Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

• Short-term rentals are allowed in Seneca Falls, NY, but only with a valid STR permit issued by the Town of Seneca Falls Zoning & Code Enforcement Department.
• STRs are permitted in any zoning district where residential uses are allowed.
• The Town adopted STR regulations in November 2022. All STR licenses are valid through December 31 and require annual renewal by January 1 of each year.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Seneca Falls

• Confirm your zoning eligibility: The property must be a single-family residential premises located in a district where residential uses are permitted.
• Prepare the property for compliance:
  • Provide code-compliant egress from all habitable spaces and associated bedrooms.
  • Install and maintain functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as required by the Uniform Code.
  • Place a fire extinguisher near the kitchen.
  • Ensure house address numbers are clearly visible from the public right-of-way.
  • Keep egress doors and passageways operational and free of obstructions.
  • Ensure electrical systems are serviceable with no visual defects and free from unsafe conditions.
  • Confirm furnaces and solid fuel burning appliances are properly installed and vented.
  • Resolve any open building permits or existing zoning/building code violations.
  • Provide adequate, Town Code–compliant off-street parking for the dwelling unit.
  • Ensure refuse/garbage is properly disposed of within approved and adequate containers.
  • Confirm the dwelling functions as a Single-Family Dwelling (rent the entire dwelling; renting individual rooms/areas within the dwelling is not permitted).
  • Ensure the on-site wastewater system, if applicable, is properly sized for the number of bedrooms and guests.
• Designate a 24/7 contact:
  • Provide the name, address, and 24-hour contact phone number for the property management company (if any) or the owner/owner’s agent who can be reached in emergencies.
• Complete and submit the STR permit application:
  • Include property details (street address, tax map ID, zoning district), owner information, property management information (if applicable), and the 24-hour emergency contact.
  • Submit the completed application with payment to the Town Clerk. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Seneca Falls.
• Await review and permit issuance:
  • Permits are reviewed by the Zoning Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer upon receipt of a complete application.
  • New permits are valid for up to one year and expire on December 31.
• Post required documents inside the STR:
  • Print and post the STR permit sign with street address and responsible agent contact in a front-facing window (use the Town’s window sign template).
  • Post the “Good Neighbor Guidelines” inside the STR in a prominent location.
• Collect applicable taxes:
  • Owners are responsible for collecting any bed or occupancy taxes imposed by state or local municipalities. Consult the Seneca County Treasurer for Sales and Lodging Tax requirements.
• Manage bookings within Town rules:
  • Stay length: No more than 30 days per stay.
  • Occupancy: No more than two persons per bedroom, plus two additional occupants.
  • No individual room rentals.
  • No operation without a valid STR permit.
• Renewal and updates:
  • Renew by January 1 annually using the Application for Renewal/Update of a Short-Term Rental Permit.
  • Amend the application whenever circumstances change that require updates to the owner or property manager information.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Permit and application:
  • Short-Term Rental Application (new permits) — includes owner certification, property details, 24/7 contact, and code compliance acknowledgements.
  • Application for Renewal/Update of a Short-Term Rental Permit (for annual renewals and changes).
• Posting requirements:
  • STR permit sign (use the provided window sign template).
  • Good Neighbor Guidelines (must be posted inside the STR).
• Operating standards and acknowledgements (built into application):
  • Code-compliant egress, alarms, fire extinguisher, visible address numbers, operational egress paths, safe electrical systems, proper venting of appliances, no open permits/violations, compliant parking, single-family dwelling operation (no room rentals), proper refuse disposal, adequate wastewater capacity.
• Fees:
  • Application and annual renewal fees are set by Town Board resolution. Fees may be pro-rated by month for new applications. See Code Enforcement Fees Schedule for current amounts.

Specific Regulations: City/Town, County, and State

• Town of Seneca Falls (Local Law No. 5 of 2022; Town Code § 300-45):
  • Definitions and operating standards for STRs; only entire single-family dwellings permitted (no room rentals).
  • Maximum stay: 30 days.
  • Occupancy cap: Two persons per bedroom plus two additional occupants.
  • Permit required; owner/agent must file application and receive permit prior to operating.
  • On-site parking required per Zoning Law.
  • Maintenance and compliance with single-family home laws required (wastewater systems, fire protection systems, building maintenance rules, noise ordinances).
  • Violation enforcement by Code Enforcement Officer or authorized persons; fines may be doubled if three or more violations occur within six months.
  • Immediate health hazard: Code Enforcement Officer may suspend the STR permit until the hazard is remedied.
  • Permit term and renewal: Valid up to one year; expires December 31; must be renewed annually by January 1.
  • License transferability: License is tied to the property and owner; upon sale, the new owner must apply for a new license.
  • Amend application upon changes to owner/manager information or property circumstances.
  • Bed/occupancy tax responsibility: Owners must collect any bed or occupancy taxes imposed by state or local municipalities.
  • Nuisance complaints: Submit a codes complaint form online; allow 5–7 business days for response.
• County-level (Seneca County):
  • Sales and lodging taxes: Contact Seneca County Treasurer for compliance requirements and remittance.
  • NYS Fire and Building Code: Consult Seneca County Code Enforcement for compliance.
• State of New York:
  • NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code applies (alarms, egress, electrical, venting).
  • NYS Building Code requirements apply for sleeping areas.
  • State or local occupancy/bed taxes may apply; owners are responsible for collection and remittance.

Local Authority Contact Information (Short-Term Rentals)

• Zoning & Code Enforcement Department
  • Address: Seneca Falls Municipal Building, 130 Ovid Street, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
  • Phone: (315) 568-8013
  • Fax: (315) 568-4672
  • Email: sfzoning@senecafalls.com
  • Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• For lodging/occupancy taxes:
  • Seneca County Treasurer (contact for sales and lodging tax matters)
• For NYS Fire and Building Code compliance:
  • Seneca County Code Enforcement

Links to Source Pages

• Short-Term Rentals Overview (Town of Seneca Falls): senecafalls.gov/gov/dept/code-enforcement/short-term-rentals/
• Short-Term Rental Code (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/STR-Code-1.pdf
• Short-Term Rental Application Form (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Permit-App-STR.pdf
• Application for Renewal/Update of STR Permit (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Update-Change-STR-Permit.pdf
• STR Window Sign Template (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Template_STR-Window-Sign.pdf
• Good Neighbor Guidelines (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BE-A-GOOD-NEIGHBOR.pdf
• Code Enforcement Fees Schedule (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/WEB_Codes_Code-Fee-Schedule-REV.pdf
• Codes Complaint Form (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Codes-cmplnt-frm-2021.pdf
• STR Frequently Asked Questions (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/STR-FAQ.pdf
• Complete Short-Term Rental Packet (PDF): senecafalls.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/STR-Application-Packet.pdf
• Town Code (eCode360): ecode360.com/SE1298

Notes for Investors

• Confirm the current application and renewal fees before submission; fees are set by Town Board resolution.
• The license is non-transferable; plan for permit continuity during property transactions.
• Maintain careful records of guest occupancy, bookings, tax collections, and posted documents to demonstrate compliance.
• If you operate via a platform or property management company, ensure the 24/7 contact requirements and agent signatures are satisfied on the application.