Executive overview (for investors): Based on the sources provided, short‑term rentals appear to be permissible in Upper Moreland Township/Willow‑Grove for transient lodging use (e.g., <30‑day stays) provided the property is appropriately zoned, all required township permits and licenses are obtained, and state/local taxes are registered and paid. There are no Willow‑Grove‑specific STR ordinances in the materials supplied; therefore, compliance must be built around township zoning/permitting, Montgomery County requirements (if any), and Pennsylvania state‑level obligations.

Important caveat: The township Code Enforcement/Zoning Office must confirm that “Transient Lodging” or a similar visitor‑accommodation use is permitted at your property’s zoning district and that any necessary approvals are secured before operating. See “How to Start” and “Contacts” below for exact steps.

1) How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Willow‑Grove (Step‑by‑Step)

• Confirm zoning and use eligibility

  • Determine the property’s zoning district (Upper Moreland has multiple districts). Contact the Code Enforcement Office to verify that short‑term rental / transient lodging is a permitted principal or conditional use at your site and to identify any overlays or special standards. If not permitted, consider applying for a variance or special exception (if eligible) or relocating to a compliant parcel.
  • Typical result: A zoning use confirmation or approval letter for transient lodging / visitor accommodation.

• Secure building and safety permits

  • Building permit: Required for structural work, additions, and certain installations (e.g., pools). Two sets of plans for residential applications; three for commercial.
  • Residential rental inspections: Not required for resales, but any renovations/alterations should be reviewed/approved.
  • Pool installations: Require a building permit. Pools must meet setback and fencing requirements (rear 6 ft max height; front 4 ft; 10 ft back from curb line), and fencing requires a separate permit.
  • Electrical and plumbing: A registered Master Plumber is required for all plumbing work (permits must be submitted by the Master Plumber). Homeowners may perform their own electrical work; permits are required for electrical and plumbing. Upper Moreland accepts electrical plans pre‑approved by a certified third‑party agency (list provided on the electrical permit application).

• Licensing and business tax registration

  • Obtain any township business licenses required for transient accommodation operations if/when applicable; if not specifically required for STRs, register for Business Privilege Tax and Mercantile License (as applicable) and set up occupational privilege/local service tax administration.
  • Business tax contacts: Business Tax Office at 215‑659‑3100, ext. 1045.
  • For Mercantile/Business Privilege, confirm rate applicability based on your activity (e.g., wholesale 1.0 mill; retail 1.5 mills; business privilege 3.5 mills). The Township can provide guidance and allocation formulas for out‑of‑state activity.

• State and local tax compliance

  • Register for Pennsylvania state tax accounts as applicable (e.g., sales tax if you sell taxable goods/services; employer withholding if you have employees). Use the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s online portal to register: www.mypath.pa.gov. Confirm with the Department whether your lodging revenue is subject to state sales/use tax or other excise taxes, as classifications can vary by activity.
  • Montgomery County may impose local lodging or hotel taxes; check directly with county sources or your accountant, as no county‑specific tax information is present in the provided materials.

• Set up operations and customer communications

  • Post emergency procedures, contact information for a local responsible party, and house rules.
  • Align waste and recycling service days and provide proper containers; communicate quiet hours and occupancy limits consistent with applicable laws and safety requirements.
  • Prepare to remit applicable taxes (e.g., business privilege/mercantile, any county lodging taxes, and state taxes as applicable) on schedule.

• File for any needed zoning approvals

  • If the use is not permitted by right, file for a variance or special exception through the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Coordinate with Code Enforcement for procedures and required neighborhood notices or hearings.

2) Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Township level (Upper Moreland)

• Zoning confirmation/approval for transient lodging use (or variance/special exception).
• Building permit(s), as applicable to renovations, additions, and special installations.
• Electrical permit and, when applicable, accepted third‑party plan approvals.
• Plumbing permit (Master Plumber required).
• Fence permit (if installing a fence, especially for pools).
• Pool permit (including compliance with setbacks and fencing standards).
• Business license(s) as may be required for lodging operations; if not specifically required, register for Business Privilege Tax and Mercantile License and confirm occupational privilege/local service tax procedures.
• Plans: Two sets for residential permit applications; three sets for commercial.

State level (Pennsylvania)

• PA Department of Revenue tax registration(s), as applicable to your business activities: www.mypath.pa.gov
• State fire and safety standards apply through township code enforcement and the state Uniform Construction Act; confirm any state‑mandated inspections or certifications that flow through the local permit process.

Notes

• Resale inspections are not required by Upper Moreland, but any alterations or installations require proper permits and inspections.
• Fire Marshal approvals may be needed depending on occupancy classification and building type (coordinate with Code Enforcement and the Fire Marshal’s Office).

3) Specific Regulations Affecting STRs (City/County/State)

Willow‑Grove (Upper Moreland) — City/Township level

• No dedicated STR ordinance is present in the provided sources. The operative requirements are: (i) zoning use eligibility for transient lodging; (ii) all applicable building/safety permits; and (iii) business tax registration and compliance.
• Key permitting and process norms:
  • Building reviews: ~15 working days for residential; ~30 working days for commercial.
  • Plan requirements: Two sets for residential; three for commercial.
  • Permits needed even when the homeowner performs the work.
  • Master Plumber required for plumbing permits; homeowners may perform electrical work but must pull permits; third‑party electrical plan approvals are accepted.
  • Fence limits: Max 6 ft rear; 4 ft front; 10 ft back from curb line; permit required.
  • Pools require a building permit and must comply with setback and fence standards.
• Hours and contacts:
  • Code Enforcement hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Mon–Fri.
  • Fire Marshal: Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–3:00; Fri 8:30 a.m.–12:00; after hours 215‑659‑7633.

Montgomery County

• The materials provided do not contain county‑specific lodging/STR regulations. For completeness, confirm whether Montgomery County imposes a hotel/occupancy tax and any registration requirements with county agencies or your tax advisor.

State of Pennsylvania

• No state‑wide STR licensing or registration is presented in the materials. State obligations primarily flow through business tax registration, compliance with the Uniform Construction Act (which is enforced locally), and any sales/use/excise tax responsibilities. Use the PA Department of Revenue portal to register and determine tax obligations: www.mypath.pa.gov

Philadelphia reference (for context only; not directly applicable to Willow‑Grove)

• Philadelphia imposes a licensing and zoning framework for short‑term rentals, including distinct “Limited Lodging” vs. “Visitor Accommodation” paths, required licenses (Limited Lodging Operator License or Rental License with hotel designation), a Commercial Activity License, zoning permits, and a City Hotel Tax of 8.5% collected monthly. These rules are City‑specific and do not govern Willow‑Grove.

4) Contact Information

Upper Moreland Township — Code Enforcement / Zoning

• Address: 117 Park Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090
• Phone: 267‑607‑1032 or 267‑607‑1033
• Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
• Fax: 215‑659‑8899

Upper Moreland Township — Business Tax Office

• Phone: 215‑659‑3100, ext. 1045

Upper Moreland Township — Fire Marshal’s Office

• Contact: Mary Schrope
• Phone: 267‑607‑1030
• Email: mschrope@uppermoreland.org
• Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–3:00; Fri 8:30 a.m.–12:00
• After‑hours emergencies: 215‑659‑7633

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

• Business tax registration portal: www.mypath.pa.gov

Philadelphia references (context only; not governing Willow‑Grove)

• City of Philadelphia short‑term rental portal and guidance:
  • www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/rent-your-property-short-term/
  • www.phila.gov/2022-07-21-updated-guidance-on-required-zoning-permits-and-licenses-for-philadelphia-short-term-rentals-and-hosts/
• Contact for Philadelphia: 311 (within Philadelphia); (215) 686‑8686 (outside Philadelphia)

5) Links to Source Pages

• Upper Moreland Township Code Enforcement/Zoning FAQ and Permit Info

  • www.uppermoreland.org/faq
  • Pool permit requirements (per FAQ reference): www.uppermoreland.org/DocumentCenter/View/314
  • Zoning map (per FAQ reference): www.uppermoreland.org/DocumentCenter/View/209
  • Fee Schedule (per FAQ reference): www.uppermoreland.org/DocumentCenter/View/81
  • Electrical permit application (third‑party plan approvals list) — referenced on permit application (see FAQ)

• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — Business tax registration portal

  • www.mypath.pa.gov

• City of Philadelphia short‑term rental pages (for context only; not governing Willow‑Grove)

  • www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/rent-your-property-short-term/
  • www.phila.gov/2022-07-21-updated-guidance-on-required-zoning-permits-and-licenses-for-philadelphia-short-term-rentals-and-hosts/

Investor takeaway

• Short‑term rentals appear viable in Willow‑Grove when the zoning use is confirmed as permissible for transient lodging, the property meets all building/safety requirements, and state/local taxes are properly registered and remitted. Given the absence of city‑specific STR rules in the provided materials, the practical path is: (1) secure a zoning use determination from Code Enforcement; (2) obtain all required permits; (3) register for business taxes; and (4) confirm state and any county lodging tax obligations before launching.