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

Explicit Answer: YES, short-term rentals are allowed in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Carlisle Borough does not have specific short-term rental regulations separate from general rental property requirements. Short-term rentals are treated as rental properties under the borough's general rental housing ordinance and are subject to the same registration, licensing, and inspection requirements as traditional long-term rentals. There are no additional restrictions, limitations, or special permits required for short-term rental operations beyond the standard rental property compliance framework.

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

Step 1: Understand the Local Regulatory Framework

Short-term rentals in Carlisle operate under the borough's general rental housing ordinance. Unlike some municipalities that have enacted specific STR regulations, Carlisle treats short-term rentals as standard rental properties subject to the same requirements.

Step 2: Register Your Property

• Complete the mandatory rental property registration through the borough's online portal
• Registration is required for all rental properties, including short-term rentals
• Registration is free and must be completed within five months of the program's implementation (September 1, 2022)
• Use the official registration portal: carlislepa.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/carlislepa

Step 3: Obtain Required Inspections

• Apply for rental unit inspection within 90 days of receiving registration confirmation
• Initial inspections are due eight months from September 1, 2022
• Inspections must be conducted by either a Borough Code Official or a qualified outside inspector approved by the borough
• Properties are then placed on a three-year inspection cycle, potentially extending to five years based on violation history

Step 4: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

• Comply with the borough's property maintenance codes
• Respond promptly to any violations or code issues
• Maintain adequate insurance coverage appropriate for rental property operations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Registration Requirements

• Registration Form: Completed through the online portal at carlislepa.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/carlislepa
• Property Information: Detailed information about the rental unit(s)
• Owner/Property Manager Contact Information: Including 24/7 contact details for emergency response
• Proof of Exemption Status (if applicable): For properties exempt from inspection/licensing requirements

Required Inspections

• Initial Rental Inspection: To ensure compliance with safety and health standards
• Periodic Re-inspections: Every 3-5 years based on the property's inspection history
• Compliance Verification: Documentation of any corrective actions taken

Exempt Properties

The following property types are exempt from inspection and licensing requirements:

• Hotels and motels
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• State-licensed group homes
• On-campus housing of accredited colleges and universities
• Shelter/transitional housing for indigent or homeless persons

State-Level Requirements

• Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% state tax applies to short-term rentals
• Uniform Construction Code (UCC): Compliance with state building code standards required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Carlisle Borough Level

Since Carlisle does not have specific short-term rental regulations, STRs must comply with:

General Rental Property Requirements:

• Mandatory registration of all rental properties
• Safety and health inspections
• Property maintenance code compliance
• Response to borough code enforcement actions

Inspection Cycle Management:

• Properties begin on a 3-year inspection cycle
• May be extended to 5-year cycle if no violations occur
• Properties with 4+ violations revert to 2-year cycle
• Violation-free properties can progress to longer inspection intervals

Cumberland County Level

The county provides guidance rather than specific regulations for STRs. Municipalities within the county may choose to implement STR-specific regulations, but Carlisle Borough has not adopted such measures.

County Recommendations Include:

• Limiting STRs to certain zoning districts
• Requiring designated 24/7 contact information
• Parking and occupancy limitations
• Property maintenance standards
• Commercial insurance requirements

Pennsylvania State Level

Tax Obligations:

• 6% Hotel Occupancy Tax: Applies to all short-term rentals in Pennsylvania
• Local Taxes: May apply depending on jurisdiction (Carlisle does not currently impose additional local hotel taxes)

Building and Safety Standards:

• Must comply with Uniform Construction Code (UCC) requirements
• Required safety equipment: smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers
• Regular inspections to ensure ongoing compliance

Contact Information for Local Authority

Carlisle Borough - Sustainable Community and Economic Planning Department

• Phone: 717-240-6930
• Email: jwoolston@carlislepa.org
• Department: Sustainable Community and Economic Planning
• Address: Carlisle Borough, 53 West South Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Registration Portal: carlislepa.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/carlislepa

Code Enforcement

• Phone: 717-240-6930 (general inquiries)
• For Code Violations: Contact Code Enforcement through the main borough number
• Appeals Process: Board of Appeals (appeals must be filed within 30 days with appropriate filing fee)

Cumberland County Planning Department

• Phone: 717-240-5362
• Address: 310 Allen Road, Suite 101, Carlisle, PA 17013
• Services: Zoning guidance, comprehensive planning assistance
• Note: Provides guidance to municipalities on STR regulation development

Source Links

• Carlisle Borough Rental Housing Information
• Carlisle Borough Online Rental Registration Portal
• Cumberland County Short-Term Rental Guidelines
• Cumberland County STR Review Report

Important Considerations for STR Investors

Market Dynamics

Carlisle's STR market benefits from steady demand driven by Dickinson College, the U.S. Army War College, and major automotive events like the Carlisle car shows. The market shows seasonal variation with peak demand during spring and summer months.

Compliance Strategy

Given the regulatory uncertainty around STRs in many markets, Carlisle's approach of treating STRs as standard rental properties provides clarity and reduces compliance complexity. However, investors should monitor for any future regulatory changes.

Revenue Optimization

While specific STR regulations don't exist, the general rental property requirements mean investors must budget for registration costs, inspection fees, and potential maintenance to meet borough standards.

This guide represents the current regulatory environment as of the information provided. Investors should verify current requirements with the borough before making investment decisions, as regulations may change.