Erie, PA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Erie regulates short-term rentals under Zoning Ordinance Section 305.49 and Codified Ordinance Article 330 (Landlord and Rental). The Zoning Ordinance defines a Short Term Rental as 'Any dwelling unit or room(s) within a dwelling unit owned or managed by a person, firm or corporation which is rented for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive days, during which the owner or manager may or may not be present on a full-time basis,' and states that 'The unit designated for STR use must be licensed following the procedures outlined in the City of Erie Codified Ordinance, Article 330: Landlord and Rental.' Section 305.49(a)(1) provides that 'A Short-Term Rental license shall be required prior to renting out a dwelling as a Short-Term Rental,' and that operating without one 'is a violation of this Ordinance and shall subject the owner to the enforcement proceedings and penalties set forth herein.' All STRs 'MUST obtain zoning approval and be issued a Zoning Certificate before a Short-Term Rental license can be obtained.' STRs are a permitted use in the R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, RLB, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, W-C, W-C2, W-C3, and W-R zoning districts. The City's Short Term Rental Registration form sets the annual fee at $80.00 if paid prior to the due date ($130.00 up to 15 days late, $160.00 thereafter), and the license 'is not transferrable and does not run with the property' - a new owner must reapply before continuing STR use. Owners residing outside Erie County must designate a Responsible Agent who resides within Erie County. The Bureau of Code Enforcement (DNED, Bureau of Building Standards and Safety) administers the program at 626 State St., Room 407.