Student Home License

The Borough Zoning Code regulates student occupancy in all one-family, one-family with an accessory apartment, and two-family dwellings. Properties that meet the definition of a Student Home require a Student Home License.

The student home license ordinance (State College Borough Ordinance 2029) was adopted by Borough Council in November 2013.

A “Student Home” is a type of rental property that is limited to one-family dwelling, one-family dwelling with an apartment, or two-family dwelling occupied by more than one unrelated student. Student Homes do not include fraternities, sororities, rooming houses, townhomes, or multiple-family dwellings.

A student is defined as: Any person attending undergraduate or graduate programs offered by colleges or universities or are on semester break or summer break from studies at colleges or universities

A Student Home License is required when the Student Home definition is met.

Student Homes Dashboard

The Borough maintains a searchable database of all existing licensed Student Homes: Student Homes Dashboard. An existing Student Home License is eligible to be transferred to new property owners with an approved transfer application and fee payment. To establish a new Student Home and obtain the associated Student Home License, please see requirements below.

License Maintenance: Annual Renewal and Transfers

Annual Renewal

Student Home Licenses must be renewed on an annual basis to maintain the license and the use. Annual renewal of the license serves as the owner’s intent not to abandon the Student Home use. Property owners with a Student Home License are not required to rent to students to maintain the license.

Current license holders will receive by mail a notice of renewal from the Borough with instructions. An annual renewal fee is assessed.

The 2025 Student Home License renewal process has concluded. The licenses are dated for the 2025 calendar year and will be valid into the next year until the completion of the 2026 renewal process at which time licenses for 2026 will be issued. We understand there is some confusion around the date of the license and the current calendar year. We are working diligently to make improvements to the process and re-align the renewal billings with the upcoming license year. We appreciate your patience. 

Transfers – Change of Ownership

Student Home Licenses are eligible to be transferred upon change of property ownership. New property owners must submit a completed Transfer Application and a $25 check to the Borough. A new license will be issued to the property owner upon receipt of application and payment.

Establishing a New Student Home

Before submitting the required application materials to establish a new Student Home, please follow the questions below to determine if the property is eligible for the Student Home use. Properties located in certain zoning districts are subject to additional standards as noted. 

Can My Property Be a Student Home?

• Is the property a: one-family home, one-family home with an accessory apartment, or a two-family dwelling?
  • YES – Check the applicable zoning district. Use the Zoning Lookup Tool.
  • NO – Student Home rules are not applicable. The Borough does not regulate occupancy, including student occupancy, in multi-family properties. Maximum occupancy is determined by Centre Region Code Administration. A rental housing permit is still required
• Is my property located in the R-1, R-2, R-3 zoning district?
  • YES – Additional requirements apply – including spacing from existing Student Homes - apply. All requirements must be met to qualify for Student Home use. Use the Student Homes Dashboard to find existing licensed properties.
  • NO – Additional requirements do not apply. Proceed to new application submission.

Application Process and Requirements

Any property owner wishing to establish a new Student Home must meet all requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and submit the appropriate permit and license applications:

Please refer to the individual permit or license pages for information on the required submission materials. Submit completed application packages to the Planning Department. Digital submissions can be sent to studenthomes@statecollegepa.us.

Note: At this time, fees cannot be paid online or over the phone. Applicable fees can be paid in-person or by mail.

Contact Us

Please contact studenthomes@statecollegepa.us with questions regarding the Student Home License program.