I. Overview of STR Legality in DuBois, PA

Short-term rentals are implicitly allowed in DuBois, a third-class city in Clearfield County. As of the provided documentation, DuBois does not have a specific short-term rental ordinance listed. This means STRs are governed by general state laws and county regulations, not city-specific rules. Under Pennsylvania law, STRs (rentals under 30 days) are categorized as "lodging establishments" and are subject to state hotel occupancy taxes, landlord-tenant regulations, and zoning ordinances.

Key Principle: Absent a local ban or specific permit requirement, operating an STR in DuBois is permissible but must comply with state statutes (e.g., tax collection, safety standards) and any applicable county rules.

II. Starting an STR Business in DuBois

Follow these steps to launch an STR legally:

1. Zoning Verification: Confirm the property’s zoning district permits transient lodging (contact DuBois City Hall or Clearfield County Planning Commission). Most residential zones may require a variance if renting <30 days.
2. State Tax Registration: Register with the PA Department of Revenue to collect/remit:
   • 6% state hotel occupancy tax.
   • Local sales tax (if applicable; Clearfield County has no local hotel tax per Table 3).
3. Business License: Obtain a sales/use/hotel occupancy tax license from the PA Dept. of Revenue.
4. Insurance: Secure liability coverage (standard homeowners’ policies exclude business use; consider riders or commercial STR insurance).
5. Safety Compliance: Install smoke/CO detectors; ensure fire safety, water/sewer standards under state "Lodging and Housing Code."
6. Income Reporting: Report STR income on federal/state taxes as business income.

III. Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

| Requirement | Authority | Details | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Zoning Compliance | DuBois City or County Planning | Verify STRs are allowed; may need a variance for transient use. | | Hotel Occupancy Tax License | PA Dept. of Revenue | Required to collect 6% state tax; register at pa.gov/revenue. | | Sales/Use Tax Registration | PA Dept. of Revenue | Needed if selling goods/services (e.g., supplies to guests). | | Lodging Establishment License | PA Dept. of Health/Agriculture | May apply if operating like a B&B (serving food, >3 rooms). | | STR Insurance | Private Insurer | Minimum liability coverage; rider for short-term rentals. | | Guest Recordkeeping | State Law | Maintain guest logs per Lodging Code (name, dates, contact info). |

IV. City, County, and State STR Regulations

A. State-Level Regulations (Pennsylvania)

• Lodging and Housing Code (Title 48):
  • Defines STRs as "lodging establishments" subject to:
    • Guest safety (fire exits, alarms).
    • Recordkeeping (guest registers for <30-day stays).
    • Operator duties (maintaining order, responding to complaints).
• Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% state tax + any local taxes (none in Clearfield County).
• Liability: Hosts must ensure guest safety; injuries may void homeowners’ insurance.
• Zoning: STRs must comply with municipal zoning (see Slice of Life v. Hamilton Twp. case, p. 21).

B. Clearfield County

• No specific STR ordinance identified.
• County Code may impose additional safety/health inspections for "lodging establishments."

C. DuBois City

• No explicit STR ordinance (per Table 4, p. 31).
• General zoning laws apply: STRs may be restricted in residential zones if not owner-occupied.

V. Local Authority Contacts

Since DuBois lacks a dedicated STR office, contact these agencies:

1. DuBois City Hall:
   • Phone: (814) 371-4220
   • Website: duboispa.gov (No direct email listed)
   • Role: Zoning verification, permits.
2. Clearfield County Planning Commission:
   • Phone: (814) 765-5149
   • Email: planning@clearfieldcountypa.gov
   • Website: clearfieldcountypa.gov
   • Role: County zoning, development permits.
3. PA Department of Revenue:
   • Phone: (717) 787-1064
   • Website: pa.gov/revenue
   • Role: Hotel tax registration, compliance.

VI. Key Risks and Considerations

• Zoning Ambiguity: Operating an STR in residential zones without owner-occupancy may violate zoning (review Slice of Life case, p. 21).
• Insurance Gaps: Homeowners’ policies exclude commercial rental activity; secure STR-specific coverage.
• Tax Non-Compliance: Failure to remit hotel taxes triggers penalties.
• HOA/Covenants: Planned communities (e.g., The Hideout) may restrict STRs via bylaws.

VII. Sources and Links

1. PA Joint State Government Commission Report: Short-Term Rental Industry in Pennsylvania
   • Sections referenced: pp. 1–6, 7–16, 17–29.
2. PA Department of Revenue: Home-Sharing Tax Guidance
3. Slice of Life Case (2019): PA Supreme Court Ruling
4. DuBois City Zoning: Contact city hall for ordinance documents.

Conclusion

DuBois permits STRs without local restrictions, but compliance hinges on state laws. Focus on tax registration, zoning alignment, and insurance. For clarity, consult city planning officials before launching to avoid violations.