Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Harveys Lake, PA. However, there are no specific short-term rental ordinances in place at the municipal level. Harveys Lake operates under Pennsylvania's statewide regulations for short-term rentals, combined with general zoning requirements and building codes. This means investors have significant flexibility but must ensure compliance with state tax requirements, local zoning provisions, and property standards.

The absence of specific local STR ordinances creates a relatively investor-friendly environment, but it also means hosts must be more diligent about understanding and following applicable state and general zoning requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Harveys Lake

Step 1: Property Acquisition and Zoning Verification

Before purchasing property for STR purposes in Harveys Lake:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm that short-term rental use is permitted in the specific zoning district where your property is located
2. Review Borough Zoning Ordinance: Access the complete zoning code at harveyslakeborough.com to understand permitted uses in your property's zone
3. Check for HOA Restrictions: Even if zoning permits STRs, homeowners associations may have additional restrictions
4. Consider Shoreline Properties: Harveys Lake's S-1R Special Residential District and S-1 Shoreline District have specific regulations for lakefront properties

Step 2: State-Level Requirements

1. Obtain Hotel Occupancy Tax License: Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
2. Set Up Tax Collection System: Implement processes to collect and remit the 6% state hotel occupancy tax
3. Register for Business Income: Register your STR business with Pennsylvania state tax authorities

Step 3: Property Preparation

1. Safety Compliance: Ensure working smoke detectors and compliance with building codes
2. Insurance: Secure appropriate short-term rental insurance coverage
3. Property Standards: Meet state and local requirements for residential rental properties

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

1. Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax License

   • Required for all short-term rental operators
   • Must be obtained before collecting guest payments
   • Enables legal collection of 6% state hotel occupancy tax

2. Pennsylvania Business Income Registration

   • Register STR business with PA Department of Revenue
   • Necessary for tax filing and reporting purposes

Local Borough Requirements

1. General Building and Safety Permits

   • Harveys Lake Permit Application (when making property modifications)
   • Workers Compensation Exemption Form (if applicable)
   • Zoning Verification (to confirm STR use is permitted)

2. Potentially Required Permits:

   • Sewage Planning Module (for properties using on-site systems)
   • Floodplain Permit (if property is in flood zone areas)
   • Stormwater Management Permits (for certain development activities)

Documentation and Compliance Records

1. Tax Remittance Records: Maintain detailed records of collected and remitted hotel occupancy taxes
2. Guest Records: Keep records of guest stays (though not explicitly required by law, good practice for tax purposes)
3. Property Maintenance Logs: Document ongoing compliance with safety and building standards
4. Insurance Policies: Maintain current STR-specific insurance coverage

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

Municipal Level (Harveys Lake Borough)

Based on the available ordinance documents:

1. No Specific STR Ordinance: Harveys Lake has not enacted specific short-term rental regulations
2. General Zoning Compliance Required: STR use must comply with underlying zoning district requirements
3. Residential Use Categories: STR operations likely fall under existing residential or commercial use classifications
4. Bed and Breakfast Definition: The ordinance defines "Bed and Breakfast" as providing lodging for compensation, suggesting STRs would be treated similarly
5. Accessory Use Regulations: STR operations must comply with accessory use requirements in residential zones

County Level (Luzerne County)

The provided sources do not indicate specific Luzerne County STR regulations beyond general county planning and zoning oversight.

State Level (Pennsylvania)

1. Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6% tax on all short-term rental bookings
2. Tax Remittance Requirements: Must remit collected taxes to Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
3. Business Registration: Required registration with state revenue authorities
4. Safety Standards: State building and fire codes apply to STR properties
5. Consumer Protection: State laws governing rental relationships and guest rights

Important Zoning Considerations

Districts Where STR Operations May Be Permitted:

• R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3: Residential districts (likely permitted as accessory or principal use)
• S-1R: Special Residential District (may accommodate STRs with specific requirements)
• S-1: Shoreline District (additional regulations for lakefront properties)
• C-1, C-2, C-3: Commercial districts (STRs typically more acceptable)
• M-1: Manufacturing district (limited applicability for residential uses)

Contact Information

Harveys Lake Borough Government

• Website: harveyslakeborough.com
• Zoning Department: Contact through borough administration
• Address: Harveys Lake Borough Office (specific address not provided in sources)
• Planning Commission: For zoning questions and applications

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

• Website: revenue.pa.gov
• Hotel Occupancy Tax Information: Available on state website
• Business Registration: Through PA Department of Revenue online portal

Zoning and Permitting Contacts

• Zoning Officer: Contact through Harveys Lake Borough office
• Zoning Hearing Board: For variances and special exceptions
• Floodplain Administrator: Required for properties in flood zones

Source Pages and References

1. Harveys Lake Borough Zoning Documents - Official borough zoning resources and applications

2. Harveys Lake Borough Code - Complete borough ordinances and zoning code

3. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue - State tax registration and hotel occupancy tax information

4. Vacation Rental Market Analysis - Harveys Lake - Market insights and regulatory overview

Investment Considerations and Best Practices

Market Advantages

• No Municipal STR Restrictions: Operate without local short-term rental permit requirements
• Tourist Destination Appeal: Harveys Lake provides year-round recreational opportunities
• Lakefront Premium: Properties with lake access command premium rates
• Proximity to Major Cities: Accessible to Wilkes-Barre and Scranton metropolitan areas

Compliance Best Practices

1. Proactive Zoning Verification: Confirm STR use is permitted before purchase
2. State Tax Compliance: Implement robust tax collection and remittance procedures
3. Insurance Coverage: Secure comprehensive STR-specific insurance
4. Neighbor Relations: Maintain good relationships with surrounding property owners
5. Professional Management: Consider property management services for remote operations

Risk Mitigation

• Zoning Change Monitoring: Stay informed about potential future STR regulations
• HOA Due Diligence: Verify no homeowners association restrictions
• Environmental Compliance: Understand flood zone and shoreline regulations
• Safety Standards: Maintain high property standards to avoid code violations

The regulatory environment in Harveys Lake provides substantial opportunities for short-term rental investment, but success requires careful attention to state tax requirements, zoning compliance, and maintaining positive community relations. The lack of specific local STR regulations creates operational flexibility while emphasizing the importance of proactive compliance with applicable state and general zoning requirements.