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

Short-term rentals are allowed in Columbia, PA, but subject to strict regulations and requirements. The Borough has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes registration, inspection protocols, and occupancy limitations. Properties must comply with all borough codes and undergo mandatory safety inspections both before initial occupancy and after each tenant change. The borough recently approved its first STR variance with exceptionally strict occupancy and operational rules, setting a precedent for future STR operations in the community.

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

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Initial Assessment

   • Verify property zoning compliance (contact Code Compliance Office)
   • Ensure property meets minimum safety standards
   • Confirm adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces required)

2. Registration Requirements

   • Complete Short Term Rental Registration Application (2025-2026)
   • Submit rental registration application annually
   • Register with Code Compliance Office before operations begin

3. Inspection Protocol

   • Schedule initial life safety inspection with Code Enforcement Office
   • Property must be inspected before first occupancy
   • Re-inspection required after each change in occupancy
   • Property must be cleaned and inspected after each rental period

4. Compliance Setup

   • Install Knox box for emergency access
   • Establish tenant list submission process to borough
   • Implement occupancy tracking system (2 persons per bedroom limit)
   • Create cleaning/inspection scheduling system

5. Ongoing Operations

   • Maintain annual registration status
   • Submit tenant lists before each rental period
   • Ensure compliance with all occupancy restrictions
   • Keep property in compliance with borough codes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documentation:

Registration & Licensing:

• Short Term Rental Registration Application (annual)
• Rental Registration Application (annual)
• Tenant List forms (must be submitted before each rental period)

Inspection Requirements:

• Life Safety Inspection (before occupancy and after each change)
• Safety Inspection Checklist compliance
• Rental Inspection Checklist compliance
• Lead Safe Certificate compliance

Property Compliance:

• Lead Safe compliance (partnership with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health)
• Parking verification (minimum 2 off-street spaces)
• Knox Box installation documentation

Source Documents Available:

• Rental Inspection Checklist 3.21.2023
• Safety Inspection Checklist 3.21.2023
• Lead Free Information flyer
• Short Term Rental Registration Application 2025-2026
• RENTAL REGISTRATION Application 2025-2026
• TENANT List 2025

Borough Code References:

• Sections 112-6.C & D of the Code of Ordinances of Columbia Borough
• All borough codes and ordinances must be followed

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Columbia Borough (City-Level) STR Regulations:

Occupancy Limitations:

• Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per designated bedroom
• Only members of the renting entity may occupy the premises
• No parties, events, or gatherings permitted
• No overnight stays in RVs, campers, or tents allowed

Property Requirements:

• Minimum 2 off-street parking spaces required
• Knox box must be installed for emergency access
• Property must be cleaned and inspected after each occupancy
• Only service animals permitted (no pets)

Registration & Reporting:

• Annual registration mandatory
• Tenant list must be submitted to borough before each rental period
• Property must comply with residential rental registration and inspection protocols
• Changes in occupancy require inspection

Operational Restrictions:

• STRs must adhere to all borough codes and ordinances
• Properties must maintain life safety standards
• Regular inspections required for ongoing compliance

Lancaster County Regulations:

No specific county-level STR regulations identified beyond standard county services and requirements.

Pennsylvania State Regulations:

No specific state-level STR regulations identified beyond standard Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws and tax requirements.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Code Compliance Office (Primary STR Authority)

Borough of Columbia
308 Locust Street
Columbia, PA 17512

Phone: (717) 684-2467
Email: Contact through Code Compliance Department
Website: www.columbiapa.net/departments/code_compliance/index.php

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Additional Borough Contacts:

Borough Hall: (717) 684-2467
Public Works: (223) 246-3551
Planning and Zoning: Contact through Code Compliance

Supporting Organizations:

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (Lead Safe compliance partner)
Tenfold (formerly Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership) - tenant/landlord resources

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources:

1. Borough Code Compliance Department: www.columbiapa.net/departments/code_compliance/residential_rental_information.php
2. Columbia Borough Code of Ordinances: ecode360.com/CO0213
3. STR Registration Application: Available through Code Compliance office
4. Rental Inspection Checklists: Available through Document Center
5. Meeting Minutes and Agendas: ecode360.com/documents/pub/CO0213/Minutes/?

News and Updates:

• STR Variance Approval (July 2025): citizenportal.ai/articles/5517769/Columbia/Lancaster-County/Pennsylvania/Columbia-Council-Approves-Short-Term-Rental-Variance-with-Strict-Occupancy-Rules

Additional Resources:

• Columbia Historic Preservation Society: columbiahistory.org/
• Discover Columbia Tourism: discovercolumbia.com/
• Columbia Walking Tour: columbiawalkingtour.com/

Important Notes for STR Investors:

Columbia's STR market is highly regulated with some of the strictest occupancy limitations in the region. The recent approval of the first STR variance suggests the borough is carefully considering each application on a case-by-case basis. Potential investors should expect rigorous scrutiny of their applications and be prepared to comply with comprehensive operational requirements. The emphasis on community standards and safety suggests that only well-managed, professionally operated STRs will receive approval in this market.

Given the strict occupancy limitations (2 persons per bedroom, no events/parties) and comprehensive reporting requirements (tenant lists before each rental period), Columbia's STR market may be better suited for business travelers, couples, or small family groups rather than larger groups or event-based rentals.