Short-Term Rentals in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
6 verified short-term rentals rules for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Bethlehem, PA does not have a standalone short-term rental ordinance. Hosts who rent dwellings for stays under 30 days are regulated through the city's rental property registration, Business Privilege License, applicable zoning, and the Lehigh County (south side) or Northampton County (north side) 4% hotel room rental tax. Pennsylvania has not preempted local STR regulation.
Bethlehem Short-Term Rental Permit and Licensing
Some RestrictionsNoise Rules
Short-term rental hosts in Bethlehem are responsible for guest noise under the city's general noise and nuisance provisions in the Bethlehem Codified Ordinances (AmLegal). Loud music, parties, and amplified sound that disturb neighbors trigger citations, and repeat violations can jeopardize a host's rental registration and Business Privilege License under city enforcement practice.
Bethlehem STR Guest Noise Compliance
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Short-term rental operators in Bethlehem must collect either the Lehigh County 4% hotel room rental tax (south side of the Lehigh River) or the Northampton County 4% hotel room excise tax (north side) plus the Pennsylvania 6% state hotel occupancy tax under 72 P.S. §7210 for any stay under 30 consecutive days. The combined rate is 10%. Bethlehem does not impose a separate municipal STR tax.
Bethlehem STR Hotel Tax and Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Bethlehem does not impose STR-specific parking minimums, but short-term rentals are bound by the off-street parking requirements in the Bethlehem Zoning Ordinance for the use district where the dwelling sits, and by the on-street parking system administered by the Bethlehem Parking Authority. Hosts must inform guests about posted time limits, residential permit zones, and snow-emergency parking rules.
Bethlehem STR Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Bethlehem does not set an STR-specific occupancy cap, but every dwelling must meet the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) minimum-area standards as adopted by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code. IPMC Section 404 sets minimum sleeping-room area (70 sq ft for one occupant, 50 sq ft per additional). Bethlehem's Housing Inspections division enforces these standards through the rental property registration program.
Bethlehem STR Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Bethlehem PA does not require short-term rental hosts to carry a specific insurance policy or post a liability minimum, and Pennsylvania has no statewide STR insurance mandate. However, hosts using Airbnb or VRBO rely on platform-provided host protection (AirCover up to $1M, VRBO Liability Insurance up to $1M), and a personal homeowner's policy almost always excludes commercial transient rental.
Bethlehem STR Insurance Considerations
Few RestrictionsLooking for Lehigh County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bethlehem city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Lehigh County →