Pocono Township is a dynamic and strategically located municipality in central Monroe County, Pennsylvania, serving as a commercial and recreational hub in the Pocono Mountains. With its mix of natural beauty, tourism infrastructure, and growing residential zones, it’s one of the most visible and visited townships in the region.
🗺️ Geographic & Civic Snapshot
Established: 1816
Area: ~34.4 square miles (89.1 km²), mostly land
Elevation: ~961 feet (293 m)
Population: 10,868 (2020 Census)
School District: Pocono Mountain School District
🏘️ Communities & Features
Tannersville: The township’s civic and commercial center, home to the municipal offices and major retail corridors
Camelback Mountain Resort: A year-round destination for skiing, snowboarding, waterparks, and mountain adventures
Big Pocono State Park: Located at the summit of Camelback Mountain, offering panoramic views and hiking trails
🏛️ History & Identity
Railroad Legacy: Like many Pocono communities, Pocono Township grew with the expansion of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad
Tourism Roots: Its location and elevation made it a natural draw for resorts and vacationers since the 19th century
Modern Growth: Now a blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and protected natural areas
🏠 Short-Term Rentals (STRs)
Permitted Zones: Allowed only in Commercial (C) and Recreational District (RD) zones
Restricted Zones: Not permitted in R-1 and R-2 residential zones
Requirements: Must obtain a change-of-use permit and annual license
🌄 Regional Identity
Pocono Township is often seen as the gateway to the high Poconos, balancing tourism, conservation, and community development. Its proximity to major highways (Routes 611, 715, and I-80) makes it a key transit and economic node, while its natural assets preserve the region’s Appalachian character.
Short Term Rental Information
Short-term rentals or Transient Dwelling Units as they are referred to as in Pocono Township are not allowed in R-1 and R-2 zoning areas in Pocono Township. Short term rentals are only allowed in C (Commercial) zones and RD (Recreational District) zones. An initial change of use permit under zoning and an annual license is required for a Transient Dwelling Unit Permit (STR) See rules and regulations as well as permit application below.
(1 COUNT) THEFT BY DECEPTION (F3) (1 COUNT) TAMPERING WITH PUBLIC RECORDS OR INFORMATION (1 COUNT) THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING (F3) (1 COUNT) TAMPERING WITH RECORDS OR IDENTIFICATION
(3 COUNTS) THEFT BY DECEPTION (F3) (1 COUNT) THEFT BY EXTORTION (F3) (3 COUNTS) THEFT BY FAILURE TO MAKE REQUIRED DISPOSITION OF FUNDS RECEIVED (F3) (1 COUNT) DECEPTIVE OR FRAUDULENT BUSINESS PRACTICES (F3) (1 COUNT) CRIMINAL USE OF A COMMUNICATION FACILITY (F3) (1 COUNT) RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY (F3) (3 COUNTS) BAD CHECKS (M1)
(1 COUNT) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE GENERAL IMPAIRMENT (M) (1 COUNT) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OF HIGH RATE (M) & RELATED TRAFFIC OFFENSES
(1 COUNT) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (M) (1) COUNT DRUG POSSESSION (M) (1) COUNT POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA (M) PA 75 1543A - DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENE
(1 COUNT) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(M1) (2 COUNTS) ENDANGERING WELFARE OF CHILDREN (M1) (1 COUNT) POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA (M) (1 COUNT) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA (M) 4 SUMMARY TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
POCONO TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A historic milestone in the Poconos as a township officially steps up to preserve a piece of the region's past. Pocono Township has just adopted its first historical district, aligning with state and federal designations, but not everyone is on board. Roughly 2,800 acres of historic land are now [...]
The Eastern Monroe Public Library (EMPL) is seeking a dedicated community member to serve on its Board of Trustees. This is a wonderful opportunity to help guide the library’s future, support literacy and lifelong learning, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
PA 75 3802A1 - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - GENERAL IMPAIRMENT PA 75 3802 D2 - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PA 75 3802D3 - DRIVING UNDER THE INFULENCE - COMBINATION OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL PA 35 780-113 A31 - POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA PA 35 780-113 A32 - POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
Summary: The Pocono Township Board of Commissioners is inviting sealed bids for roll-off refuse containers for the Township's Annual Spring Cleanup and Fall Cleanup events in 2026. Bidders must provide containers with specific capacities and adhere to delivery and removal schedules. Bids are due by March 16, 2026, with bid opening scheduled for the same day, and all submissions must include a Certificate of Insurance and bid bond.
PA 75 3802D1I - DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE - CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PA 75 3802 D2 DUI DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (M) PA 35 780-113 A16 - POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (1 COUNT) 35 780-113(A)(32) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA PA 75 3309(1) - DRIVING IN A SINGLE LANE (S)
Summary: The Pocono Township Board of Commissioners meeting originally set for April 20th has been rescheduled to April 22, 2025. The meeting will take place at the township office on 205 Old Mill Road in Tannersville, PA, starting at 6pm.