Is Airbnb legal in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania?

Short-term rentals are restricted in parts of Gettysburg. See the regulation breakdown below.

How much does an STR permit cost in Gettysburg?

Permit costs for Gettysburg are being verified. Check back soon.

What is the occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Gettysburg?

Short-term rentals in Gettysburg are subject to a tax rate of 11.000%.

Short-Term Rental Laws in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Last verified: 2026-05-24

Status

Restricted

Permit Fee

—

Tax Rate

11.000%

Occupancy Cap

—

Regulation Breakdown

Restrictions

Gettysburg Borough's zoning ordinance distinguishes between Bed-and-Breakfast (owner-occupied; broadly permitted in residential zones) and Tourist Home / Short-Term Rental (non-owner-occupied; restricted to specific zones — generally Commercial, Downtown Historic, and certain Mixed-Use districts). The historic preservation overlay covering the Gettysburg Battlefield district adds Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) review for any exterior alterations. Single-family residential zones (R-1, R-2) outside the Commercial/Downtown districts generally do not permit non-owner-occupied STR.

Zoning

Gettysburg Borough zoning: Commercial Downtown (CD) and General Commercial (GC) broadly permit Tourist Home / STR use. R-1, R-2 Residential primarily allow Bed-and-Breakfast (owner-occupied) — Tourist Home/STR use is conditional or prohibited. The Historic Preservation Overlay covering the Battlefield-adjacent districts adds HARB review. Adams County (outside Borough — Cumberland Township, Mt. Joy Township, Straban Township) operates more permissive municipal rules at the township level; many "Gettysburg STR" listings are actually in these surrounding townships.

Permit & Registration

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

Enforcement

Gettysburg Borough Code Enforcement administers permits with annual renewal. Application requires Use & Occupancy Permit (zoning compliance verification), proof of insurance, 24/7 local responsible-party contact, life-safety self-certification, parking plan, and HARB approval if exterior alterations needed. Adams County Hotel Tax (5%) collected via the County Tax Collector's office; monthly remittance. Operating without a permit: per-day administrative fines + back-tax assessment.

Tax

Combined short-term lodging tax in Gettysburg is approximately 11.000% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

PA State sales 6% + Adams County Hotel Tax 5% — combined ~11.0% on transient lodging

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.

Nearby Cities

STR regulations vary by jurisdiction. Compare Gettysburg against nearby markets.

All Pennsylvania cities →