Executive overview: Short‑term rentals are permitted in the City of Olean, New York, provided you register with the City, obtain a Certificate of Authority to collect the City’s room occupancy tax, and remit the tax quarterly. In addition to City requirements, hosts must also comply with Cattaraugus County’s separate 5% room occupancy tax regime. The City’s tax becomes effective March 15, 2025. Operators should review local zoning, fire/life safety, and building requirements with the Code Enforcement Office before listing or hosting guests.

How to use this guide: This guide distills City of Olean sources and reputable local reporting to outline how to start and operate a compliant STR, the required documents and registrations, the governing regulations, the authorities to contact, and where to find source materials and forms.

1) Are STRs allowed in Olean, NY?

Yes. Short‑term rentals—often referred to as vacation rentals—are legal in Olean and in Cattaraugus County, subject to local rules. In the City of Olean, the regulatory framework centers on registration and a municipal room occupancy tax that took effect on March 15, 2025. Sources confirm that City STRs require local registration and compliance with the City’s room tax program, and that online marketplaces such as Airbnb are considered within the tax’s scope for City filings.

Sources:

• City of Olean Room Occupancy Tax page and FAQs (City of Olean; includes Local Law #05‑2024 and host‑specific guidance).
• Local news confirming the City’s STR regulatory regime and noting the need to register and comply (Olean Times Herald, Dec. 23, 2020).
• County‑level jurisdiction summary confirming STRs are legal within Cattaraugus County and noting City of Olean permitting/registration oversight (Lodge Compliance).
• City’s Code Enforcement Department (portal for safety/permit inquiries and zoning).

2) How to start a short‑term rental business in Olean (step‑by‑step)

• Confirm zoning and safety/life‑safety compliance:

  • Contact the Code Enforcement Office to determine the property’s zoning status and any required permits, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
  • Ensure the property meets applicable fire/life safety standards and that any required signage (e.g., egress, emergency information) is posted.

• Register for the City of Olean Room Occupancy Tax:

  • Complete the City’s one‑page registration form and submit it to the City Auditor’s office to receive a Certificate of Authority. The Certificate must be displayed on the premises where guests can see it and must be surrendered if the business ceases or the property is sold/transferred.

• Set up tax collection and remittance:

  • Beginning March 15, 2025, collect the City’s 5% room occupancy tax on all non‑exempt stays. The tax must be shown separately on the guest bill.
  • File quarterly room tax returns and remit payments to the City. Even if no tax is due in a given quarter, a return must be filed.

• Remit the Cattaraugus County room occupancy tax:

  • Confirm with the County how to register for and remit the County’s 5% room occupancy tax. County registration and remittance are separate from the City’s process. Note: some online platforms collect/remit the County tax on behalf of hosts; verify the current status for your platform(s).

• Operationalize:

  • Update listings to include required disclosures and tax line items.
  • Establish a guest registration log and emergency contact procedures.
  • Retain all returns, receipts, and supporting records for audit purposes.

3) Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

City of Olean (minimum requirements confirmed by City sources)

• City room tax registration form: Certificate of Registration (fillable PDF).
• Certificate of Authority to collect City room tax: issued by the City Auditor; must be displayed on premises; non‑assignable/non‑transferable; must be surrendered upon cessation or transfer.
• City room tax return and filing instructions: Quarterly room occupancy tax return and detailed filing instructions.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain guest and financial records to support quarterly filings; retain all tax documentation.

Cattaraugus County (jurisdiction‑level confirmation; verify specifics with County)

• County room occupancy tax registration and remittance: 5% county tax applies countywide, including the City of Olean; registration and filing procedures are set by the County.

Potential local approvals (confirm with Code Enforcement)

• Building, fire/life safety, and zoning: Confirm whether any special use permits, inspections, or occupancy certifications are required for STR use of your property.

Source notes

• City forms, tax law, and filing rules: City of Olean Room Occupancy Tax page and Local Law #05‑2024.
• County scope: Lodge Compliance county summary confirming the City’s separate requirements.

4) Specific regulations for short‑term rentals in Olean, Cattaraugus County, and New York

City of Olean

• Authorization and scope
  • Local Law #05‑2024 established a 5% City hotel room occupancy tax, effective March 15, 2025, on overnight stays in hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and short‑term rentals such as those on Airbnb and VRBO. The City tax is separate from and in addition to the County’s 5% tax.
• Registration and certificate
  • Any business or individual renting rooms or property for short‑term stays in Olean must register as a lodging property with the City Auditor, obtain a Certificate of Authority, and display it on the premises.
• Tax collection and remittance
  • Collect the 5% City tax on all non‑exempt stays; the tax must be shown separately on the bill.
  • File quarterly returns and remit to the City, even if no tax is due in a quarter.
  • Filing periods and due dates: Q1 (Jan–Mar, due Apr 20); Q2 (Apr–Jun, due Jul 20); Q3 (Jul–Sep, due Oct 20); Q4 (Oct–Dec, due Jan 20).
  • Address for returns/payments: City of Olean, c/o Auditor’s Office, 101 East State Street, Olean, NY 14760.
• Exemptions
  • Stays by permanent residents (more than 30 consecutive days) are exempt.
  • Charitable or governmental stays may be exempt if a valid New York State sales tax exemption certificate is provided to the operator. The stay is taxable if the operator does not receive the certificate.
• Enforcement and penalties
  • The City may assess late fees/penalties and has collection powers for unpaid taxes. Refer to the City’s room tax law for specific penalty and enforcement provisions.

Cattaraugus County

• A separate 5% room occupancy tax applies countywide, including within the City of Olean.
• County registration, filing, and collection mechanics are distinct from the City’s process; verify procedures and whether your booking platform collects/remits the County tax on your behalf.

State of New York (selected topics)

• Sales tax: New York State sales tax does not apply to transient room rentals subject to the New York State sales tax exemption for hotel occupancy; however, you must understand your local occupancy tax obligations (City and County). Consult NYS guidance and/or your tax advisor for any state tax filings.
• Building and fire codes: STRs must comply with applicable New York building and fire codes. The City’s Code Enforcement and Fire Department should be contacted for local requirements and inspections.
• Advertising and consumer protection: State and local consumer protection rules apply to listing practices and guest communications.

Key references for Olean rules

• Local Law #05‑2024; City Room Occupancy Tax Return and Instructions; Registration Form.

5) Contact information (phone, email, website) for the local authority in charge of STRs

City Auditor’s Office (Room Occupancy Tax and Certificate of Authority)

• Phone: (716) 376‑5613 (Auditor)
• Phone: (716) 376‑5611 (Office Manager)
• Phone: (716) 376‑5666 (Payroll Clerk)
• Address: City of Olean, c/o Auditor’s Office, 101 East State Street, Olean, NY 14760
• Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
• City website and contact portal

Code Enforcement (Permits, Zoning, Safety/Life Safety)

• Department portal and contacts (see Code Enforcement Department page)
• General City main line: (716) 376‑5600

Cattaraugus County (Room Occupancy Tax)

• Consult the County’s official website or contact the County Treasurer/Finance office for registration and filing instructions regarding the 5% County room occupancy tax.

6) Source links to the pages and forms cited

City of Olean Room Occupancy Tax and Forms

• City of Olean Room Occupancy Tax page: overview, FAQs, quarterly filing guidance, tax rates, and certificate rules
• Local Law #05‑2024 (City of Olean Room Occupancy Tax law): statutory authority and definitions
• Certificate of Registration (fillable PDF): initial registration to obtain a Certificate of Authority
• Room Occupancy Tax Return (fillable PDF): quarterly filing form
• Room Occupancy Tax Instructions: step‑by‑step filing guidance
• City Code (eCode360): official municipal code repository

News and County Context

• Olean Times Herald article (Dec. 23, 2020): confirms City adopted rules for Airbnb and other short‑term rentals and underscores registration/compliance
• Lodge Compliance (Cattaraugus County): county‑level confirmation that STRs are legal in the county and that the City of Olean requires registration/permitting and tax compliance

Practical next steps for investors and hosts

• Before listing, email or call Code Enforcement to confirm zoning and life‑safety requirements for your specific property.
• Complete the City registration form and obtain your Certificate of Authority; display it on site.
• Implement a tax‑ready bookkeeping process that separately tracks City and County occupancy taxes and allows you to produce quarterly returns and evidence of remittance.
• If you use platforms, verify whether they collect the County occupancy tax and understand that Airbnb currently does not collect and remit the City occupancy tax in Olean; you must register and collect it yourself.
• Schedule a calendar with quarterly deadlines and late‑fee reminders for City filings.

This document is based solely on the City of Olean sources and reputable local reporting provided. If a matter is not explicitly addressed in the City pages or the referenced sources, direct confirmation from the City Auditor’s Office or Code Enforcement is recommended.