Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed?

• Explicit answer: Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. There is no provision in the City’s zoning ordinance that expressly prohibits renting a dwelling for transient occupancy. This is confirmed by the ordinance’s structure: it regulates hotel/motel, bed and breakfast, and boarding house uses (Articles II and IV), but it does not list “short‑term rental” as a prohibited or special-restricted use. As a result, renting a dwelling unit for fewer than 30 days is generally permitted as a residential use subject to compliance with the underlying zoning district and general regulations (Article VI) and permit requirements (Articles XII and XIV) (see Source 1: City of McKeesport Official Zoning Ordinance, February 2017).

Note on related uses: Two similar, regulated lodging categories may be relevant depending on how you operate:

• Bed and breakfast (B&B): A business in a single-family dwelling offering limited overnight lodging and breakfast (Article IV §1331‑414). It is a conditional use in many residential districts, with additional standards, including possibly limiting guestrooms and requiring on‑site management (Source 1).
• Boarding house: Lodging for three (3) to ten (10) transient persons, with no cooking facilities in sleeping rooms (Article II definition, listed under “Boarding House”). This use is often treated as a special exception or conditional use in residential districts (Articles V–IV; Source 1).

If you do not intend to provide breakfast or exceed ten (10) guests, you can generally operate an STR as a standard residential use. If you plan to provide breakfast, operate as a B&B, or exceed ten (10) guests, you must comply with the B&B or boarding house provisions and obtain the appropriate approvals.

How to start a short-term rental business in McKeesport Step 1: Confirm zoning compliance

• Identify your property’s zoning district and permitted residential uses (Article III; Official Zoning Map is incorporated by reference).
• Verify you will comply with all bulk, yard, height, and coverage requirements for the district (Article III §1331‑306) and with off‑street parking requirements for the use (Article VII). Many residential districts require one (1) or more parking spaces per dwelling unit depending on unit type and location.
• For B&B operations, confirm that “Bed and breakfast” is a conditional use in your district and that you can meet B&B‑specific standards (Article IV §1331‑414). For boarding house operations, confirm that “All other residential uses” (or the boarding house classification in practice) is a permitted special exception in your district and obtain approval through the Zoning Hearing Board process (Article V).
• Review general regulations that may impact STRs:
  • Accessory uses/structures (Article VI §1331‑613).
  • Temporary structures (Article VI §1331‑612), if relevant.
  • Performance standards for noise, odor, glare, and other impacts (Article IX).
  • Prohibited front yard parking on public walks (Article VII §1331‑707).
  • Clear sight triangle at intersections (Article II definition).

Step 2: Secure required permits and certificates

• Zoning permit (Article XIV §1331‑1401): Obtain a zoning permit for the use; this documents compliance with the zoning ordinance.
• Building permits: If any construction or interior alterations are planned (e.g., fire separations, egress upgrades, life-safety systems), secure building permits (Article XII).
• Certificate of occupancy (Article XIV §1331‑1402): Required before occupancy; confirms the use is lawful and the property meets life safety requirements (see “Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines” below).

Step 3: Align with life-safety and building standards

• Ensure the dwelling meets fire protection, egress, and habitability standards referenced in the ordinance (Articles IX and XIV). Typical life-safety items include:
  • Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Safe egress (means of egress) per building code.
  • Fire extinguishers on each floor, as applicable.
  • Posted emergency information for guests.

Step 4: Business registration and tax obligations

• Register your business with the City and complete any business tax filings as required by municipal procedures (Article XI references City Council duties; Article XIV references permitting processes and fees). A specific online registration portal is not identified in the provided materials; use the City contact information below.
• For state-level tax obligations (e.g., sales and use tax, local hotel tax if applicable), consult the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development; these may be relevant depending on your business model and transaction structure. This guide focuses on municipal zoning and permitting.

Step 5: Consider neighbor relations and compliance practices

• Avoid noise, glare, and other nuisances that could trigger enforcement under the performance standards (Article IX).
• Screen guests and enforce house rules to maintain residential character.
• Maintain off‑street parking standards; do not park in front yards or public walk areas (Article VII §1331‑707).

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Zoning permit (Article XIV §1331‑1401): Application for use approval; demonstrates conformity with zoning district requirements.
• Certificate of occupancy (Article XIV §1331‑1402): Final approval before occupancy; certifies lawful use and life safety compliance.
• Fees (Article XIV §1331‑1403): Pay established schedule of fees; consult the City for current fee amounts (Article XV includes fee procedures).
• Plans and documentation: As applicable to the use:
  • Site plan showing building footprint, setbacks, parking, and lot dimensions (Article II definitions and Article III requirements).
  • Floor plans for life safety/egress review (as required by the Building Inspector; Article XII).
  • Evidence of compliance with fire protection and performance standards (Articles IX and XIV).
• Conditional use/Special exception documentation: If operating as a B&B (conditional use) or boarding house (special exception), file and obtain approval per Articles IV and V, including meeting general standards for all conditional/special uses (Article IV §1331‑402).

Specific regulations affecting short-term rentals in McKeesport (City), Allegheny County (County), and Pennsylvania (State) City of McKeesport (municipal)

• Zoning districts and permitted residential uses: Article III establishes districts and allows principal residential uses; STRs are generally treated as residential occupancy unless they trigger B&B or boarding house classifications.
• Conditional uses: Bed and breakfast is a conditional use (Article IV §1331‑414) and requires approval and compliance with B&B standards.
• Special exceptions: “All other residential uses” and similar categories are reviewed as special exceptions (Article V §1331‑502). A boarding house (3–10 transient occupants, no cooking in rooms) typically falls into such a review pathway.
• General regulations: Accessory uses (Article VI §1331‑613), temporary structures (Article VI §1331‑612), parking (Article VII), signs (Article VIII), performance standards for nuisances (Article IX).
• Permits and certificates: Zoning permits (Article XIV §1331‑1401), certificate of occupancy (Article XIV §1331‑1402), fees (Article XIV §1331‑1403).
• Enforcement: Violations and remedies are addressed (Article XVIII). Non‑conforming uses are governed by Article X.

Allegheny County (county-level)

• The provided materials do not include county‑level ordinances or regulations specific to short-term rentals in McKeesport. County health, safety, or taxation programs may still apply (e.g., hotel tax, health department oversight). Investors should consult the County for any additional requirements.

Pennsylvania (state-level)

• The provided materials do not include Pennsylvania statutes specific to short-term rentals; however:
  • State taxation rules may apply to transient lodging depending on the transaction structure (Pennsylvania Department of Revenue).
  • State lodging licensing may be required for certain classifications or service offerings (Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development).
  • Building and fire safety compliance must meet Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code standards administered locally.

Practical operating constraints to anticipate

• Guest limits: Boarding house classification caps occupancy at ten (10) transient guests. A B&B in a single‑family dwelling requires conditional use approval and must comply with B&B standards.
• Parking: Ensure off‑street parking per Article VII. Front yard parking on public walks is prohibited (Article VII §1331‑707).
• Life safety: Certificates of occupancy are required (Article XIV §1331‑1402). Maintain fire protection and egress standards (Article IX).
• Neighborhood impacts: Performance standards limit noise, glare, odor, and other nuisances (Article IX). Noncompliance can lead to enforcement actions.

Contacts (City of McKeesport)

• City Administrator: 412‑675‑5020
• Building/Zoning Department: 412‑675‑5038 (for zoning permits, building permits, and certificates of occupancy)
• City Hall main line: 412‑675‑5020
• Address for in-person inquiries: City of McKeesport, 3400 Walnut Street, McKeesport, PA 15132
• Website: mckeesport-pa.gov

Important: The provided materials do not include a dedicated STR registration portal or unique STR license categories. The City may have additional forms or business tax processes; use the contacts above to obtain current procedures and fee schedules.

Links to source pages

• City of McKeesport Official Zoning Ordinance (PDF, February 2017): mckeesport-pa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/208

Closing guidance for investors

• Treat STR operations as standard residential uses unless you offer breakfast (B&B), exceed ten (10) guests (boarding house), or provide services that change the residential character.
• Verify zoning district permissions, obtain zoning permits and a certificate of occupancy, and comply with Article VII parking, Article IX performance standards, and Article XIV permitting processes.
• For B&B or boarding house models, secure conditional use or special exception approvals and ensure adherence to Article IV standards and Article V procedures.
• Contact the City of McKeesport for up‑to‑date forms, fee schedules, and any additional registration requirements, as these may evolve.