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

YES — Short-term rentals are allowed in Mount Gretna, PA, but they are subject to strict regulations and licensing requirements at both the borough level and within the Mount Gretna Campmeeting community. The borough maintains a hard cap of 18 short-term rental licenses, with 17 currently issued as of June 2025. Properties renting for fewer than 30 days without proper licensing constitute a violation of borough ordinance.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mount Gretna

Step 1: Determine Your Property Location

Mount Gretna operates under a dual jurisdiction system:

• Borough of Mount Gretna: Governs all borough properties
• Mount Gretna Campmeeting Association (MGCA): Governs properties within the Campmeeting community boundaries

Step 2: Apply for Required Permits

For Borough Properties:

1. Submit a rental license application to the Borough of Mount Gretna
2. Applications processed in order of receipt until the cap of 18 is reached
3. License must be displayed prominently at the property

For Campmeeting Properties:

1. Obtain MGCA Home Rental Permit ($75 fee)
2. Submit application to MGCA office
3. Property must comply with MGCA Rule 20 and rental policy
4. Permit renewal required annually

Step 3: Comply with All Posting Requirements

• Post the STR Notice prominently on or adjacent to the inside of the front door
• Include all required information (occupancy limits, contact information, parking permits)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Borough-Level Requirements:

• Short-Term Rental License from Borough of Mount Gretna
• STR Notice Posting (mandatory display requirements)
• Parking Permits (2 permits provided with license)
• Annual Property Statement indicating intended use

Campmeeting Requirements (if applicable):

• MGCA Home Rental Permit ($75 annual fee)
• Certificate of Resale (for property transfers)
• Property Transfer Form
• Compliance with MGCA Charter & Bylaws
• Compliance with MGCA Rules & Regulations

Application Documents:

• Completed rental permit application forms
• Payment for applicable fees
• Proof of property ownership
• Property representative contact information

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Borough of Mount Gretna Regulations:

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum overnight occupancy based on property specifications
• Maximum day-time visitors (between 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM only)
• All occupancy limits must be posted prominently

Parking Requirements:

• On-street parking by permit only
• Two parking permits provided per rental unit
• Additional on-street parking subject to citation and fine by Cornwall Borough Police

Waste Management:

• Trash, refuse, and recyclable containers placed at street only within 24 hours of pickup date
• All containers must be removed within 24 hours after pickup
• Trash/refuse containers: leak-proof plastic or metal with secured lid required
• Recyclable containers: plastic or metal container, preferably with secured lid
• PROHIBITED: Storage of trash, refuse, and recyclables in plastic bags

Conduct and Nuisance Rules:

• Occupants, owners, and guests may be cited for creating nuisance or disturbance
• Violations of Borough Ordinances and Pennsylvania state laws subject to citation and fine
• All fireworks prohibited on premises and within Borough
• Open flame outdoor burning prohibited except in approved grills for cooking

Inspection Requirements:

• Rental occupants required to make unit available for inspection by Enforcement Officer
• Inspections conducted per borough ordinance provisions

MGCA-Specific Regulations:

Rental Cap System:

• Total rental units capped at 30% of total residential structures (72 units maximum)
• When applications exceed cap, preference given to:
  1. Long-term rentals
  2. Existing rental units with permits

Permit Administration:

• Permits administered jointly by MGCA Executive Committee and Property Ownership Committee
• Annual renewal required
• Permits not transferable with property sale (but transferable through inheritance)
• Permit must be displayed on front side of house

Application Timeline:

• Applications accepted June 21 through August 19 annually
• Preference given to existing rental operations and long-term rentals

Community Standards:

• Compliance with MGCA Rules & Regulations required
• Property owners must submit annual statement indicating intended property use
• Tenant orientation materials provided by MGCA

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Borough of Mount Gretna:

Address: 101 Chautauqua Drive, PO Box 61, Mount Gretna, PA 17064
Phone: 717.964.3270
Fax: 717.964.3054
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Note: Various responsibilities may take staff out of the office

Mount Gretna Campmeeting Association (MGCA):

Address: P.O. Box 428, Mount Gretna, PA 17064-0428
Phone: 717-964-3040
Email: Office@MtGretnaCampmeeting.org
Rental-Specific Email: cottagerentals@mtgretnacampmeeting.org (Subject: "RENTALS")

Enforcement Contacts:

Cornwall Borough Police (Borough-level enforcement):
Daytime (M-F 8:00am to 4:00pm): 717-274-2071
After Hours Non-Emergency: 717-272-5054
Emergency: 911

Current Licensed Properties (Borough Level)

As of June 2025, the following 17 properties hold borough short-term rental licenses:

• 122 Columbia Avenue
• 216 Harvard Avenue
• 304 Lafayette Avenue
• 312 Lafayette Avenue
• 114 Lancaster Avenue
• 402 Lancaster Avenue
• 1 Muhlenberg Avenue
• 5 Muhlenberg Avenue
• 7 Muhlenberg Avenue
• 8 Muhlenberg Avenue
• 210 Pennsylvania Avenue
• 216 Pennsylvania Avenue
• 310 Pennsylvania Avenue
• 316 Pennsylvania Avenue
• 118 Princeton Avenue
• 417 Yale Avenue
• 418 Yale Avenue

Links to Source Pages

Borough Resources:

• Borough of Mount Gretna Official Website
• Borough Rentals Page
• Guidelines & Relevant Documents
• Building Permit Application
• Code of Ordinances

Campmeeting Resources:

• Mount Gretna Campmeeting Association
• Cottage Sales/Rentals
• MGCA Charter & Bylaws
• MGCA Home Rental Policy
• Rental Permit Application

Supporting Documentation:

• STR Notice Posting Template

News Coverage:

• Lebanon Daily News - Board limits number of Mount Gretna Campmeeting rental units

Investment Considerations

Market Dynamics:

• Scarce Availability: With only 1 remaining license available under the borough cap, new entrants face significant barriers to entry
• Dual Jurisdiction: Properties may be subject to both borough and MGCA regulations, requiring dual compliance
• Established Community: Strong community governance through both borough and MGCA creates predictable regulatory environment

Compliance Risks:

• Immediate Enforcement: Properties renting without proper licensing face immediate violation notices
• Community Standards: MGCA maintains strict community character standards that may limit property modifications or rental practices
• Annual Renewal: All permits require annual renewal with ongoing compliance verification

Success Factors:

• Early Application: Given the cap, prospective investors should apply immediately when licenses become available
• Community Integration: Successful operators often participate actively in both borough and MGCA communities
• Property Quality: The limited market rewards high-quality properties that meet community standards and guest expectations

Important Note: This guide reflects regulations current as of 2025. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities, as regulations and caps may change through legislative action or community votes.