The regulations, zoning districts, permitting bodies, and contacts within that document apply only to Brockway Township, MI. They are irrelevant to Brockway, PA.

Therefore, the following guide is based solely on general Pennsylvania state-level STR regulations and any applicable county-level information for Jefferson County (where Brockway, PA is located). It does not include any city or borough-specific regulations, as I have no data for Brockway, PA itself.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Investor Guide for Brockway, PA

Location: Brockway Borough, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on available state and county data. Always verify requirements with the specific local authority for Brockway Borough and Jefferson County. Borough-specific ordinances may apply.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

• PA State Level: Short-term rentals (defined generally as rentals of 30 days or less) are legal in Pennsylvania. However, they are subject to significant state-level requirements:
  • Prohibition: STRs are prohibited in properties located within buildings with more than three residential units (e.g., most apartment buildings, many condominiums). This is a state law (Act 21 of 2018). Check property documents carefully.
  • Local Regulation: Pennsylvania law allows local municipalities (like boroughs, townships, and cities) to enact their own ordinances regulating STRs, including:
    • Registration/Licensing: Many require owners to register or obtain a license.
    • Zoning Compliance: STRs must conform to local zoning ordinances. A property zoned "Residential Single-Family" typically allows an owner-occupied STR or non-owner-occupied STR with an appropriate permit, but commercial use (e.g., operating a hotel) is often restricted. Verify zoning with the local authority.
    • Safety & Building Codes: Compliance with fire, building, and health safety standards is mandatory.
    • Taxes: Collection and remittance of state and local taxes (like the Pennsylvania Sales Tax and local Hotel Occupancy Tax) is required.
    • Other Requirements: May include limits on occupancy, parking, trash collection, noise, signage, etc.
• Brockway Borough Specific: The provided content does not contain data for Brockway Borough, PA. You must verify if Brockway Borough has any specific STR ordinance. Contact the Borough directly (see Contact Information).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Brockway, PA

1. Verify Property Eligibility:
   • Confirm your property is not in a building with more than 3 residential units (state prohibition).
   • Verify the STR use is permitted under the property's zoning classification in Brockway Borough. (Contact Borough).
2. Research Local Requirements:
   • Crucially: Check if Brockway Borough has enacted any specific STR ordinance (Registration? Zoning Permit? Business License?). (Contact Borough).
   • Check Jefferson County for any relevant regulations or permit requirements beyond the borough level.
3. Comply with State & Federal Requirements:
   • Registration: If the property is in Philadelphia, registration with the City is mandatory. This is likely NOT required in most smaller PA municipalities like Brockway Borough unless their ordinance mandates it. Verify with Borough/County.
   • Taxes: You are responsible for collecting and remitting:
     • Pennsylvania Sales Tax (6%): Collected from guests on the rental charge. File and pay using the state e-TIDES system (www.etides.state.pa.us).
     • Local Hotel Occupancy Tax: Jefferson County may impose a local hotel tax. Check the County Treasurer or tax authority website. Report and pay accordingly.
     • Borough Local Tax: Brockway Borough may impose an occupation tax, business privilege tax, or local services tax. Check with the Borough Treasurer/Secretary. Report and pay accordingly.
     • Federal Income Tax: Report all rental income on your annual federal tax return.
   • Safety & Insurance:
     • Ensure your homeowner's or landlord's insurance policy explicitly covers STR activities and provides adequate liability coverage. Many standard policies do NOT cover commercial STRs.
     • Comply with state/local fire safety codes (e.g., smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors). Installing rental safety equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits) is recommended.
     • Comply with local health department regulations for water/septic/waste disposal if applicable.
4. Obtain Local Permits/Licenses (If Required):
   • If Brockway Borough requires it, obtain any necessary Zoning Permit, Special Exception, Conditional Use Permit, Business License, or STR Registration. Provide required documentation (see below). Pay associated fees.
5. Prepare Your Property:
   • Ensure the property meets safety standards (functional locks, safe stairs, clean environment).
   • Provide essential amenities (clean linens, basic toiletries, functional kitchen).
   • Establish clear house rules (quiet hours, occupancy limits, smoking policies).
6. List and Operate:
   • Market your STR on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, etc.
   • Clearly state the rental rate, fees, and house rules.
   • Collect required taxes at booking/payment.
   • Provide excellent guest communication and service.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

1. Borough-Specific Requirements (IF APPLICABLE):
   • Zoning Application/Permit: To confirm STR use is permitted under zoning. Forms from Borough Zoning Officer/Zoning Secretary.
   • Special Exception/Conditional Use Approval (IF APPLICABLE): If zoning isn't clear or specifically lists STRs as a conditional use. Requires public hearing before Zoning Hearing Board. Forms & procedure from Borough/Zoning Officer.
   • Business License/Registration: If mandated by Borough ordinance. Forms & fees from Borough Secretary/Treasurer.
   • Borough Tax Registration: If local taxes (business privilege, mercantile, LST) apply. Forms from Borough Treasurer/Secretary.
   • Proof of General Liability Insurance: Likely required if a license/permit is issued.
2. State-Level Compliance:
   • PA Sales Tax Account Number: Obtain a PA Sales Tax License from the PA Department of Revenue (www.revenue.pa.gov) if you don't already have one. This is necessary to collect and remit sales tax.
   • Jefferson County Local Tax Registration: Contact Jefferson County Treasurer/Controller's Office (co.jefferson.pa.us) to register for any local hotel/occupancy tax if applicable.
3. Operational Guidelines (Best Practices):
   • Adhere to all state laws (e.g., anti-discrimination - Fair Housing Act, PA Human Relations Act).
   • Follow local noise ordinances, trash collection rules, and parking regulations.
   • Provide guests with emergency contact information and local rules.
   • Maintain the property to avoid becoming a public nuisance.

Specific Regulations

1. Brockway Borough Specifics: Unknown - Requires verification. Potential regulations may include:
   • Zoning restrictions on STR use.
   • Mandatory registration/licensing.
   • Occupancy limits.
   • Parking requirements.
   • Noise ordinances.
   • Signage restrictions.
   • Local permit requirements and fees.
   • Safety inspection requirements.
2. Jefferson County: County-level STR regulation is uncommon in PA, but check for:
   • Local Hotel Occupancy Tax requirements.
3. Pennsylvania State:
   • STRs Prohibited: In buildings with more than 3 residential units (Act 21, 2018).
   • Zoning Authority: Municipalities have broad authority to regulate STRs under the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).
   • Taxation: PA Sales Tax (6%) applies to STR rentals. Reporting via PA Department of Revenue e-TIDES. Local hotel taxes may apply.
   • Fair Housing: STR operators must comply with federal and state fair housing laws.
   • Building/Fire Safety: Compliance with state building codes and fire safety regulations is mandatory. Local enforcement through borough.

Contact Information

As the provided content lacks Brockway, PA specifics, use these resources for primary contact:

1. Brockway Borough:
   • Official Website: Search online for "Brockway Borough PA" or "Jefferson County Brockway Borough". The site will usually have contact info (address, phone, email, council members).
   • Borough Secretary/Treasurer: The primary administrative contact.
   • Zoning Officer/Secretary: Critical for zoning/permit questions. Often listed on the borough site or contact the Secretary for the contact info.
   • Borough Council: Governing body. Meeting agendas/minutes are often posted online.
2. Jefferson County Government: (www.co.jefferson.pa.us)
   • County Commissioners: Overall county governance.
   • Tax Assessment Office: For property tax questions (if relevant).
   • Treasurer/Controller's Office: For information on local hotel/occupancy taxes (if applicable).
   • Planning Department: May have information on municipal planning/zoning coordination.
3. Pennsylvania State Agencies:
   • Department of Revenue: Sales tax registration and reporting (www.revenue.pa.gov).
   • Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED): Statewide municipal guidance (www.dced.pa.gov).
   • Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA): Helpful resources on housing rules (www.phfa.org).

Links to Source Pages

• Brockway Township Zoning (MI - NOT PA): energyzoning.org/sites/default/files/PDF/2614710820_Brockway%20Township_St.%20Clair_20220608_0.pdf
• Jefferson County, PA (Official Site): www.co.jefferson.pa.us
• PA Department of Revenue (Sales Tax): www.revenue.pa.gov
• Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) - Act 247: www.legis.state.pa.us/cu/docs/act/0/CT.HTM

Conclusion: For STR investment in Brockway, PA, your immediate critical step is to contact the Brockway Borough Secretary/Treasurer and/or Zoning Officer. Verify the borough's specific STR ordinance (if any exists) regarding zoning compliance, mandatory permits, licenses, or registration requirements. Rely on Pennsylvania state tax requirements (sales tax) and Jefferson County for any applicable local hotel tax. Do not rely on the Michigan Brockway Township document.