Thinking about renting your Campmeeting cottage in Mount Gretna? The rules can feel confusing, especially because two different groups oversee rentals there. You want to follow the law, protect your investment, and avoid surprises. In this guide, you’ll learn how the Borough license and the MGCA permit work, what they require, and the exact steps to get approved. Let’s dive in.
Two permits that often both apply
Borough rental license (municipal)
The Borough of Mount Gretna regulates residential rentals and issues the municipal license under Chapter 137 of its code. For short-term rentals, the Borough sets limits on location, caps the total number of licenses, and requires inspections, occupancy rules, and tax registrations. You can review the details in the Borough ordinance and rentals page for context and forms. See the Borough’s Chapter 137 ordinance and the Residential Rentals page.
MGCA Home Rental Permit (association)
Inside the Campmeeting grounds, MGCA Rule 20 requires a Home Rental Permit if you rent your home in whole or in part. This is separate from the Borough license and includes its own application, fee, orientation, and tenant materials. Learn more on the MGCA Home Rentals page and the full MGCA Home Rental Policy.
Short-term vs long-term: definitions differ
The Borough treats a short-term rental as any rental under 30 consecutive days, with added rules and a license cap. MGCA uses a broader threshold and treats rentals under 12 consecutive months as short-term for its permit policy. This means a summer or seasonal arrangement could be a short-term rental under MGCA rules even if it is not short-term under the Borough’s definition. Check both sets of rules before you advertise. See Borough short-term rental rules and MGCA’s Home Rental Policy.
Where Borough short-term rentals are allowed
The Borough permits short-term rentals only along Lancaster Avenue north to PA Route 117 and caps the total number of short-term units at 18. When the cap is reached, a wait list process applies. Verify your address against the location rule before you apply. See the Borough’s Chapter 137 location and cap rules.
What the Borough license requires
Application and documents
To apply for a Borough rental license, assemble the following items:
- Borough application form and fee. The current form lists a $100 per unit fee. See the Rental License Application.
- Lebanon County Hotel Room Occupancy Tax registration and PA business tax registration (myPATH) for short-term rentals. See the Borough’s Application Process Steps.
- Liability insurance declaration page of at least $500,000 for short-term rentals, plus a deed copy, a fire escape diagram, and the Borough’s renter information notice posted inside the property. See the Application Process Steps.
- A local contact or manager within 20 miles, as required by the Borough’s code.
Inspections and timing
The Borough uses Associated Building Inspections (ABI) to inspect rentals and issue the Certificate of Occupancy. You schedule ABI after the Borough receives your application. For the next calendar year, submit renewals or new applications by October 1, with inspections by November 1, and plan for Borough Council approval at a public meeting. See the Borough’s Application Process Steps.
Operating rules that matter
Short-term rentals must follow occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom, up to 10 overnight guests, plus day guests limited to 10. Advertising must include occupancy limits, minimum tenant age, and that the property is in a Chautauqua residential community. Parking is by permit only, with two street permits provided. There is also a limit of two reservations per week, and only one rental unit is allowed per structure. See the Borough’s short-term rules.
What the MGCA permit requires
Who must apply
MGCA Rule 20 requires members who rent their Campmeeting home, in whole or part, to hold a valid MGCA Home Rental Permit. Permits are property-specific and non-transferable. See MGCA’s Home Rentals page.
Fee, caps, and renewals
MGCA lists a $75 application fee. The MGCA policy sets a maximum of 72 short-term permits and creates a wait list if that cap is reached. New approvals require landlord orientation, and permits run on a calendar year. See the MGCA Home Rental Policy and Home Rentals page.
Owner responsibility and enforcement
MGCA holds owners responsible for tenant compliance with MGCA Rules and Regulations, including fines for violations. Repeated issues can lead to permit denial or revocation, and MGCA maintains an appeals and variances process. Review the enforcement details in the MGCA policy.
Step-by-step checklist for owners
1) Early planning
- Decide which permits you need. Borough short-term license applies if any stay is under 30 days. MGCA permits apply to Campmeeting members renting in whole or part. Confirm if your address falls within the Borough’s allowed short-term area. See Chapter 137.
2) Gather documents
- Borough: application, deed, Lebanon County hotel tax registration, PA business tax registration, $500,000 liability insurance for short-term, fire escape diagram, renter information notice, local contact within 20 miles, plus payment. See the Borough’s Process Steps.
- MGCA: permit application with $75 fee, landlord orientation if new, and MGCA tenant materials. See MGCA’s Home Rentals.
3) Schedule and submit
- Wait three business days after the Borough receives your application, then schedule ABI for inspection. ABI sends the Certificate of Occupancy to the Borough. Submit your MGCA application and complete orientation if required. See the Borough’s Process Steps.
4) Watch the calendar
- To be considered for the next year, submit Borough renewals or applications by October 1 and complete inspections by November 1. Final approval comes by Borough Council vote. Do not operate until your Borough license is issued. See the Process Steps.
5) Stay compliant
- Post the Borough renter information notice, maintain the local contact, collect and remit applicable county and state taxes, and keep insurance current. Keep MGCA contact information up to date and respond quickly to any notices. See the Process Steps and MGCA policy.
Fines, suspensions, and appeals
Borough violations can be charged as summary offenses, with fines from $200 to $1,000 per violation, escalating for repeat issues in a 12-month period. Continued noncompliance can lead to suspension or revocation, with appeals and reinstatement steps outlined in the code. See the Borough’s enforcement provisions. MGCA can deny or revoke permits for unpaid fines or repeated violations, and provides an appeals and variances process in its policy.
Common scenarios to check
- A weekend or weekly rental. This likely triggers both the Borough short-term license and the MGCA permit. See Chapter 137 and the MGCA policy.
- Month-to-month across the season. This may be short-term under MGCA rules even if it is 30 days or more for Borough purposes. See the MGCA policy.
- Property outside the Borough’s allowed area. You cannot operate as a Borough short-term rental if you are not within Lancaster Avenue north to PA-117. See Chapter 137.
- Caps and wait lists. The Borough cap is 18 short-term units, and MGCA’s cap is 72 short-term permits, with wait lists for both if full. See Chapter 137 and the MGCA policy.
Final thoughts
You can rent confidently in Mount Gretna when you match your plan to the right permits and timelines. Focus on the Borough’s location rules, inspection and approval schedule, and the MGCA’s permit requirements and owner responsibilities. A simple checklist and early planning will save you time and reduce risk. If you want local guidance on how permits may affect value, demand, and timing for your sale or purchase, connect with David Becker for a friendly, informed conversation.
FAQs
Do I need both a Borough license and an MGCA permit to rent my Campmeeting cottage?
- If your property is within the Campmeeting grounds, you typically need the Borough license for short-term rentals under 30 days and the MGCA Home Rental Permit for any rental in whole or part. See Chapter 137 and MGCA’s Home Rentals.
How does the Borough’s short-term rental cap and map affect me in Mount Gretna?
- The Borough allows short-term rentals only along Lancaster Avenue north to PA-117 and caps them at 18 units, with a wait list when full. See Chapter 137.
What documents are required for a Borough short-term license application?
- Expect the application and fee, hotel tax and PA business tax registrations, $500,000 liability insurance, deed, fire escape diagram, renter notice posting, local contact within 20 miles, and an ABI inspection. See the Borough’s Process Steps.
What does the MGCA Home Rental Permit cost and how many are available?
- MGCA lists a $75 application fee and caps short-term permits at 72, with a wait list and required orientation for new approvals. See the MGCA policy.
What are the key operating rules for Borough-licensed short-term rentals?
- Occupancy is two per bedroom up to 10 overnight, day guests are limited to 10, advertising must include required details, parking is by permit only, there are two reservations allowed per week, and only one rental unit per structure. See Chapter 137.
What are the penalties if I violate rental rules in Mount Gretna?
- Borough violations can bring fines of $200 to $1,000 per offense and possible license suspension or revocation, while MGCA can deny or revoke permits for repeated issues; both provide appeals processes. See Chapter 137 and the MGCA policy.
