Roscoe, New York Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Roscoe, NY, but with specific regulatory requirements.

Roscoe is a hamlet within the Town of Rockland in Sullivan County, New York. As of July 6, 2023, the Town of Rockland implemented a local law governing short-term rentals (STRs). This means STRs are permitted in Roscoe, but operators must comply with the Town of Rockland's established regulations and application process.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Roscoe?

Roscoe hosts earn a median $25,692/year with $239 ADR and 41% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $42,434+ per year.

See the full Roscoe market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Roscoe, NY

Step 1: Property Compliance Verification

Ensure your property meets all local building and safety codes
Verify zoning compliance with Town of Rockland zoning ordinances
Confirm the property is suitable for rental use under local regulations

Step 2: Complete STR Application Process

Obtain and complete the Town of Rockland STR Application
Submit application to the Code Enforcement Office
Pay required application fees
Undergo any required inspections

Step 3: Legal and Tax Compliance

Register for appropriate tax collections (sales tax, occupancy tax)
Obtain necessary business licenses if required
Secure adequate insurance coverage for short-term rental operations

Step 4: Operational Setup

Develop standard operating procedures for guest management
Establish cleaning and maintenance protocols
Create emergency response and contact systems
Implement safety measures and compliance documentation

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Documents Required:

Town of Rockland STR Application - Mandatory application form
Building Permit (if applicable) - For structural changes or additions
Certificate of Occupancy - Confirming legal occupancy status
Insurance Certificates - Liability and property insurance documentation
Workers' Compensation Exemption Form CE-200 (if owner-performing work)

When Building Permits Are Required:

Building new one or two-family dwellings
Structural modifications to existing buildings
Installing or modifying fire escapes
Adding decks, porches, or accessory buildings
HVAC installations, roofing work
Solar installations and electrical modifications

Safety and Compliance Requirements:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance
Fire safety equipment and egress compliance
Property condition standards for rental occupancy

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Rockland STR Regulations:

Application Required: All STRs must complete the formal application process
Local Law Compliance: Must adhere to Local Law provisions passed July 6, 2023
Inspection Requirements: Properties may be subject to safety and compliance inspections
Fee Structure: Application and annual fees apply (see fee schedules)

New York State Requirements:

Multiple Dwelling Law: Prohibits rentals less than 30 days in buildings with 3+ units unless owner is present
Occupancy Tax: Applies to rentals less than 28 days; hosts responsible for collection and remittance
Sales Tax: Applicable to short-term rental income
Hotel Unit Fee: State fee applicable to short-term accommodations

County Level (Sullivan County):

May have additional health department requirements
Potential additional tax obligations
Building code enforcement through town representatives

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Rockland Code Enforcement Office

Primary Contact:

Code Enforcement Officer: Glenn A. Gabbard
Email: codeenforcement@townofrocklandny.gov
Phone: 845-439-5450 ext 106
Fax: 845-439-3775

Building Safety Inspector:

Contact: Kaitlen Madison
Email: buildinginspector@townofrocklandny.gov

Mailing Address:

Town of Rockland Code Enforcement
PO Box 964
Livingston Manor, NY 12758

Physical Location:

Town Hall offices (specific address not provided in content)
Building permit applications and inspections conducted through this office

Links to Source Pages

Town of Rockland Code Enforcement Page: www.townofrocklandny.com/code-enforcement-officer/
Short-Term Rental Local Law (July 6, 2023): www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Short-Term-Rental-Local-Law.pdf
Town of Rockland STR Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/TOWN-OF-ROCKLAND-STR-UPDATED-APPLICATION.pdf
Building Permit Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Building-Permit-Application.pdf
Certificate of Occupancy Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Certificate-of-Occupancy.pdf
Special Use Permit Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/_docs/CodeEnforcement/Special_Use_Permit_App003.pdf
Town of Rockland E-Codes (Zoning): ecode360.com/RO1679
Building Department Fee Schedule: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bldg-dept-Fees.pdf

Additional Regulatory Considerations

Zoning Compliance

Properties must comply with Town of Rockland zoning ordinances. The town's e-code360 system provides detailed zoning information and requirements.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations

Annual renewal requirements for STR permits
Continued compliance with safety standards
Tax collection and remittance obligations
Potential re-inspection requirements

Investment Risk Factors

Regulatory changes may affect STR operations
Competition for permits in the town system
Seasonal market variations in the Catskills region
Property condition requirements for rural properties

This guide provides the foundational information needed for STR investment in Roscoe, NY. Potential investors should contact the Town of Rockland Code Enforcement Office directly to confirm current requirements and application procedures before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Roscoe

Roscoe is a small hamlet in Sullivan County, New York, with a population of roughly 550 residents. Tucked into the western foothills of the Catskill Mountains, it carries the unofficial title of "Trout Town USA" because it sits at the confluence of the Beaverkill and Willowemoc creeks, two of the most storied fly-fishing streams in the Eastern United States. The community has the unhurried feel of a former logging and railroad town that has been quietly rediscovered by outdoors enthusiasts, weekenders from New York City, and a growing number of visitors drawn to its small-town character. Roscoe lies approximately 100 miles northwest of New York City, a drive of roughly two and a half hours along Routes 17 and 206.

The hamlet's biggest natural draw is the Catskill Park, the vast forested preserve that surrounds Roscoe on three sides. Hikers, leaf-peepers, and anglers come year-round for the trails, waterfalls, and trout streams of the surrounding mountains, much of which is publicly accessible forest preserve land. The proximity of the Beaverkill and Willowemoc rivers makes Roscoe a focal point for fly fishing, and its fly shops, guide services, and tackle stores form a quiet but well-known part of the regional angling economy.

About 30 miles south of Roscoe, in the town of Bethel, lies the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a performing arts venue built on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival. The center hosts a summer concert series as well as a museum and special exhibits on the Woodstock era, making it a popular day trip for guests who want to combine outdoor recreation with a cultural outing. It is roughly a 40-minute drive from Roscoe via Route 17.

Just down the road, the town of Livingston Manor has emerged as a small but lively Catskills destination of its own, with farm-to-table restaurants, a growing roster of breweries and distilleries, and a handful of shops and galleries. It is about 15 minutes east of Roscoe along Route 17, and visitors often pair a fishing morning with an afternoon of eating and browsing there before returning to a quieter base.

For short-term rental investors, Roscoe offers a compelling mix of seclusion and accessibility. Its position at the edge of the Catskill Park gives guests immediate access to hiking, fishing, and seasonal foliage, while a manageable drive to New York City keeps it within easy weekend reach of a large urban population. The combination of a recognizable identity, a steady flow of outdoor and culture-oriented visitors, and a limited supply of traditional hotels makes the hamlet a natural fit for vacation rental demand.

Roscoe, New York

Generally Investor Friendly

STR Regulations for Roscoe, New York