In an effort to “drastically” cut down on short-term rentals like Airbnbs, Kennett Square Borough Council passed an ordinance capping the number of active units and restricting where they’re located. Council voted unanimously to update its ordinance, allowing for a maximum of 20 short-term rentals (STR), and prohibiting single-family homes from turning into short-term rentals as their primary use. The decision comes after the borough has seen soaring population growth in recent years — an increase of 16% since 2020 — but as housing has become increasingly limited. The roughly 22 existing STR units will be grandfathered in, but if people sell, move or don’t maintain rental registration, that status is gone. Future rentals will only be allowed in accessory units — like garages or guest houses — and the number of available units won’t be able to exceed 20. The properties must be owner-occupied during the rental period.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 8/18/2026