Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bradford, PA?

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Bradford, PA, subject to zoning and building/fire/health standards that apply to all residential rentals. As of March 2025, the City of Bradford does not have a dedicated short‑term rental (STR) ordinance. Bradford’s zoning and rental rules are governed by the City of Bradford Municipal Code and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. In practice, an STR typically operates as a homestay (owner present) or as a whole‑home rental of a single‑family dwelling. If you intend to run a lodging‑style business without residing on‑premises (e.g., a multi‑unit “hostel,” “boarding house,” or tourist home), you would need to confirm the permitted status and likely a special exception or a different use classification under zoning, as these commercial lodging uses are treated differently.

At the county level, McKean County does not appear to have a countywide STR-specific ordinance, and state law treats STRs as “lodging establishments” for hotel occupancy tax purposes. This means you should register to collect and remit state hotel occupancy tax and any applicable local hotel taxes (if any), and ensure that zoning and building/fire/health requirements are met.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bradford

• Define your model:
  • Primary-residence homestay (owner on‑site) versus whole‑home STR versus commercial lodging (e.g., tourist home/boarding house).
  • Confirm which use category applies under Bradford’s zoning; commercial lodging classifications can require special approvals.
• Site selection and zoning compliance:
  • Ensure the property is in a zoning district that permits your intended use (residential single‑family rentals are commonly allowed; verify with Zoning/Code).
• Licensing, permits, and taxes:
  • Obtain any required rental registrations, fire/safety inspections, and building permits for any improvements.
  • Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for Sales/Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax to collect and remit taxes on bookings.
• Insurance:
  • Homeowner’s policies often exclude home-based businesses and liability related to guests; consider an STR-specific policy or rider.
• Operations and safety:
  • Post emergency info and local rules; maintain safe and compliant smoke/CO detectors; ensure exits and egress are unobstructed.
  • If using a booking platform (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO), many collect state/local hotel taxes on your behalf; otherwise, you must collect and remit yourself.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax License (PA Department of Revenue)
  • Register to collect 6% PA hotel occupancy tax on stays under 30 days. If you do not use a booking agent that remits for you, you must register and remit taxes yourself.
  • County/local room taxes may apply; confirm with McKean County or the local tax collection authority.
  • State resources:
    • PA DOR Home‑sharing/Third‑party Broker Rentals page
    • PA Tax Reform Code §209 (definitions), §210 (hotel tax obligations), 61 Pa.Code §38.3 (Hotel definition)
• Municipal requirements:
  • Rental registration/permit (if required by city code; verify current forms/fees).
  • Fire, building, and occupancy inspections as applicable for residential rentals.
  • Safety compliance (smoke/CO alarms; egress; occupancy limits per life‑safety standards).
• Zoning compliance:
  • Ensure the use aligns with the zoning district (single‑family dwelling rentals are typically allowed; verify with Zoning/Code).
  • For lodging‑style uses (tourist homes, rooming houses, boarding houses), determine whether a special exception or commercial zoning classification is required.
• Recommended documentation:
  • House rules, guest agreement/lease, check‑in procedures, emergency contacts, evacuation plans.
  • Guest logs for recordkeeping (renter name, contact, check‑in/out dates, occupants).
• Insurance:
  • STR-specific policy or rider covering guest liability and property damage; confirm scope (intentional damage, loss of income, and high‑value items may be excluded).

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

• City level (Bradford, PA):
  • No dedicated STR ordinance identified as of March 2025.
  • Apply general zoning and building/safety requirements for residential rentals.
• County level (McKean County, PA):
  • No countywide STR-specific ordinance identified.
• State level (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania):
  • Lodging establishment coverage (48 Pa.C.S. §1311(g)):
    • “Lodging establishment” broadly covers any place providing overnight lodging for consideration for less than 30 days, including a private residence offered to the public.
  • Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%):
    • Applies to lodging for less than 30 days. Owners must collect/remit or work through a booking agent that does so.
  • Homeowner’s policy exclusions:
    • Typical homeowner’s policies exclude home‑based business use, guest liability in commercial settings, and certain risks. Obtain STR-specific coverage.
  • Short-term rental income taxation:
    • For PA personal income tax purposes, short‑term rental income is generally treated as business income; expenses can offset gross rents. Consult a tax professional for federal and state treatment.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• City of Bradford (McKean County)
  • Zoning/Code Enforcement:
    • Phone: (814) 362‑3881
    • Mailing Address: 18 Kennedy Street, Bradford, PA 16701
    • Website: www.cityofbradford.org
    • Email: Not specified in provided materials. Request the Code Enforcement/Zoning email from City Hall if needed.
• McKean County (general)
  • County Government: (814) 887‑3200
  • Website: www.mckeancountypa.gov
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (Hotel/Tax)
  • Phone: (717) 787‑1064
  • Website: www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue
  • Home‑sharing/Third‑party broker guidance: see PA DOR resources on Sales/Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax

Important Notes for Bradford Investors

• Absence of an STR-specific ordinance does not mean a free-for-all. Local zoning, safety, and nuisance standards still apply.
• “Tourist homes,” “boarding houses,” and “rooming houses” are often classified differently and may require special approvals or commercial zoning.
• Home‑sharing platforms frequently collect and remit hotel taxes; confirm with the platform and/or the PA DOR whether your listing is fully covered.
• Maintain compliance with fire, building, and occupancy life‑safety standards; document safety measures and keep guest records.

Links to Source Pages (PA State‑Level References)

• Joint State Government Commission: “The Short‑Term Rental Industry in Pennsylvania (March 2025)”
  • jsg.legis.state.pa.us/resources/documents/ftp/publications/2025-03-17%20Short-term%20Rental%20Web%203.17.25.pdf
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: Home‑sharing/Third‑party broker rentals (Sales/Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax)
  • www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/resources/tax-types-and-information/sales-use-and-hotel-occupancy-tax/home-sharing.html
• PA Tax Reform Code: Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax (Hotel definition at §209 and obligations at §210; 61 Pa.Code §38.3)
  • www.legis.state.pa.us
  • 61 Pa.Code §38.3 (Hotel definition): www.pacode.com
• Short-Term Rental Income (PA Personal Income Tax Guide)
  • www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/forms-and-publications/pa-personal-income-tax-guide/net-income-loss-from-rents,-royalties,-copyrights-and-patents.html
• City of Bradford official website (zoning/permitting entry point)
  • www.cityofbradford.org
• McKean County government website
  • www.mckeancountypa.gov

This guide is tailored to Bradford’s market as of March 2025 and reflects the lack of a city‑specific STR ordinance. Always verify current local requirements before listing or operating.