Harris Township adopts zoning rules for short-term rentals; licensing ordinance deferred to December

Harris TownshipBoard of Supervisors on Nov. 10 adopted zoning amendments that define short-term rentals and list them as permitted accessory uses in multiple zoning districts, while deferring a companion licensing ordinance for further revision and public hearing.

Supporters of the zoning change argued it provides a regulated path for home-based short-term lodging and helps property owners who have rehabilitated older homes, while opponents and many residents said the township still needs stronger enforcement tools and limits to prevent displacement and neighborhood disruption. Staff told the board that special counsel advised removing a provision that would turn nonconforming uses into nonconforming status upon transfer of ownership; that change prompted the board to postpone final action on the licensing ordinance.

During more than an hour of public comment, residents described problems they attribute to professionally managed non-owner-occupied short-term rentals: noise, parties, repeated turnovers, trash and parking violations, and examples of long-term displacement. John Oiler, who said he lives in a nearby borough, told the board the conversion of single-family homes into Airbnbs had displaced renters and harmed neighborhood life. Several operators and hosts also spoke: Liam Goble and George Rodriguez described using short-term rentals to rehab homes and provide interim housing and visitor services; they urged flexibility and noted platforms25rating systems help screen guests.

Board members asked staff and counsel to clarify enforcement mechanics under the proposed rules. Staff explained the proposed licensing regime includes a penalty/conviction structure in which three convictions within a rolling 12-month period could suspend a license; staff and a board member said the draft ties those convictions to the license holder, but the ordinance language will be reviewed to confirm whether violations run with the property or the owner. The board also emphasized it retains the authority to revisit and revise the ordinance if it proves ineffective.

Supervisor (Speaker 6) moved to adopt Ordinance 3-81; Supervisor (Speaker 14) seconded and the board carried the motion by voice vote. Ordinance 3-82 (licensing) will be revised to remove the ownership-transfer clause per special counseladadvice and will be re-advertised for public hearing at the Dec. 8 meeting.

The board left the effective date for the zoning ordinance postdated to Dec. 8 to allow the licensing ordinance to be considered in sequence. Staff and counsel will prepare the revised licensing draft and a public-notice schedule for the December meeting.