Montrose Borough Council adopts new short-term rental ordinance

1-21-26

By Louis Gauthier
MONTROSE — Montrose Borough Council unanimously adopted a new zoning ordinance amendment at its Jan. 19 meeting that formally allows and regulates short-term rental properties throughout the borough. The ordinance establishes permit requirements, occupancy limits, safety standards, and enforcement measures aimed at balancing tourism with neighborhood and occupant safety.
Prior to the adoption of the ordinance, Montrose Borough did not have specific regulations governing short-term rental properties. In response to growing public interest, the council worked to establish clear standards for how such properties may operate within the borough.
Borough Council President Randall Schuster explained that the process of drafting the ordinance began nearly a year and a half ago after local real estate entrepreneur Frank Pinkowski inquired about establishing a short-term rental property within the borough. At the time, Pinkowski and his partner, Kimberly Grace, were working to restore their property at 315 Church St. in Montrose. Known as the 1818 House, Pinkowski said the building is currently “the only residence in Susquehanna County listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”

Frank Pinkowski and Kimberly Grace, meeting attendees and owners of the 1818 House. Louis Gauthier Photo

Pinkowski said that when he and Grace approached the council about a possible variance, they were asked to wait until an ordinance could be drafted and adopted. He added that they were willing to “be patient because they felt the council would do the right thing for the community.”
Council member Ed Lucas said the process involved “speaking to a lot of people, to make sure we had all of our ducks in a row.” The proposed regulations were posted for public review and comment beginning Dec. 8. While public input was limited before the meeting, residents in attendance expressed positive feedback.
Resident Jean Hollister said she was “all for it,” adding that she believes “short-term rentals can
help promote tourism, historic preservation, and the overall appearance of the town.”
Pinkowski and Grace plan to advertise their property as Fieldstone Farm 1818 House Vacation
Rental while continuing what Pinkowski described as “a journey to look for the correct pieces” to
furnish the home for guests.
The newly adopted ordinance updates the borough’s zoning code to define a short-term rental
as a stay of one to 15 days. That definition applies to all zoning districts, including residential, industrial, office, and commercial areas. Property owners must apply for an annual permit, carry liability insurance, and allow for inspections by borough officials.
The ordinance also establishes occupancy limits and off-street parking requirements. It addresses potential public nuisances such as loud noise and disorderly conduct, and it prohibits fireworks and uncontrolled open fires on rental properties.
Residents interested in applying for a short-term rental permit can do so by visiting the Borough Hall at 89 Cherry St. during normal business hours.