Board approves three special exceptions for unhosted short-term rentals

The Lancaster County Board of Supervisors on May 28 approved three special-exception applications permitting unhosted short-term rentals at addresses in Districts 3 and 5.

Staff presented each application, noting health-department findings that septic systems support the proposed bedroom counts, that parking plans and certificates of occupancy are on file, and that liability insurance and registry requirements for 2026 had been addressed. Officials emphasized that transient-occupancy taxes must be submitted monthly and that, where applicable, hosting platforms that collect taxes (for hosted platforms) remit them directly to the county.

The three approved applications were:

- Nicholas Gay and Amy Gay, unhosted short-term rental at 3553 Williams Road (District 5); septic supports a three-bedroom home and no complaints were on file.
- White Rock Properties LLC, unhosted short-term rental at 3125 Little Bay Road (Whitestone, District 3); septic supports a four-bedroom home and staff noted the applicant had completed the 2026 registry.
- Oyster Creek Retreat LLC, unhosted short-term rental at 235 Dragonfly Drive (District 3); septic supports a three-bedroom home, the property is primarily hosted through Airbnb (platform collects occupancy taxes), and the short-term rental is registered for 2026.

Each public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment, and the board moved and approved each special exception by voice vote. Staff reiterated monitoring and registration expectations for owners and the need to remit transient-occupancy taxes for direct bookings.

What happens next: Approved owners must comply with registry and tax obligations and any conditions attached to their permits; staff will monitor compliance and respond to any complaints filed.