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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Occupancy Cap
Not to exceed district maximum
Calculation
Bedrooms/size, family unit, or max 4 unrelated
R-1 / R-1A Limit
One Family per rentable unit
RVs / Tents
Overnight occupancy prohibited
Posted Notice
Max occupants must be posted at front door
Code Sections
Zoning Ord. 305.49; Art. 6 (Family definition)

Summary

Erie short-term rentals may not exceed the number of occupants allowed in the applicable zoning district, with maximum occupancy based on the number and size of bedrooms, a family unit, or no more than four unrelated occupants. In the R-1 and R-1A districts occupancy of a rentable unit is limited to one Family.

3. STR accommodations shall not exceed the number of occupants allowed within the applicable zoning district. ... 4. Overnight occupancy of recreational vehicles, camper trailers and tents is prohibited. ... [STR Zoning Compliance Checklist:] STR accommodations shall not exceed the number of occupants allowed within the applicable zoning district. [MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY IS BASED ON THE NUMBER AND SIZE OF BEDROOMS, A FAMILY UNIT, OR NO MORE THAN FOUR UNRELATED OCCUPANTS - SEE DEFINITION OF 'FAMILY', ARTICLE 6 - DEFINITIONS]. ... Short term rentals shall be allowed in the R-1 and R-1A Districts in accordance with these additional regulations: 1. Occupancy of a rentable unit shall be limited to one Family, as defined.

View official code

Full Breakdown

' For the lowest-density residential zones, additional limits apply: 'Short term rentals shall be allowed in the R-1 and R-1A Districts in accordance with these additional regulations: 1. '

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the occupancy permitted for the zoning district, or in R-1/R-1A exceeding one Family per rentable unit, violates the City of Erie Zoning Ordinance and the STR regulations. The required occupant notice warns that 'failure to follow the occupancy and parking requirements will result in citations of fines,' and occupants may be cited and fined directly for violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay in an Erie short-term rental?
STR accommodations cannot exceed the number of occupants allowed in the applicable zoning district. Per the City's STR Zoning Compliance Checklist, maximum occupancy is 'BASED ON THE NUMBER AND SIZE OF BEDROOMS, A FAMILY UNIT, OR NO MORE THAN FOUR UNRELATED OCCUPANTS.'
Are there stricter occupancy rules in single-family neighborhoods?
Yes. In the R-1 and R-1A districts, 'Occupancy of a rentable unit shall be limited to one Family, as defined' in Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance, in addition to the citywide occupancy cap.
Can guests sleep in an RV or tent on the property?
No. The City of Erie STR regulations state 'Overnight occupancy of recreational vehicles, camper trailers and tents is prohibited.'

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Erie

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsHeavy RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions

All Erie rules

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