Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Catskill, NY?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Catskill, New York, but the rules and processes differ between the Town of Catskill and the Village of Catskill. Each jurisdiction requires a short-term rental permit, inspections, safety compliance, and tax remittance. As of 2025, both the Town and Village allow STRs with licensing, inspections, and occupancy caps. The Village also issues a formal Short-Term Rental Permit and renewal (see the Village’s official Short-Term Rental/Renewal Permit Application). Note: Greene County-level STR-specific rules were not provided; County-level guidance and state rules apply.

State-level New York regulations also apply, including sales tax obligations and the statewide Short-Term Rental Tax (effective for rentals exceeding $2/day starting March 1, 2025).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Catskill

1. Confirm zoning eligibility

• Verify your property’s zoning with the applicable authority:
  • Town of Catskill Code Enforcement Office, or
  • Village Code Enforcement Office.
• STRs are generally permitted in most residential districts in both Town and Village, subject to conditions (e.g., parking, historic district considerations in the Village). Confirm status before purchase.

2. Secure local authorization

• If you are not the property owner, obtain a notarized letter from the owner authorizing STR operations (Village requirement).

3. Obtain the STR permit and pass inspections

• File the STR application with the appropriate authority:
  • Village: Short-Term Rental Permit Application (renewal process also available).
  • Town: Permit application with Code Enforcement Officer.
• Schedule and pass safety/building inspections by the respective Code Enforcement Officer. Permits must be visibly displayed in the rental upon approval.

4. Register for taxes and set up collection/remittance

• New York State Sales Tax (4%).
• Greene County Sales Tax (4%).
• Village of Catskill Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax (4%) has been approved; implementation was pending as of 2025—monitor Village notices.
• New York State Short-Term Rental Tax: applies to rentals over $2/day beginning March 1, 2025.

5. Insurance and liability

• Secure liability insurance (Village requirement). Maintain appropriate coverage.

6. Establish operations

• Post required documentation: permit, maximum occupancy limits, emergency egress plan, local contact (for non-owner-occupied), and safety equipment.
• Set guest rules, noise/parking protocols, and garbage management plans to minimize complaints.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Town of Catskill (Town of Catskill Code Enforcement Office)

• Short-Term Rental Permit (renews annually; expires December 31).
• Application fee set by Town Board resolution (confirm current fee).
• Initial inspection by Town Code Enforcement Officer.
• Local contact person for non-owner-occupied rentals (must respond within 30 minutes).
• Safety and egress plans, parking documentation, and compliance with state and local codes.

Village of Catskill (Village Code Enforcement Office)

• Short-Term Rental Permit and annual renewal:
  • Initial permit fee: $375 per unit.
  • Renewal fee: $125 per unit.
• Mandatory inspection by Village Code Enforcement Officer.
• Liability insurance proof.
• Notarized owner authorization (if applicant is not the owner).
• Permit must be displayed on-site once issued.

Safety requirements (both Town and Village; enforced during inspection)

• Smoke detectors in each sleeping room and at least one on each additional level.
• Carbon monoxide detectors where fuel-burning appliances exist.
• Fire extinguisher(s) on each level.
• Clearly marked exits; posted emergency egress plan with emergency contact information.
• Visible house numbers and adequate exterior lighting.
• Proper waste/garbage containment and removal plans.
• Properties with pools/hot tubs must meet additional safety standards.

Documentation to maintain and display

• Valid STR permit and renewal (on-site).
• Site plan indicating building, parking, and (if applicable) septic systems.
• Maximum occupancy documentation.
• Emergency egress plan and contact information.
• Garbage removal plan and contact information.
• Insurance certificate (Village).
• Local contact information (Town requirement for non-owner-occupied).
• NYS Sales Tax Certificate and tax remittance records.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Town of Catskill

• STRs allowed in most residential zones with a permit.
• Non-owner-occupied rentals must designate a local contact who can respond within 30 minutes.
• Off-street parking required for guests; safety equipment and egress plans must be posted.
• Annual renewal required; permits expire December 31.
• Enforcement includes fines up to $5,000 per offense, permit suspension/revocation, and potential one-year prohibition from obtaining permits for serious violations.

Village of Catskill

• STRs allowed in most residential districts with a permit.
• Historic district properties may receive additional scrutiny.
• Permit fees: $375 initial per unit; $125 renewal per unit.
• Mandatory inspection; permit displayed on-site.
• Insurance required; notarized owner authorization if not the property owner.
• Enforcement includes warnings and potential loss of STR privileges for expired or missing permits; double permit fees may apply if operating without a valid permit.

Greene County (State/County Taxes)

• Greene County Sales Tax (4%) applies to gross rental receipts.
• County-level STR-specific ordinances were not provided; rely on state and local rules.

New York State

• Sales Tax (4%) on gross rental receipts (many platforms collect automatically; hosts are responsible if booking independently).
• NYS Short-Term Rental Tax effective March 1, 2025, for rentals over $2/day.
• Sales tax returns are generally due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period; maintain records for at least three years.

Taxes and Financial Obligations

State and local tax obligations for STR operators:

• New York State Sales Tax (4%): collect and remit on gross rental receipts.
• Greene County Sales Tax (4%): collect and remit on gross rental receipts.
• Village of Catskill Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax (4%): approved; implementation pending as of 2025—monitor Village notices and tax remittance procedures.
• New York State Short-Term Rental Tax (effective March 1, 2025): applies to units rented at more than $2/day; ensure compliance.

Filing and collection

• Filing frequency depends on revenue; monthly or quarterly returns are typical.
• Sales tax returns generally due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period.
• Major booking platforms often collect state sales tax automatically; they do not always collect all local occupancy taxes—hosts are responsible for proper collection and remittance.

Recommended practice

• Work with a local accountant familiar with vacation rental taxation.
• Maintain detailed income and expense records for a minimum of three years.

Contacts and Authorities

Town of Catskill Code Enforcement Office

• Phone: (518) 943-2141
• Email: codes@townofcatskillny.gov
• Website: Town of Catskill (official website; see reference list below)
• Address: Town of Catskill offices (contact for current location)

Village of Catskill Code Enforcement Office

• Phone: (518) 943-6564
• Website: Village of Catskill (official website; see reference list below)
• Address: 422 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Catskill, NY 12414
• Application: Short-Term Rental/Renewal Permit Application (Village)

Greene County Planning & Economic Development

• Phone: (518) 719-3290
• Website: Greene County Government (see reference list below)

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

• Phone: (518) 485-6027
• Website: NY Department of Taxation and Finance (see reference list below)

Start-Up Checklist (Actionable Steps for STR Investors)

1. Verify zoning and STR eligibility with the Town or Village Code Enforcement Office before purchasing.
2. If needed, obtain notarized owner authorization (Village requirement).
3. Apply for the STR permit (Town or Village) and pay the applicable fee.
4. Register for state and local tax accounts; confirm which taxes the platform will collect and which you must remit.
5. Secure liability insurance (Village requirement).
6. Install safety equipment; prepare site plan, egress plan, garbage plan, and occupancy documentation.
7. Schedule and pass the inspection; display the permit on-site.
8. Set up operations: house rules, neighbor communication plan, maintenance/cleaning protocols, guest guides, and local service provider relationships.
9. Establish ongoing compliance: renew permits annually, file taxes on time, maintain documentation, and monitor regulatory updates.

Links to Source Pages (References)

• Village of Catskill: villageofcatskillny.gov/index.asp?SEC=A5D83F6C-46AF-4217-9BC2-EDC5CC258973&DE=BA1CCAC3-455A-4ECD-BF2F-F1D50148F4B7
  • Short-Term Rental/Renewal Permit Application link included on this page.
• GetChalet STR Regulation Overview for Catskill, NY: www.getchalet.com/rental-regulations/catskill-ny
• The Offer Sheet: Catskill NY STR Regulations Guide: local.theoffersheet.com/legal/catskill-ny/

Regulatory Note: This guide synthesizes information from the sources listed above. Always confirm the latest fees, forms, and requirements directly with the Town or Village Code Enforcement Office before operating.