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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County occupancy cap
None; municipal only
City of Lancaster cap
Two adults per bedroom
Max stay length (City)
30 consecutive days per party
Other municipalities
Set their own caps
County role
Hotel tax only, not occupancy

Summary

Lancaster County sets no STR occupancy cap; limits are municipal. In the City of Lancaster, the number of guests in one party may not exceed two adults per bedroom, and the maximum length of stay per registered party is 30 consecutive days. Other municipalities set their own caps.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lancaster County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The number of guests in one party shall not exceed two adults per bedroom. The maximum length of stay per registered party shall be 30 consecutive days.

Full Breakdown

Occupancy limits for short-term rentals are a municipal land-use matter in Pennsylvania, not a county one. The City of Lancaster is a representative example: its Chapter 300, Article XVII rules cap guests in one party at two adults per bedroom and set the maximum length of stay per registered party at 30 consecutive days. Those figures apply only within City limits; Manheim Township, Lititz, East Hempfield, and the county's other municipalities each set their own occupancy formulas, some tied to bedroom count and some to a fixed maximum head count. Because there is no countywide standard, a host must check the specific ordinance for the city, borough, or township where the property is located.

Violations & Fines

Occupancy is enforced by the municipality. In the City of Lancaster, exceeding two adults per bedroom or renting to a single party beyond 30 consecutive days violates the transient dwelling standards and is enforced by the City Housing Unit, with

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay in a Lancaster County short-term rental?
It depends on the municipality; the county sets no cap. In the City of Lancaster, one party may not exceed two adults per bedroom, and no registered party may stay longer than 30 consecutive days.
Is there a maximum length of stay for an STR?
That is municipal too. The City of Lancaster caps the maximum length of stay per registered party at 30 consecutive days; beyond that it is no longer treated as a short-term rental. Check your own municipality's ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lancaster County

All Lancaster County rules

Compare Lancaster County to another location·View the Pennsylvania short-term rentals overview

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