Allentown, PA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Because Allentown has no dedicated STR ordinance, occupancy is governed by the Zoning Ordinance's lodging-use standards plus the building/fire occupant-load limits applied through the rental inspection. Under the 2025 Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 16166, effective January 1, 2026), a Bed and Breakfast Inn (660-37.I) is 'a detached house in which a full-time resident and owner/operator offers 2 or more guest rooms for overnight lodging and meal service for compensation,' and the supplemental use regulations cap it at no more than 10 guest rooms, bar rental of guest rooms 'for periods of more than 14 consecutive days,' and require the owner/operator to occupy the property as their principal full-time residence. A Rooming or Boarding House (660-37.D, 660-54) -- a building where lodging is provided for 3 or more persons not in the operator's household for compensation -- must provide a minimum floor area of 250 square feet for one occupant or 350 square feet for 2, is capped at 6 rental units per lot, limits each rental unit to a maximum occupancy of 2 adults, and must be occupied by a resident manager. The 'Lodging' use category (660-37.I) covers hotels, motels, and B&Bs offering stays generally under 30 days. For any lot with an accessory dwelling unit, 660-49 prohibits short-term-rental use of both the principal and accessory units outright.