Hauler
A copy of a contract with a solid waste hauler to remove solid waste from the short-term rental premises. Short-term rental premises are not included in the Borough’s municipal solid waste collection service; short-term rental premises must have a private solid waste hauler with weekly pickup. No dumpsters are permitted.
10. Evidence of No Delinquent Taxes
Evidence that there are no delinquent Monroe County hotel room excise tax or Pennsylvania sales/use taxes due and owing with respect to short-term rentals or all properties owned, in whole or in part, by the owner in the Borough.
11. Certificate of Insurance
Certificate of insurance evidencing that at least $500,000 in general liability insurance is in effect with respect to the short-term rental, issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in Pennsylvania, which shall be maintained in full force and effect by the owner for the entire period the short-term license is in effect.
Important
No property may be advertised, or occupied as a Short-Term Rental until the STR License has been formally issued.
STR Licenses are property-specific and non-transferable.
STR License must be renewed annually.
STR License Application Fee
Inspection Fee – the Short-Term Rental Application Fee includes one (1) initial inspection and, if necessary, one (1) reinspection limited to correction of items identified as non-compliant in the original Short-Term Rental Inspection Report. Any additional reinspections required due to failure to correct cited violations, incomplete corrective work, no show or no access to the unit, or newly identified violations are subject to additional inspection fees in accordance with the Borough’s adopted fee schedule.
Any outstanding municipal balances must be resolved prior to STR License issuance
All Short-Term Rental (STR) License applications must be submitted directly to the Zoning and Code Enforcement Department.
Property owners may register using one of the following methods:
📍 In Person
Applications and associated fees may be delivered to the Borough Municipal Office located at 24 Analomink Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 during normal business hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 AM – 05:00 pm, except on holidays.
Please bring completed application forms and all required supporting documentation.
📬 By Mail
Completed applications, supporting documents and fees may be mailed to the Borough of East Stroudsburg, 24 Analomink Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. All mailed submissions must include the required application fee (check or copy of online payment receipt).
📧 By Email
Applications may be submitted electronically in PDF format only to rentals@eaststroudsburgboro.org. Incomplete submissions or documents in non-PDF formats may delay processing.
📧 Pay Online
Application fees can also be submitted through our website at www.eaststroudsburgboro.org.
All Short-Term Rentals within the Borough of East Stroudsburg shall be subject to an annual inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer and the Rental Housing Inspector to verify application information, License, License renewal and/or operating requirements. All Short-Term Rentals shall be inspected to and meet the full requirements of the Borough’s adopted Property Maintenance Code, which is the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code.
Schedule an Inspection
Once all required documentation and applicable fees have been received by the Borough of East Stroudsburg, an inspection request will be issued via email to the property owner and/or designated property manager. The inspection will be scheduled for the next available date.
A proposed inspection date and general time window will be provided. Due to the volume of inspections and the variable duration of each inspection, an exact appointment time cannot be guaranteed.
Detailed instructions and preparation requirements for the upcoming inspection will be included in the inspection request email at the time the inspection is scheduled. Property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring access to the property and readiness for inspection during the scheduled time window.
STR properties are subject to:
• Initial inspections prior to STR License issuance
• Periodic compliance inspections
• Complaint-based inspections
Violations must be corrected within required timeframes.
Important Inspection Notice
Issuance of a license or an inspection is not a warranty that the premises is lawful, safe, habitable, or compliant; it indicates the premises are scheduled for routine inspection or met requirements at the time of inspection.
Occupancy
Overnight occupancy is limited to no more than one family per dwelling unit.
Maximum day guests (in addition to overnight occupants) is 75% of the maximum overnight occupancy.
Parking
Off-street parking areas must meet the Zoning Ordinance requirements for single-family dwellings (listed as three spaces per dwelling unit, with stacked parking permitted), and overnight guests must park in approved off-street parking (not on-street).
Trash / Solid Waste
STR premises must use a private solid waste hauler with weekly pickup and are not included in the Borough’s municipal solid waste collection service; dumpsters are prohibited.
Required Posting Inside the STR
A clearly visible notice must be posted within the dwelling unit on or adjacent to the front door, containing specific information (including 24-hour contact, 911 address, occupancy limits, vehicle limits, and inspection/violation notices).
Marketing Restrictions
Marketing an STR with an advertised occupancy that exceeds permitted occupancy, or that promotes prohibited activity, is a violation.
Is your property located in the Borough of East Stroudsburg?
Please use the link below to verify:
🏠 What Is a Short-Term Rental?
A Short-Term Rental (STR) is any residential dwelling unit utilized as a single-family residence rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for a period of not less than one day and not more than 30 days, and which meets the definition of “hotel” for the purpose of imposing an excise tax by the County of Monroe as defined in the County of Monroe Ordinance No. 2004-03, as amended. This includes properties listed on online booking platforms or rented privately for transient occupancy.
📋 Do I need a license to operate a Short-Term Rental?
Yes. All property owners must obtain an approved STR License prior to advertising, listing, or renting the property for short-term occupancy. Operating without a valid STR License is prohibited and subject to enforcement action.
📋 I rent my property primarily for periods more then 30 days, and only occasionally for less then 30 days. Am I still required to obtain a Short-Term Rental License?
Yes. If you advertise or rent your property for less than 30 days at any time during a calendar year, an active STR License is required.
📋 I rent my property only occasionally and not as a business. Do I need an active STR License?
Yes. If you advertise or rent your property for less than 30 days at any time during a calendar year, an active STR License is required.
📋 Can I advertise my property while my application is pending?
No. Advertising or accepting reservations before the STR License has been formally issued is not permitted.
📋 What documents are required to apply?
See above the DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A SHORT-TERM (STR) LICENSE section.
📑 Is an inspection required?
Yes. The property must pass an inspection verifying compliance with applicable building, fire safety, and property maintenance requirements before a license is issued.
STR properties are subject to:
- Initial inspections prior to permit issuance
• Periodic compliance inspections
• Complaint-based inspections
Violations must be corrected within required timeframes.
📑 How long is the license valid?
Any Short-Term Rental License is valid for a period not to exceed one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.
Licenses are property-specific and non-transferable.
🔥 What safety features are required?
All STR properties must maintain:
✔ Working smoke alarms in required locations
✔ Carbon monoxide alarms (where required)
✔ Clearly identified means of egress
✔ Fire extinguisher(s) as required by code
✔ Posted occupancy limits
✔ Posted emergency contact information
Failure to maintain life safety features may result in immediate suspension of STR operations.
Additional requirements may apply depending on property configuration.
👥 Are there occupancy limits?
Overnight occupancy of a short-term rental shall be limited to no more than one family per dwelling unit. The maximum number of day guests allowed at any one time, in addition to the overnight occupants, shall be 75% of the maximum overnight occupancy of the short-term rental.
Occupancy may not exceed limits established by Borough ordinance and any of the adopted current codes.
🚗 Are there parking requirements?
Yes. Off-street parking areas for short-term rental uses must meet the Zoning Ordinance[1] requirements for single-family dwellings (three spaces/dwelling unit, stacked parking is permitted). Day visitors may park on-street in accordance with the applicable on-street parking requirements for that street. Overnight guests must park in an approved off-street parking area, not on the street. Any expansion of parking areas for a short-term rental requires prior Borough approval. Parking areas shall be maintained in a mud-free condition with paving, stone or similar material and shall count as part of the maximum lot coverage limits in Chapter 157, Attachment 2, Table of Bulk Regulations.
📞 Do I need a local contact person?
Yes. If the owner does not reside locally, a designated responsible party must be available to respond to issues within the timeframe required by ordinance.
🔇 What happens if I violate STR regulations?
Violations may result in:
- Written Notices of Violation
- Fines and penalties
- Suspension or revocation of the STR License
- Additional enforcement proceedings as authorized by ordinance
To submit complaints related to properties used as Short-Term Rental, please fill out the Complaint Form.
The following operating standards apply to all licensed Short-Term Rentals (STRs) within East Stroudsburg Borough. These standards are intended to protect public health, safety, and neighborhood character while ensuring responsible rental operations.
1. License Required
A valid Short-Term Rental License must be issued prior to advertising or occupancy.
Licenses are property-specific and non-transferable.
The license must remain current at all times.
2. Annual Inspection
STR properties are subject to inspection prior to issuance and annually thereafter, as required.
The property must remain in compliance with applicable building, fire, and property maintenance codes.
Failure to permit inspection may result in suspension or revocation of the license.
3. Occupancy Limits
Overnight occupancy shall not exceed the maximum permitted based on the approved application.
Occupancy limits must be posted inside the dwelling.
Marketing or advertising occupancy exceeding permitted limits is prohibited.
4. Parking Requirements
Off-street parking must be provided in accordance with zoning requirements.
All guest vehicles must park in designated on-site spaces.
Parking on lawns, sidewalks, or in a manner that obstructs emergency access is prohibited.
5. Responsible Party Requirement
A designated responsible party must be available 24 hours per day.
If the owner does not reside locally, a local contact person must be identified.
The responsible party must respond to complaints or issues within the timeframe required by ordinance.
6. Trash and Solid Waste
Weekly trash removal service through a private hauler is required.
Trash must be stored in approved containers.
Dumpsters are prohibited unless specifically authorized.
STR premises are not included in municipal solid waste collection services unless otherwise provided by ordinance.
7. Required Posting Inside the Dwelling
A clearly visible notice must be posted within the STR containing:
911 address of the property
Maximum occupancy
Maximum number of vehicles permitted
24-hour contact information
Emergency services information
8. Noise and Conduct
Guests must comply with all Borough noise regulations.
Parties, large gatherings, or disruptive behavior are prohibited.
All guests must comply with local laws and ordinances.
9. Insurance Requirements
A certificate of liability insurance must be maintained for the duration of the license.
Coverage limits must meet the minimum required by Borough ordinance.
10. Taxes and Regulatory Compliance
Owners must remain current on all required state and county tax obligations applicable to short-term rentals.
All municipal fees, utility charges, and other Borough obligations must be current.
11. Prohibited Uses
The following are prohibited:
Use of the property for events or commercial activities not authorized by zoning
Temporary structures for additional lodging
Advertising occupancy that exceeds permitted limits
Any unlawful activity
12. Violations and Enforcement
Failure to comply with these operating standards may result in:
Notice of violation
Fines and penalties
Suspension or revocation of the STR License
Additional enforcement proceedings as authorized by ordinance
The Borough is committed to maintaining safe, code-compliant, and responsibly managed Short-Term Rentals while preserving the integrity of residential neighborhoods. Compliance with these standards is a condition of continued licensure.
For Guests
To preserve neighborhood character, protect public safety, and ensure continued operation of licensed Short-Term Rentals (STRs), all guests are expected to comply with the following standards during their stay:
Comply with posted occupancy limits
Guests must not exceed the maximum overnight occupancy posted within the dwelling.
Daytime visitors, if permitted, must remain within the limits established by the Borough ordinance.
Overcrowding is prohibited.
Follow parking regulations
All vehicles must be parked in designated off-street parking areas identified by the property owner.
On-street parking may be restricted or prohibited.
Vehicles may not block sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants, or emergency access areas.
Respect noise standards and observe quiet hours
Guests must comply with Borough noise regulations at all times.
Excessive noise, loud music, parties, or disturbances are prohibited.
Quiet hours must be observed as required by local ordinance.
Adhere to trash and recycling requirements
Trash must be properly bagged and secured in approved containers.
No trash may be left outdoors except in designated containers.
Guests must follow posted collection and recycling instructions.
Follow Property Use Restrictions
The property may not be used for events, parties, commercial gatherings, or unlawful activity.
Tents, RVs, or additional temporary lodging structures are prohibited unless specifically authorized.
Open fires must comply with local fire safety regulations.
Ensure Safety Compliance
Guests may not tamper with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, or other safety equipment.
Posted emergency contact information must remain visible and accessible.
Emergency exits must remain clear at all times.
- Ensure Respect for Neighbors
Guests are expected to:
Respect neighboring properties
Avoid trespassing
Maintain appropriate outdoor conduct
Comply with all local regulations
Failure to comply with these standards may result in:
Immediate termination of the rental stay
Removal from the property
Fines or enforcement action issued to the property owner
Revocation of the Short-Term Rental License
The Borough is committed to balancing responsible short-term rental use with protection of residential neighborhoods. Guest cooperation is essential to maintaining safe and compliant operations.