LawfulStay
← Back to Database

Gettysburg

Pennsylvania · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Gettysburg Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes — a Land Use Permit AND a Certificate of Use and Occupancy are both required to legally operate any short-term rental in the Borough of Gettysburg
Tax Rate6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax (state) + 5% Adams County Hotel Room Rental Tax = 11% combined on gross rental receipts.
Night / Day CapSTRs are defined as accommodations available for stays of 30 consecutive nights or fewer. No maximum annual rental day cap identified in Borough code.
Minimum StayNone specified below the 30-night STR definition threshold.
Permit FeeLand Use Permit application fee applies. Minor Zoning Certification (to confirm property is in a district permitting vacation rentals): $40. Regulated
PenaltiesOperating without required permits subjects operators to code enforcement action. Per Borough ordinance, permit violations may result in permit revoca
Primary Residence RequiredNot universally required. The Borough distinguishes between (a) owner/proprietor-occupied homestays (host resides on premises) and (b) vacation rental
Occupancy LimitSubject to Property Maintenance Code standards. No Borough-specific STR overnight occupancy formula found in publicly available code excerpt beyond ge
Browse all 8 STR regulations in Pennsylvania → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Gettysburg Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Gettysburg Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — a Land Use Permit AND a Certificate of Use and Occupancy are both required to legally operate any short-term rental in the Borough of Gettysburg. A separate Regulated Rental Unit Occupancy (RRUO. The associated permit fees are Land Use Permit application fee applies. Minor Zoning Certification (to confirm property is in a dis.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Gettysburg

Short-term rental operators in Gettysburg should be aware of these tax obligations: 6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax (state) + 5% Adams County Hotel Room Rental Tax = 11% combined on gross rental receipts.. Yes — Pennsylvania Sales Tax License required for state tax collection; Adams County Hotel Room Rental Tax registration required for local lodging tax.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Gettysburg

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Gettysburg include: Primary residence requirement: Not universally required. The Borough distinguishes between (a) owner/proprietor-occupied homestays (host resides on pre. Rental day cap: STRs are defined as accommodations available for stays of 30 consecutive nights or fewer. No maximum annual rental day c. Occupancy limit: Subject to Property Maintenance Code standards. No Borough-specific STR overnight occupancy formula found in publicly av. Minimum stay: None specified below the 30-night STR definition threshold..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Gettysburg

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Gettysburg: Yes — STRs are only permitted in zoning districts that allow the use. Hosts must verify zoning district eligibility using the Borough's Interactive Zoning Map before applying. Properties in the Histor. Density rules: Not specified in available Borough code provisions.. Insurance: Liability insurance policy recommended; minimum coverage amounts vary by property type per practitio.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Gettysburg

Hosts who fail to comply with Gettysburg's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Operating without required permits subjects operators to code enforcement action. Per Borough ordinance, permit violations may result in permit revocation..

Platform Obligations in Gettysburg

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Gettysburg: Not specified in Borough code. State-level: platforms collecting taxes on behalf of hosts relieve hosts of separate PA Sales/Use/Hotel Occupancy Tax license requirement..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes — a Land Use Permit AND a Certificate of Use and Occupancy are both required to legally operate any short-term rental in the Borough of Gettysburg. A separate Regulated Rental Unit Occupancy (RRUO) license ($40 fee) is also required for all residential rental units under the Rental Unit Occupancy Ordinance, subject to annual licensure and periodic inspection.
Tax Registration
Yes — Pennsylvania Sales Tax License required for state tax collection; Adams County Hotel Room Rental Tax registration required for local lodging tax collection.
Permit Fee
Land Use Permit application fee applies. Minor Zoning Certification (to confirm property is in a district permitting vacation rentals): $40. Regulated Rental Unit Application: $40. Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) required if property is in the Historic District (additional fee).
Primary Residence Rule
Not universally required. The Borough distinguishes between (a) owner/proprietor-occupied homestays (host resides on premises) and (b) vacation rentals where the owner lives offsite. Both are permitted subject to zoning district allowance and applicable permits.
Night / Day Cap
STRs are defined as accommodations available for stays of 30 consecutive nights or fewer. No maximum annual rental day cap identified in Borough code.
Occupancy Limit
Subject to Property Maintenance Code standards. No Borough-specific STR overnight occupancy formula found in publicly available code excerpt beyond general Property Maintenance Code compliance.
Tax Rate
6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax (state) + 5% Adams County Hotel Room Rental Tax = 11% combined on gross rental receipts.
Zoning Restrictions
Yes — STRs are only permitted in zoning districts that allow the use. Hosts must verify zoning district eligibility using the Borough's Interactive Zoning Map before applying. Properties in the Historic District require an additional Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).
Minimum Stay
None specified below the 30-night STR definition threshold.
Density Rules
Not specified in available Borough code provisions.
Insurance Required
Liability insurance policy recommended; minimum coverage amounts vary by property type per practitioner guidance. Not explicitly mandated in the Borough's permit application documents found.
Platform Obligations
Not specified in Borough code. State-level: platforms collecting taxes on behalf of hosts relieve hosts of separate PA Sales/Use/Hotel Occupancy Tax license requirement.
Compliance Notes
Borough of Gettysburg officially classifies short-term rentals as stays of 30 consecutive nights or fewer, covering both homestays and vacation rentals. Both a Land Use Permit and a Certificate of Use and Occupancy are mandatory prerequisites. The Borough is also undertaking a zoning rewrite project; draft updates and public meeting information are posted on the Borough's project page. RRUO licenses are non-transferable; notification must be received within 15 days of any change in tenant occupancy.
Effective Date
Current permit requirements in force; zoning rewrite ongoing as of 2024–2026.
Key Notes
Gettysburg is a nationally significant historic destination. Properties within the Historic District require an additional Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation department. The total tax burden (11%) is among the higher in Pennsylvania for STRs. Hosts should confirm zoning district allowance via the Borough's Interactive Zoning Map before purchasing or listing.
Penalties
Operating without required permits subjects operators to code enforcement action. Per Borough ordinance, permit violations may result in permit revocation.
Additional Context
Pennsylvania has no unified statewide STR licensing statute; regulatory authority rests with individual municipalities. Adams County and the Borough of Gettysburg each impose separate lodging tax layers. The Borough's Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement department administers all STR-related permits.
Sources
Borough of Gettysburg Official STR/Permits Page: https://www.gettysburgpa.gov/271/Planning-Zoning-Code-Enforcement-Histori
https://www.gettysburgpa.gov/313/Permits-and-Licenses
Borough FAQs: https://www.gettysburgpa.gov/m/faq?cat=21
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Gettysburg?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Gettysburg with proper registration and permits. Borough of Gettysburg officially classifies short-term rentals as stays of 30 consecutive nights or fewer, covering both homestays and vacation rentals. Both a Land Use Permit and a Certificate of Use

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Gettysburg?

Yes. Gettysburg requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — a Land Use Permit AND a Certificate of Use and Occupancy are both required to legally operate any short-term rental in the Borough of Gettysburg. A separate Regulated Rental Unit Occupancy (RRUO) license ($40 fee) is also required for all residential rental units under the Rental Unit Occupanc.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Gettysburg?

Short-term rental hosts in Gettysburg are subject to the following tax obligations: 6% Pennsylvania Hotel Occupancy Tax (state) + 5% Adams County Hotel Room Rental Tax = 11% combined on gross rental receipts..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Gettysburg?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Gettysburg may face enforcement. Operating without required permits subjects operators to code enforcement action. Per Borough ordinance, permit violations may result in permit revocation..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Gettysburg?

Gettysburg is a nationally significant historic destination. Properties within the Historic District require an additional Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation department. The total tax burden (11%) is among the higher in Pennsylvania for STRs. Hosts should confirm zoning district allowance via the Borough's Interactive Zoning Map before purchasing or listing.

Search 1,026+ STR Jurisdictions

LawfulStay tracks STR regulations across 1,026+ cities & countries on 6 continents, updated daily.

View in Full Database →