7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Bucks County requires all STR operators to register with the County Treasurer's Office and obtain a Lodging Room Rental Tax Certificate of Authorization. County contracted with Granicus (Host Compliance) in 2020 to track STRs. Individual townships may impose additional requirements.
No county-level STR noise rules. Each Bucks County township enforces its own noise ordinance. STR hosts must establish house rules for noise, parking, and occupancy. PA Crimes Code §5503 provides statewide backup for unreasonable noise.
Bucks County imposes 5% Lodging Room Rental Tax (Ordinance No. 158) on stays under 30 days. PA 6% Hotel Occupancy Tax also applies. Total 11%. Quarterly filing with County Treasurer required. STR operators must also obtain PA Sales and Use Tax Permit.
No county-level STR parking rules. Each Bucks County township establishes its own parking and zoning requirements. STR hosts advised to set clear parking rules in house rules. Off-street parking typically required per municipal zoning codes.
Bucks County STR occupancy is governed by municipal ordinances. New Hope Borough and Solebury Township cap occupancy at 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Most townships tie occupancy to bedroom count and septic capacity.
Several Bucks County municipalities require STR operators to carry $500,000 to $1,000,000 in commercial liability insurance. Standard homeowner policies generally exclude commercial rental activity.
Bucks County does not impose any cap on the number of nights per year a short-term rental may be operated. The county's Lodging Room Rental Tax Ordinance No. 158 only defines a tax threshold (rentals under 30 consecutive days) and does not restrict the number of bookings. Pennsylvania has no statewide STR preemption, so any nightly cap would have to be set by the host municipality (township or borough) under the PA Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968).
3 cities in Bucks County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Bucks County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Bucks County Ordinance Hub →