8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Short-term rental permit requirements vary across Allegheny County's 130 municipalities. Pittsburgh requires STR registration under Chapter 781 of City Code (effective 2023). Most suburban municipalities require zoning approval or use registration. Allegheny County itself does not issue STR permits but collects 7% hotel tax from all lodging.
STR noise rules follow underlying municipal noise ordinances in Allegheny County. Pittsburgh quiet hours are 10 PM-7 AM under Code §601.04. Suburban municipalities typically enforce 10 PM-7 AM or 11 PM-7 AM quiet periods. STR hosts may face amplified liability for guest noise under nuisance ordinances.
Allegheny County STR operators owe 13% combined lodging tax: 7% Allegheny County Hotel Room Rental Tax plus 6% PA State Hotel Occupancy Tax. County tax authorized under Allegheny County Code Chapter 475. Pittsburgh adds no separate hotel tax beyond county/state (unlike Philadelphia). Registration fees vary by municipality.
STR parking requirements follow municipal zoning. Pittsburgh Zoning Code §914 requires 1 off-street space per dwelling unit in most residential districts. Suburban townships typically require 2 off-street spaces. Street parking permits may be required in Pittsburgh Residential Parking Permit zones.
Occupancy limits for STRs in Allegheny County follow PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and local ordinances. IRC/IPMC standard is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional (e.g., 3-bedroom = 8 max). Pittsburgh STR ordinance Chapter 781 may impose additional caps on registered rentals.
Pennsylvania does not mandate specific STR insurance, but Pittsburgh Chapter 781 requires proof of liability coverage for registered STRs. Standard homeowner's policies typically exclude commercial rental activity. Hosts should carry $1 million liability or use platform insurance (Airbnb AirCover, Vrbo Liability).
Allegheny County does not impose county-wide night caps on STRs. Some municipalities limit non-owner-occupied rentals to 90-180 days per year, but most have no annual cap. Pittsburgh Chapter 781 distinguishes owner-occupied (unlimited) from non-owner-occupied rentals with stricter zoning conditions.
Registration rules vary. Pittsburgh requires annual STR registration with Bureau of Building Inspection, proof of zoning compliance, floor plans, and emergency contact. Suburban municipalities with STR ordinances (Mt. Lebanon, Fox Chapel area) typically require annual registration and inspection. Allegheny County requires hotel tax account registration with Treasurer.
3 cities in Allegheny County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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