Permit Requirements: McKeesport vs Pittsburgh
How do permit requirements rules compare between McKeesport, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
McKeesport has fewer restrictions than Pittsburgh.
McKeesport, PA
Allegheny County
McKeesport has no dedicated STR ordinance. Operators must obtain a business privilege license and comply with zoning for lodging/rooming uses. Property maintenance code and UCC apply.
View full McKeesport rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh's 2021 STR ordinance requires every short-term rental host to register with the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), pay an annual license fee, and post the license number on every listing. STRs in residential zones must be the operator's primary residence; investment STRs are limited to mixed-use and commercial districts.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | McKeesport | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| City STR Ordinance | None dedicated | - |
| Mercantile License | Required | - |
| Zoning | Check 2017 Ordinance | - |
| State Tax | 6% under 72 P.S. §7209 | - |
| County Tax | 7% Allegheny County hotel tax | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
McKeesport FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in McKeesport?
McKeesport has no specific STR registration ordinance as of 2025. You must obtain a Mercantile/Business Privilege License, comply with the 2017 Zoning Ordinance, register for Allegheny County's 7% hotel tax, and meet PA UCC/IPMC life-safety standards.
Who collects the hotel taxes on my Airbnb in McKeesport?
Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the 6% PA state hotel tax and generally the 7% Allegheny County hotel tax as "booking agents" under PA Act 109 of 2018. You are still required to register with Allegheny County Treasurer.
Pittsburgh FAQ
Do I need a license to Airbnb in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Every short-term rental requires an annual license from PLI under Chapter 781. The fee is $250 per dwelling unit and the license number must appear on every listing.
Can I rent an investment property as an STR in Pittsburgh?
Only in mixed-use or commercial zoning districts. In residential zones, the STR must be the operator's primary residence (host lives there 184+ days/year).
What taxes do I have to collect?
Both the 7% Allegheny County hotel tax and the 6% Pennsylvania state hotel occupancy tax. Airbnb and Vrbo collect both automatically; direct bookings require manual remittance.
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