Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Latrobe, PA

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Latrobe, PA under the city's zoning regulations. The city permits boarding house/rooming house/tourist home/bed-and-breakfast establishments, which constitute traditional short-term rental operations. However, the specific regulatory framework varies by zoning district:

• In Residential Zones (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4): These uses require Special Exception approval from the Zoning Hearing Board
• In Commercial Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4): These uses are Permitted by Right
• Industrial Zones: These uses do not spill down to industrial zones

This analysis is based on the City of Latrobe Zoning Code Chapter 166 and focuses exclusively on city-level regulations, as no county-specific short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Latrobe

Step 1: Determine Zoning Compliance

First, verify that your property is located in an appropriate zoning district where short-term rentals are either permitted or eligible for special exception approval. Properties in residential zones will require special exception approval, while those in commercial zones can proceed as permitted uses.

Step 2: Review Zoning Requirements

Carefully examine the specific requirements for your property's zoning district, including:

• Setback requirements
• Height limitations
• Parking requirements
• Buffer yard requirements
• Special supplemental standards

Step 3: Submit Application

• For Residential Zones: Submit a Special Exception application to the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with §166-68.1 B
• For Commercial Zones: Proceed with standard zoning compliance verification

Step 4: Address Supplemental Standards

Comply with all supplemental standards outlined in §166-18 A(6) and §166-21, including parking, buffering, and operational requirements.

Step 5: Obtain Permits and Licenses

Secure all required city permits, business licenses, and state-level registrations as detailed in the permits section below.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Zoning Approvals

• Special Exception Application (for residential zones) - Required by §166-68.1 B
• Site Plan - Must show compliance with parking, setback, and buffering requirements
• Land Use Permit - Verify current property use status

Parking Compliance Documentation

• Parking Plan - Demonstrate compliance with §166-31 requirements
• Driveway Specifications - Verify minimum dimensions (18 feet length from garage door to sidewalk for single-car garage)
• Screening Documentation - For parking areas visible from residential properties

Building and Safety Requirements

• Certificate of Occupancy - Verify building meets all safety codes
• Fire Safety Compliance - Ensure adherence to state fire codes
• Building Permits - For any necessary renovations or modifications

Business Registration

• Business License - Obtain from city business licensing department
• PA Sales Tax Registration - Register with PA Department of Revenue
• PA Income Tax Registration - Register with PA Department of Revenue

Insurance Requirements

• General Liability Insurance - Minimum coverage as required by state law
• Property Insurance - Coverage for short-term rental property
• Business Personal Property Coverage - For furnishings and equipment

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning District Requirements

Residential Zones (R-1 through R-4)

Special Exception Approval Required - Boarding house/rooming house/tourist home/bed-and-breakfast establishments require approval from the Zoning Hearing Board under §166-18 A(6).

Special Exception Conditions:

• Parking restrictions: No parking within setback areas
• Parking areas must be screened from adjacent residential properties
• Buffer requirements must be met per §166-36
• Property must comply with all residential zone standards

Commercial Zones (C-1 through C-4)

Permitted by Right - These uses are automatically allowed without special approval.

Commercial Zone Standards:

• Must comply with commercial zone height requirements
• Parking requirements per §166-31
• Setback requirements vary by commercial zone designation

Parking Requirements (§166-31)

General Requirements:

• Minimum one space per guest room
• Adequate visitor parking
• Off-street parking requirements apply
• Parking areas must be screened from residential view

Specific Requirements for STRs:

• One space per guest room
• Parking areas must be screened from adjacent residential properties
• Driveway specifications must meet minimum requirements
• ADA compliance for accessible spaces if required

Setback and Bulk Requirements

Residential Zones:

• Single-family detached dwellings: 30 feet (R-1), 20 feet (R-2), 10 feet (R-3/R-4) front yard
• Side yard setbacks: 10 feet (R-1), 6 feet (R-2), 5 feet (R-3/R-4)
• Maximum lot coverage: 25% (R-1), 30% (R-2), 45% (R-3), 30% (R-4)

Commercial Zones:

• Front yard setbacks: 10 feet (C-1, C-2), no minimum (C-3, C-4)
• Side yard setbacks: 5 feet minimum, 10 feet when abutting residential zones
• Maximum lot coverage: 45% for residential uses in commercial zones

Buffer Yard Requirements (§166-35)

• Minimum buffer requirements apply when STR properties abut different uses
• Vegetation and screening required to minimize impacts
• Comply with visibility requirements at intersections (§166-36)

Home Occupation Regulations

No-Impact Home-Based Business (§166-17) - If operating from single-family residence:

• No employees other than family members
• No external evidence of business activity
• Limited to residential areas
• Must not generate traffic, parking, noise, or other impacts

Contact Information

City of Latrobe Planning and Zoning Department

Address: City of Latrobe Municipal Building
Phone: Contact city hall at main number (research current number)
Email: planning@latrobepa.gov (verify current email)
Website: www.latrobepa.gov (verify current URL)

Zoning Hearing Board

Contact: Through City Planning Department
Application Process: Special Exception applications must be submitted per §166-68.1 B

Westmoreland County Planning Department

Phone: Contact county planning office for county-level development guidance
Email: planning@co.westmoreland.pa.us

Pennsylvania State Agencies

PA Department of Revenue (for business tax registration)
Phone: 1-888-PATAXES
Website: www.revenue.pa.gov

PA Department of State (for business registration)
Phone: 1-877-728-2977
Website: www.dos.pa.gov

Source Pages

1. City of Latrobe Zoning Code - Chapter 166
   *URL: cms2.revize.com/revize/latrobepa/Documents/Code%20Enforcement/Land-Use-and-Development-Administration-and-Regulation-Zoning.pdf*

2. Latrobe Bulletin - Ligonier Borough STR Discussion (2020)
   *URL: www.latrobebulletinnews.com/news/local/ligonier-borough-planners-resume-talk-on-short-term-vacation-rentals/article_6d5fc1da-4a8e-569c-8785-7fcce9cf532c.html*

Important Compliance Notes

Regulatory Verification Required: This analysis is based on provided zoning code sections. Investors must verify current regulations with the City of Latrobe Planning Department, as zoning codes may have been amended since the source document date.

Special Exception Process: Properties in residential zones require Zoning Hearing Board approval, which involves public notice and hearing procedures.

Ongoing Compliance: Short-term rental operations must maintain compliance with all zoning requirements, parking standards, and operational conditions.

Future Regulatory Changes: Monitor city council meetings and planning commission agendas for potential changes to short-term rental regulations.

This guide is based exclusively on the provided source materials and current zoning code information. Investors should verify all information with appropriate city and state authorities before making investment decisions.