Schroon Lake, New York Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Schroon Lake, NY. The Town of Schroon has adopted Local Law #2 of 2021 (amended January 24, 2022) which comprehensively regulates short-term rentals within the town. The law recognizes that short-term rentals are "a strong contributor to the local economy" and "can attract visitors to the Town of Schroon" while providing residents with additional income. However, the Town Board has implemented specific regulations to "protect against adverse effects of this use while allowing it under appropriate circumstances."

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Schroon Lake

Starting a short-term rental business in Schroon Lake requires following a structured legal process:

1. Property Suitability Assessment

Before proceeding, verify that your property is appropriately zoned for short-term rental use. Contact the Town Clerk's office to confirm zoning compliance, as the town maintains zoning ordinances that may impact your ability to rent certain properties on a short-term basis.

2. Permit Application Process

Required First Step: Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the Code Enforcement Officer before renting any dwelling unit
Timeline: The Code Enforcement Officer has 30 days to review applications, perform inspections, and either issue the permit (with or without conditions) or deny the application
Non-Transferable: Permits are tied to specific properties and cannot be transferred to new owners

3. Compliance Preparation

Ensure your property meets all technical requirements for safety and habitability, including:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguisher placement
Electrical system safety
Emergency egress requirements
Septic system compliance (if applicable)
Water testing (if served by private well)

4. Business Setup Requirements

Register for the Essex County Occupancy Tax Program
Obtain insurance coverage that includes short-term rental operations
Establish written rules and regulations for guests
Designate a contact person for nearby property owners

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Short-Term Rental Permit Application Requirements

Essential Documents:

Completed Application Form (established by Code Enforcement Officer)
Permit Fee (amount set by Town Board Resolution - contact Code Enforcement Officer for current fee)
Current Deed (copy required)
Signed Compliance Statement confirming review and intent to comply with Local Law #2 of 2021
Insurance Verification demonstrating coverage for short-term rental operations

Septic System Documentation (if applicable)

Properties served by private septic systems must provide:

Age Verification: Proof system is less than 3 years old OR septic tank pumped within last 3 years
Inspection Options (choose one):
- Documented proof of full inspection by Town's Code Enforcement Officer during installation and completion, OR
- Completed "Town of Schroon: Septic System Inspection Report" form
Inspection Standards: Must comply with NYS Department of Health regulations (Appendix 75-A of Part 75 of Title 10)
Qualified Inspectors: Professional engineer, registered architect, licensed land surveyor with minor engineering certificate; NYS Certified Code Enforcement Officer; individual with 5+ years septic system supervision experience; or OTN-certified inspector

Water Supply Documentation (if applicable)

Properties served by private water supplies must provide:

Water Test Results: Performed by NYS accredited laboratory showing potable water
Testing Frequency: Every 3 years minimum (required for permit renewal)
Laboratory Accreditation: Must be certified by New York State

County Tax Registration

Essex County Occupancy Tax Registration: Required under the county's Occupancy Tax Program administered by the Essex County Treasurer's Office

Ongoing Compliance Documentation

Guest Rules and Regulations: Written document addressing prohibited behaviors and local law requirements
Signed Acknowledgment Forms: From all guests confirming review of rules
Contact Information: For property owner/manager to be provided to adjacent property owners
Complaint Log: Documentation system for tracking and responding to complaints

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

Base Calculation: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people
Example: 3-bedroom unit = 8 maximum occupants
Bedroom Determination: Based on Town of Schroon Assessment records and Code Enforcement Officer inspection
Septic Override: Occupancy may be further limited based on septic system capacity

Safety and Building Requirements

Smoke Detectors: One in each bedroom plus one centrally located with carbon monoxide detector
Fire Extinguishers: One in kitchen and each room with open flame
Emergency Egress: Each sleeping room must have exterior exit or emergency escape window meeting state and local building codes
Electrical Systems: Must be serviceable with no visible defects; GFCI protection as required
Heating Systems: All fireplaces, inserts, and fuel-burning heaters must be properly vented and installed with written safety instructions

Parking Regulations

Maximum Vehicles: Most restrictive of:
- One vehicle per bedroom, OR
- Number of available parking spaces (9' x 20' per vehicle)
Overnight Parking: Prohibited on street between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
Day Parking: Must not impede residents or public access

Noise and Conduct Requirements

Quiet Hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (must be maintained by all occupants and visitors)
Prohibited Behaviors: Fighting, violence, tumultuous or threatening behavior, unreasonable noise, abusive or obscene language/gestures in public
Owner Enforcement: Short-term rental owners must actively enforce rules and regulations

Property Maintenance Standards

Exterior Access: All exterior doors operational with unobstructed passageways
House Numbering: 9-1-1 address clearly visible from street/road
Garbage Management: Secure containers with tight-fitting covers, appropriate placement to minimize visibility
Property Contact: Name, address, and phone number of contact person provided to adjacent property owners

System Maintenance Requirements

Septic Pumping: Every 3 years minimum (proof required for permit renewal)
System Failures: Require new passing inspection report
Water Testing: Every 3 years for private water supplies

Enforcement and Penalties

Legal Framework

Compliance Required: All owners must comply with Local Law #2 of 2021 and all related orders and regulations
Unlawful Operations: Owning, occupying, or operating property in violation of the law is prohibited

Enforcement Mechanisms

Code Enforcement Access: Code Enforcement Officer or designee granted access upon reasonable request for inspection
Violation Notices: Code Enforcement Officer may issue violation notices and appearance tickets
Criminal Procedure Law: Authority to issue appearance tickets and summons directing court appearance

Penalties

Monetary Fines: Up to $950 per offense for violations
Civil Actions: Town may commence proceedings to compel compliance or restrain violations through injunction
Permit Revocation: Non-compliance may result in permit revocation
Multiple Remedies: Various penalties may be pursued simultaneously or sequentially

Appeals Process

Initial Appeal: To Town of Schroon Town Board within 30 days of Code Enforcement Officer determination
Stay of Determination: Appealed determinations are stayed during appeal process
Hearing Timeline: Town Board endeavors to hear appeals within 15 days of filing with Town Clerk
Decision Timeline: Town Board decision within 10 days of hearing

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact

Town of Schroon Code Enforcement Officer

Department: Buildings & Codes Department
Address: Town of Schroon, NY
Phone: Contact Town Hall for Code Enforcement Officer direct line
Email: Contact Town Hall for official email

Additional Contacts

Town Clerk

Function: Application processing and general information
Phone: Available through Town Hall main number
Website: https://schroon.net/codes-permits/

Town of Schroon Town Board

Function: Appeals process for permit denials, conditions, suspensions, or revocations
Contact: Through Town Clerk for appeals filing

Essex County Treasurer's Office

Function: Occupancy Tax Program registration
Phone: Contact Essex County for current information

Official Resources

Town Website: https://schroon.net/
Forms Page: https://schroon.net/forms/
Building & Codes Department: https://schroon.net/codes-permits/

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Documents

Administrative Resources

Note: This guide is based on Local Law #2 of 2021, as amended January 24, 2022. The law includes enforcement provisions that took effect January 1, 2023. Investors should verify current requirements and contact the Code Enforcement Officer for the most up-to-date information regarding fees, forms, and implementation procedures.

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