STR Regulations in Hammondsport, NY: A Practical Guide for Investors

Note: This guide synthesizes village code (Chapter 95) and village website guidance to give investors a clear, actionable picture of short‑term rental (STR) rules in Hammondsport, NY. It is not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the village clerk, code enforcement, and relevant agencies before investing or operating.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Hammondsport?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed, but not without conditions. Hammondsport regulates STRs through Chapter 95 (Rental Property) and zoning (Chapter 122). Key points:

• Definition: A short‑term rental is an owner/non‑owner occupied, residential accommodation available for lodging for periods of at least one day and not more than 29 days to the same occupants for the same dwelling.
• Zoning: Allowed by‑right in Business 1 and Business 2 districts with compliance and registration; allowed in Medium Density Residential (MDR) and Low Density Residential (LDR) zones only with a Special Use Permit.
• Caps and waiting list: A cap applies to STR permits in MDR and LDR zones, set annually at up to 12% of residential properties in those zones. If the cap is reached, applications are placed on a waiting list and processed first‑come, first‑served.
• Safety and inspections: Inspections are required prior to operation and then every 24 months; failed inspections trigger a suspension and up to a six‑month grace period to remedy violations before permit revocation.
• Penalties: Violations can result in fines up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hammondsport

1. Confirm zoning eligibility

• Business 1/Business 2: STRs are permitted uses; still require registration and compliance.
• MDR/LDR: STRs require a Special Use Permit. Confirm whether your parcel meets the dimensional and use standards in Chapter 122 before applying.

2. Secure the proper approvals

• Business 1/Business 2: Complete STR registration, satisfy fire and building code inspections, and maintain compliance.
• MDR/LDR: Obtain a Special Use Permit (see permits section below), complete STR registration, and pass safety inspections before opening.

3. Complete required registrations and taxes

• Register the property under Chapter 95 (Short‑Term Rental Registration).
• Register for New York State sales tax and any applicable state/local tax obligations.
• Register for the Steuben County Occupancy Tax (4%). If you list on Airbnb/VRBO, platforms generally collect and remit for you, but operators remain responsible for compliance.
• Meet any county/municipal registration requirements for tourist homes/boarding houses under New York Multiple Residence Law where applicable.

4. Prepare for and pass inspections

• Request an inspection at least seven days in advance.
• Comply with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code requirements for safety systems, egress, detectors, extinguishers, and habitability.
• Keep proof of inspection on site.

5. Operate and maintain compliance

• Respect occupancy caps, quiet hours, and local nuisance laws.
• Keep registration and permit documents current; submit renewal documentation as required (including proof of renting for renewals).
• Renew fire safety inspections every 24 months; address any violations within required timeframes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Documents you will need to operate legally in Hammondsport:

• Village Short‑Term Rental Registration Form (submit to the Village Clerk)
• Special Use Permit (required for STRs in MDR and LDR zones)
• Proof of property ownership or authorized control (deed, lease, or other documentation)
• Identification and contact information for the owner and, if designated, an agent (18+ years) authorized to act on behalf of the owner
• Mailing address for notices and fee invoices
• Number of dwelling units proposed for STR use
• Certificate of Occupancy and any required building/fire code compliance documentation
• Safety and fire inspection records (initial and biennial renewals)
• New York State sales tax registration (for collection/remittance of sales tax on rentals)
• Steuben County Occupancy Tax registration (for collection/remittance of the 4% occupancy tax)
• Advertisement or website (required for permit renewals as proof of renting)
• Insurance certificate appropriate for STR operations

Regulatory framework and guidelines:

• Hammondsport Municipal Code Chapter 95 (Rental Property), including Article II (Short‑Term Rental Registration and Special Use Permit requirements)
• New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Hammondsport Zoning (Chapter 122) and site plan requirements where exterior changes are proposed
• Steuben County tourist home/boarding house registration requirements may apply under the Multiple Residence Law (confirm with county authorities)

Specific Regulations for STRs in Hammondsport, Steuben County, and NY

• Hammondsport (Village):
  • STRs allowed: Business 1 and Business 2 (with restrictions/registration); MDR and LDR only with a Special Use Permit.
  • Cap: Up to 12% of residential properties in MDR and LDR; reviewed annually starting in April.
  • Waiting list: If applications exceed the cap, they are placed on a first‑come, first‑served waiting list maintained by the Village Clerk.
  • Permits: A separate Special Use Permit is required for each property; transferable to a new owner if a new application is filed within 60 days of title transfer.
  • Inspections: Initial inspection required before operation; re‑inspection every 24 months.
  • Penalties: Fines up to $500 and/or up to 15 days imprisonment for violations.
  • Agent designation: Owners may designate an agent (18+) with authority for management and service of process.
  • Application timing: New, non‑renewal applications are processed first‑come, first‑served.
  • Failure to cure: Failed inspections trigger suspension; up to six months to remedy violations before permit revocation.
• Steuben County:
  • Occupancy Tax: 4% on gross receipts for stays of 29 nights or fewer; registration required for collection/remittance. Platforms like Airbnb/VRBO typically collect and remit, but operators remain liable for compliance.
  • Additional county registrations may apply for tourist homes or boarding houses under the Multiple Residence Law; confirm with the county.
• New York State:
  • Safety codes: New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code govern construction, fire safety, and occupancy standards.
  • Sales tax: STR rentals are generally subject to NY State sales tax and local sales tax; register and file returns with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.
  • Multiple Residence Law: Counties may require registration/inspection for properties operating as tourist homes or boarding houses; confirm current county rules.

Safety Requirements and Inspections

• Inspections must be requested at least seven days in advance with the Code Enforcement Officer.
• Properties must meet state fire and building code standards (smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as required; fire extinguishers; egress; electrical/plumbing systems; heating adequacy; emergency egress plans posted; occupancy limits).
• Re‑inspection occurs every 24 months; operators must maintain all safety equipment and documentation.
• A failed inspection results in suspension with up to a six‑month grace period to cure violations; failure to comply leads to revocation.

Taxes: State and Local

• New York State Sales Tax and Local Sales Tax: Typically a combined 8% (4% state + 4% local) on gross rental receipts; register with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance and file returns as required.
• Steuben County Occupancy Tax: 4% on gross rental receipts for stays of 29 nights or fewer; register through the county platform or as otherwise directed.

Enforcement and Common Pitfalls

• Typical violations: operating without proper registration/permits; failing inspections; exceeding occupancy limits; non‑compliance with fire safety equipment; zoning violations; tax collection/remittance failures; noise/nuisance complaints.
• Enforcement tools: complaint‑based monitoring; periodic inspections; tax audits; stop‑work orders; fines and potential imprisonment for serious or persistent violations.
• Compliance essentials: maintain current permits/registrations, keep documented proof of renting (for renewals), conduct biennial inspections, and file/pay taxes on time.

Contact Information (Primary Local Authority)

• Village of Hammondsport
  • Address: 80 Shethar Street, PO Box 425, Hammondsport, NY 14840
  • Phone: (607) 569‑3700
• Village Clerk‑Treasurer: Christina Watson
  • Phone: (607) 569‑3700
  • Email: clerk@hammondsport.us
• Code Enforcement Officer (including electrical and fire safety inspections): Charles Cagle
  • Phone: (607) 542‑2175
  • Email: codeoffice.1957@gmail.com
• Planning Board Chairman: Mike Hicks
  • Phone: (607) 569‑3700
• Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman: John Cerio
  • Phone: (607) 569‑3700

Links to Source Pages and Forms

• Hammondsport Village Codes/Applications page (zoning, permits, fee schedules, and forms): hammondsport.us/village-codes/
• Complete Village Code (municipal code, including Chapter 95 Rental Property and Chapter 122 Zoning): www.ecode360.com/HA0982
• Short‑Term Rental Registration Form (Village of Hammondsport): hammondsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Short-Term-Rental-Registration-Form-1.pdf
• Special Use Permit Application (Village of Hammondsport): hammondsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-Special-Use-Permit.pdf
• STR Special Use Permit Waiting List Application (Village of Hammondsport): hammondsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Waitlist-App-SpecialUsePermit.pdf
• Master Application (Village of Hammondsport): hammondsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2024-VillageMasterApplication.pdf
• Permit Fee Schedule (Village of Hammondsport): hammondsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/060724-Permit-Fee-Schedule.pdf
• Pre‑Inspection Checklist (Village of Hammondsport): hammondsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Pre-Inspection-Checklist.pdf
• Zoning and Planning Process Overview (Village of Hammondsport): hammondsport.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-Zoning-Planning-Process-Overview.pdf
• Steuben County Occupancy Tax registration portal (for county occupancy tax collection/remittance): steubencountyny-self.govplatform.com/
• NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (sales tax registration and filing): tax.ny.gov/

Practical note for investors:

• Because Hammondsport uses a cap and waiting list for residential zones (MDR/LDR), STR opportunities in those areas can be constrained. Business district properties may present more immediate pathways to operation, provided all safety, code, and registration requirements are met.
• Always verify whether your target property is within a historic district or subject to additional architectural/design controls, as these can affect renovations and operations.