I’m looking to buy a rental property in the Poconos area. I am researching the areas but I can’t find any information on which towns allow short term rentals. Does anybody have a list or know of a website? Thanks.
So yes, it varies by township and also HOA. The following townships, to my knowledge, currently have short-term rental ordinances in place that allow for short term rentals w permits (from east to west): Middle Smithfield, Jackson, Paradise, Barrett, Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock. Tobyhanna township is expected to pass one that will be 'rental friendly,' but to my knowledge has not been passed yet. Stroud township allows STR in two communities - Penn Estates and Blue Mountain Lake Estates - only. Lehman (Pike County/Bushkill), Smithfield, Eastburg Borough, Stroud Borough, Hamilton, Pocono, Chestnuthill and some others explicitly do not allow STR under 30 days continuous period. Then there are communities within the townships that may disallow - I.e. Country Club of the Poconos in Middle Smithfield and Timber Hill POA in Paradise.
This is my primary market and we've done a TON of short-term rental work particularly over the past 3+ years. Happy to help w more questions. Almost all townships have the short-term rental ordinance, as applicable, available on their website. In general, the areas that were 'traditionally vacation oriented' on top of the Pocono plateau (Coolbaugh, Tunkhannock, Tobyhanna) etc. have experienced the greatest growth in sales volume in 2020 due to a combo of more owners having second/vacation homes there so it's easier for them to bring their property to market, generally friendly STR rules and proximity to Pocono attractions (ski, hiking etc.).
Also some spots that have commercial or special 'recreation' zoning (like the townhomes at Camelback) allow short term rental despite being in a township (Pocono) that doesn't allow it in their residential only zones. Folks that have STR's in the area are doing great with them... # of bedrooms and specialty features really help drive it. Good luck and happy house hunting!
@Steven Ruff Thanks for the info, husband and I are currently looking at there's lots of restrictions except for Pike county, which we are looking at in dingmans ferry. We have noticed wayne county has a ton of restrictions
most of the str ordinances require having someone that can represent the owner that lives from 25-30 miles from the listing, are you close enough or do you have a recommendation on how to get around? Husband and i are looking at cresco, dingmans ferry and milanville but want to be sure we wont have an issue receiving a permit
most of the str ordinances require having someone that can represent the owner that lives from 25-30 miles from the listing, are you close enough or do you have a recommendation on how to get around? Husband and i are looking at cresco, dingmans ferry and milanville but want to be sure we wont have an issue receiving a permit
palmyra and tafton are the townships in pike county that run along the east side of the lake. Palmyra to the south and tafton going north. Hawley is above tafton. Going south from the lake along 507 (lake wallanpaupack road) you run into Newfoundland, Sterling, and then Tobyhanna
STR is defined as 28 days or less by the state and in most zoning. One HOA has a quirky 14 day definition. If a township does shift their ordinances, owners still have the options to rent for a "season" which works well for places by ski resorts that sell annual passes or communities with amenities like Lakes and Pools. Blue Mountain has added mountain biking season passes for the warmer months, so season rentals are not just for ski season.
Lake Naomi states that owners that rent are required to use an approved real estate agency. If you look deep into the anxiety that communities have over STR, the issue is the anonymity of the guests. Using a realtor to manage rentals or having guests register with the community management office is one way to alleviate that anxiety and one way a POA/HOA supports its members. HOA's and townships will tighten and loosen their rules and regulations based on the input of their constituents. There is an old saying that people get involved in local elected office (township commissioners or HOA boards) for one of two reasons: revenge or self-interest. If owners work together, they have some clout.
Does anyone have any experience in obtaining a TDU permit in Pocono Township? I have been reading the covenants, and although 'strict' seem very feasible. Thanks and appreciate any guidance.
I’m looking to buy a rental property in the Poconos area. I am researching the areas but I can’t find any information on which towns allow short term rentals. Does anybody have a list or know of a website? Thanks.
I am a Realtor here in the Poconos and work mainly with Investors looking for STR. If you still need help. Let me know!
Tobyhanna is about to pass the most restrictive ordinance in all of Pennsylvania. It will destroy both the LTR and STR. Markets. A group of 400 Owners have gotten together and formed the Tobyhanna Short Term Rental Alliance to help push for reasonable, rational, and responsible ordinance within our community.
There is a meeting this Wednesday 3/16/2022 at 5pm ET with the Board of Supervisors to try to ask for changes to the draft.
If you support a fair ordinance you should attend either in person or virtually.
As we all know, an attorney costs a fortune and we have hired one to defend our rights and ask for a fair ordinance. for those interested in joining the discussion and being represented, donate $200+ at our GoFundMe page
Tobyhanna is about to pass the most restrictive ordinance in all of Pennsylvania. It will destroy both the LTR and STR. Markets. A group of 400 Owners have gotten together and formed the Tobyhanna Short Term Rental Alliance to help push for reasonable, rational, and responsible ordinance within our community.
There is a meeting this Wednesday 3/16/2022 at 5pm ET with the Board of Supervisors to try to ask for changes to the draft.
If you support a fair ordinance you should attend either in person or virtually.
Hi! Just an update on this topic, the meeting is now tomorrow (Weds 3/23) at Kalahari if anyone is interested in voicing their opinion on the Tobyhanna ordinance. This site has the info- https://www.tobyhannaforall.co...
STR is defined as 28 days or less by the state and in most zoning. One HOA has a quirky 14 day definition. If a township does shift their ordinances, owners still have the options to rent for a "season" which works well for places by ski resorts that sell annual passes or communities with amenities like Lakes and Pools. Blue Mountain has added mountain biking season passes for the warmer months, so season rentals are not just for ski season.
Lake Naomi states that owners that rent are required to use an approved real estate agency. If you look deep into the anxiety that communities have over STR, the issue is the anonymity of the guests. Using a realtor to manage rentals or having guests register with the community management office is one way to alleviate that anxiety and one way a POA/HOA supports its members. HOA's and townships will tighten and loosen their rules and regulations based on the input of their constituents. There is an old saying that people get involved in local elected office (township commissioners or HOA boards) for one of two reasons: revenge or self-interest. If owners work together, they have some clout.
Hi Mark, Do you know anything about the STR regulations for Stroudsburg Monroe county. Thoughts on this area. I'm looking to purchase my first STR up there
STR is defined as 28 days or less by the state and in most zoning. One HOA has a quirky 14 day definition. If a township does shift their ordinances, owners still have the options to rent for a "season" which works well for places by ski resorts that sell annual passes or communities with amenities like Lakes and Pools. Blue Mountain has added mountain biking season passes for the warmer months, so season rentals are not just for ski season.
Lake Naomi states that owners that rent are required to use an approved real estate agency. If you look deep into the anxiety that communities have over STR, the issue is the anonymity of the guests. Using a realtor to manage rentals or having guests register with the community management office is one way to alleviate that anxiety and one way a POA/HOA supports its members. HOA's and townships will tighten and loosen their rules and regulations based on the input of their constituents. There is an old saying that people get involved in local elected office (township commissioners or HOA boards) for one of two reasons: revenge or self-interest. If owners work together, they have some clout.
Does anyone know anything about the STR regulations for Stroudsburg Monroe county. Thoughts on this area. I'm looking to purchase my first STR up there.
I am new here, getting rid of my STR this spring which is 6 houses from lake wallanpaupack. Deeded boat slip (deeded partial ownership of two lake front lots with slips, shared by 16 houses in the area. Guaranteed slip) palmyra township, pike county so STR is legal. My lot is 1.5 acres. No community or HOA. Awesome place wish I could keep it but I'm moving my primary residence (ny) to Florida and will be investing down there instead. If anyone has any questions about wallanpaupack and the real estate there feel free to ask. Palmyra requires a permit which basically just proves that you aren't overloading your septic system. Pike county is the east side of the lake and Wayne county is the west side of the lake. Wayne county doesn't allow STR.
Steve, did you end up selling or is this property still available?