Erie, PA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Erie, PA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- License
- STR license required before renting (305.49(a)(1))
- Prerequisite
- Zoning Certificate required first
- Annual Fee
- $80 on time; $130 / $160 if late
- Definition Threshold
- Rentals under 30 consecutive days
- Transferability
- Not transferable; does not run with property
- Responsible Agent
- Must reside in Erie County (out-of-county owners)
- Code Sections
- Zoning Ord. 305.49; Codified Ord. Art. 330
Summary
The City of Erie requires a Short-Term Rental license before any dwelling may be rented for under 30 days. Operators must first obtain zoning approval and a Zoning Certificate, then register and pay an annual $80 fee; the license is not transferable and does not run with the property.
SHORT TERM RENTAL - 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. 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. 305.49 SHORT TERM RENTALS: The intent of this provision is to regulate such uses for the benefit and protection of both the property owner, residents and visitors. (a) All Short-Term Rental owners/providers must provide or meet the following minimum regulations: (1) A Short-Term Rental license shall be required prior to renting out a dwelling as a Short-Term Rental. Operating a Short-Term Rental without a Short-Term Rental license is a violation of this Ordinance and shall subject the owner to the enforcement proceedings and penalties set forth herein. ... All Short-term Rentals MUST obtain zoning approval and be issued a Zoning Certificate before a Short-Term Rental license can be obtained.
Full Breakdown
49 and Codified Ordinance Article 330 (Landlord and Rental). ' 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. 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. , Room 407.
Violations & Fines
Operating a short-term rental without a license is a violation of the City of Erie Zoning Ordinance and subjects the owner to the enforcement proceedings and penalties set forth in the ordinance, including code-enforcement citations and fines. Registration is treated only as a temporary license to operate and does not deem the property code compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to run an Airbnb in Erie, PA?
How much is the Erie short-term rental fee?
Can I transfer my STR license when I sell the property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Erie
How Erie compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Erie to another location·View the Pennsylvania short-term rentals overview
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