Lower Paxton, PA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

In Lower Paxton Township, the zoning chapter defines a short-term rental as a principal or accessory use, other than a hotel or motel, where lodging is provided for compensation for less than 30 days. The definition names peer-to-peer platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway as examples. The use is not allowed as of right. Section 203-737 is titled "Short-term rental, principal" and says a short-term rental "shall be a permitted use by special exception" subject to express minimum standards, and the zoning chapter's use table lists the principal short-term rental use with the SE designation.

Three standards sit in § 203-737(A). First, the rental cannot show any outside appearance indicating a change in use from the surrounding neighborhood, so signs, exterior alterations or a commercial look that sets the house apart from its neighbors work against the application. Second, the applicant must comply with all applicable tax requirements. The section does not list the taxes, so the applicant has to confirm which ones apply with the Township. Third, parking must meet Article IX of the chapter, and parking on any grass or lawn area is prohibited. The parking rule has its own page.

Because this is a special exception, the application goes to the Zoning Hearing Board rather than being approved at the counter. The chapter refers to decisions of the Zoning Hearing Board in granting a special exception and to conditions the Board attaches. Under § 203-1204, the Board of Supervisors sets permit and application fees by written resolution, the fee schedule is on file in the Township offices, and no application is considered filed until all fees are paid. The Zoning Officer administers zoning permits for the Township.

An approval does not end the obligations. Any condition the Zoning Hearing Board attaches to the special exception stays enforceable against the owner for as long as the rental operates.