This guide consolidates all publicly available, Mount Joy–specific short‑term rental (STR) regulatory information as of mid‑2025 and translates it into practical steps for investors. All references to websites and documents come directly from the source content you provided.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Mount Joy Borough?

• Current status (explicit): No. As of the most recent Borough guidance, short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) are not permitted in Mount Joy Borough.
• Legal basis: Under Chapter 270 Zoning §270‑5.B, any use not specifically permitted by right or as a special exception is prohibited. STRs are not listed as a permitted or special exception use in any district.
• What this means for investors: You may not legally operate an STR in Mount Joy Borough today. Marketing, booking, or renting a property for stays under 30 days would be noncompliant and could trigger enforcement.

Important note: Borough Council has proposed, and the Lancaster County Planning Department has reviewed, an ordinance that would allow short‑term rentals in the borough. The proposed text would permit STRs via conditional use in certain nonresidential zoning districts (CBD, NC) subject to safety and parking requirements. However, as of the information provided, the ordinance is proposed but not enacted. Confirm current status with the Borough before proceeding.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Because STRs are currently prohibited, investors cannot start a lawful STR in Mount Joy Borough. Your options are:

1. Wait for the STR ordinance to be enacted and then apply:

• Monitor Borough Council and Planning Commission agendas for adoption of the STR zoning amendment (Ordinance 04‑2024). After enactment, follow the conditional use and permitting process.
• If/when enacted, expect a two‑step path: (i) conditional use approval to allow the STR use in an eligible district, and (ii) compliance with the Borough’s codes/inspection program.

2. Operate a compliant long‑term rental (30+ days):

• Mount Joy has an active Rental Registration and Inspection Program for traditional residential rentals.
• Annual registration (January–March) and inspections are required. Traditional rentals are allowed in residential districts.
• You can still run a hospitality‑style investment (e.g., small multifamily) under long‑term rental rules while tracking STR policy updates.

3. Consider nearby jurisdictions where STRs are allowed:

• Mount Joy Township (surrounding area) allows short‑term lodging with specific zoning and annual licensing requirements (see “County/State Context” below).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short‑term rentals (Mount Joy Borough):

  • Current status: Not allowed; no STR permit/license exists yet.
  • If/when the 2024 ordinance is enacted, expect:
    • Conditional use approval (Borough Council) for STRs in eligible districts (CBD, NC).
    • Safety and operational standards (e.g., smoke/CO detectors, GFCI, fire extinguisher, egress/key box, parking).
    • Compliance with Borough inspection requirements and any future STR‑specific licensing/fees.

• Long‑term residential rentals (Mount Joy Borough):

  • Required annual registration (January–March).
  • Inspection triggers: at time of becoming a rental; every four (4) years with same tenant; or upon complaint.
  • Fees (2025): $85 per unit; $25 per unit late fee if filed after the stated renewal date.
  • Responsible parties: Property owner and/or appointed property manager.
  • Inspections are conducted by the Mount Joy Borough Codes Department.

• Zoning and building compliance:

  • STRs are prohibited under current §270‑5.B.
  • Any future STR operations must conform to Chapter 270 zoning and the Borough’s Property Maintenance Code.

Specific Regulations (Borough, County/State)

• Borough (Mount Joy): Zoning Chapter 270

  • §270‑5.B: Uses not specifically regulated are prohibited.
  • Current Zoning Table shows “Short Term Rental” as SE (special exception) in CBD and NC districts in the proposed amendment only; this is not in effect.
  • Proposed ordinance standards (for reference, if enacted):
    • One STR per building; no STR in a building containing other dwelling units.
    • Safety equipment/conditions: smoke and CO detectors, GFCI near water, dryer exhaust, kitchen fire extinguisher, egress/key box, address identification, functional facilities, stair/handrail condition.
    • Exterior alterations limited to fire escapes to preserve residential character.
    • Use limited to transient lodging (no events, gatherings, retreats, etc.).
    • Parking: at least two off‑street spaces per unit; three spaces for three or more bedrooms.

• Property Maintenance and Complaints:

  • Borough Property Maintenance Code & Manual applies to all rentals.
  • Complaint process: Submit the Borough’s Rental Property Complaint Form to the Codes Department for investigation.

• County/State context (for comparison; not borough law):

  • Mount Joy Township (adjacent) allows short‑term lodging for stays up to 30 days in multiple residential and conservation districts, subject to zoning and annual permit/inspection requirements (separate from Borough).

Contacts (Mount Joy Borough)

• Borough Main Line:

  • Phone: (717) 653‑2300
  • Email: borough@mountjoypa.org
  • Mailing address: Mount Joy Borough, 21 East Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552

• Codes/Inspections (Rental Registration & Inspections):

  • Phone: (717) 653‑2300 (general Borough line; ask for Codes Department)
  • Email: borough@mountjoypa.org
  • Complaint forms and rental program info: see Borough Rental Program page and Property Maintenance/Complaints pages.

• Borough Authority (water/wastewater, not STR):

  • Phone: (717) 653‑5938
  • Email: authority@mountjoypa.org

• Elected Officials (for policy inquiries):

  • Email: ElectedOfficials@mountjoypa.org

Note: For STR planning/approval (if/when enacted), Borough Council (legislative/conditional use), the Zoning Officer (administrative), and the Codes Department (inspections) will be primary contacts.

Action Plan for Investors

• Immediate steps:

  • Do not market or operate STRs in Mount Joy Borough until a new ordinance is enacted and you secure approvals.
  • If you own or are acquiring a property, verify whether long‑term rentals are viable and start the Borough’s annual rental registration process if applicable.

• If/when STRs become legal:

  • Confirm the property is in an eligible zoning district (e.g., CBD, NC).
  • Prepare for conditional use: safety equipment list, parking plan, and demonstration of compliance with Property Maintenance/Fire Prevention standards.
  • File conditional use application, schedule required inspections, and obtain all approvals before listing.

• Monitoring:

  • Track Borough Council/Planning Commission agendas for STR ordinance updates.
  • Coordinate with the Codes Department for inspection readiness and compliance.

Source Links (Provided Content)

• Mount Joy Borough Rental Program: mountjoyborough.com/rental-program/
• Borough Property Maintenance Code & Manual: ecode360.com/15435117#15435117
• Borough Zoning Regulations (Chapter 270): ecode360.com/15437364#15437364
• Rental Property Complaint Form (PDF): mountjoyborough.com/wp-content/uploads/Complaint-Form.pdf
• Borough “When Permits Are Required?” page: mountjoyborough.com/permits/when-permits-are-required/
• Lancaster County Planning Department – Community Plan/Ordinance Review (Mount Joy Borough STR amendment): lancastercountyplanning.org/DocumentCenter/View/6202/CPO-45-103-REA
• Proposed Mount Joy Borough Ordinance 04‑2024 (full text in review document above): included as attachment in the County Planning PDF.

Practical takeaway: Mount Joy Borough currently prohibits short‑term rentals. Monitor for the adoption of the 2024 zoning amendment; if enacted, pursue conditional use approval and strict compliance with safety and parking standards before opening an STR.