Neighbor urges stricter enforcement after repeated parties at nearby short‑term rental

A Pocono Township resident told the board on June 16 that a newly built short‑term rental next to her home, advertised for 16 or more guests, has been a persistent source of noise, parties and sleepless nights.

Beta Babel said the rental sits immediately adjacent to her property, with a first‑floor balcony that overlooks her backyard entertaining area and a minimal privacy fence separating the properties. She said guests change frequently, large groups arrive at all hours, and she has called the non‑emergency police line five times this month for noise complaints. "I shouldn't have to call the police department just to sleep," she said.

Babel asked whether any impact analysis was performed before approval and whether zoning or licensing should have prevented the use in that neighborhood. Township staff and commissioners reviewed the current policy on short‑term rentals: a residential ordinance that previously restricted rentals was repealed and the township now limits short‑term rentals by underlying zoning, permitting them in certain commercial and recreational zones when licensed and inspected. Several board members said licensing requirements include limits on occupancy and life‑safety inspections such as smoke alarms.

The board encouraged residents to continue reporting disturbances to the police and explained that permitted uses are controlled by the property's zoning classification; if a short‑term rental is operating where not allowed it would need to be reviewed through code enforcement and the licensing program.

No immediate regulatory change was made at the meeting, but the exchange highlighted neighborhood impacts and questions about whether the current licensing and enforcement regime is sufficient for large‑occupancy rentals in sensitive residential areas.