Short-Term Rental Regulations in Flemington, NJ: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

1. Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Explicit Answer: Short-term rentals (STRs) are likely permitted as an accessory use in certain zoning districts, but Flemington does not have explicit, standalone regulations governing STRs (e.g., no registration requirements, caps, or specific licensing beyond standard property-use rules).

• Key Context: The provided ordinances focus on land use, zoning, and business licensing but do not define or regulate STRs directly.
• Legal Basis: STRs are treated as residential occupancy under existing zoning laws. For example:
  • Downtown Business (DB) District permits "dwellings on floors not including the first floor" (Section 2620.B.12).
  • Downtown II Business (DB II) District permits "apartment(s) on second and upper floors" (Section 2621.B.8).
• Investor Note: STRs are generally permissible in zones allowing residential dwellings, but operators must comply with all standard zoning, safety, and occupancy codes.

2. How to Start an STR Business in Flemington

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Zoning Compliance: Verify the property is in a zone permitting residential dwellings (e.g., DB, DB II, or SF (Single-Family) districts).
2. Permits & Certificates:
   • Obtain a New Tenant Certificate (NTC) or New Owner Certificate (NOC) for commercial spaces (Ordinance 2025-20).
   • For residential properties, confirm compliance with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and fire safety standards.
3. Tax Registration: Register for local taxes (e.g., hotel occupancy tax at the county level) and state sales tax.
4. Insurance: Secure liability coverage (e.g., $1M for filming permits in other ordinances—use as a benchmark).

3. Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

• Zoning Use Verification: Approval from the Zoning Officer to confirm STR use is permitted.
• NTC/NOC: Required for non-residential spaces (Ordinance 2025-20).
• Fire Safety: Compliance with Chapter 8 (Fire Prevention Code).
• Health/Safety: Adherence to state UCC and local building codes.

4. Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

| Level | Regulations |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Flemington | - STRs must comply with zoning rules for residential/commercial use. <br> - NTC/NOC required for commercial spaces (Ordinance 2025-20). <br> - Fire safety and parking rules apply (e.g., Ordinance 2025-21). |
| Hunterdon County | - County may enforce hotel occupancy taxes (6.625% state + local surtaxes). |
| New Jersey | - STRs must comply with the NJ Uniform Fire Safety Act and UCC. <br> - State sales tax (6.625%) applies to lodging. |

5. Contact Information for Local Authorities

| Department | Contact |
|------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Zoning Officer | Phone: (908) 782-5763 <br> Email: [Contact via Borough Clerk] |
| Borough Clerk | Carla Conner <br> Phone: (908) 782-5763 <br> Email: cconner@flemingtonboronj.gov |
| Construction Official | Phone: (908) 782-5763 <br> Confirm via Borough Hall |
| NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) | Phone: (609) 984-2830 <br> Website: nj.gov/abca |

6. Source Links

• Ordinance 2025-21 (Zoning Amendments): https://www.historicflemington.com/meetings/meeting-documents/mayor-council-meeting/2025-mayor-council-meeting-documents/2025-resolutions-ordinances-mayor-council/1839-08-11-2025-resolutions-ordinances
• Ordinance 2025-20 (Commercial Tenancy Certificate): Same link as above.
• Borough Website: flemingtonboronj.gov

Critical Notes for Investors

1. Regulatory Gray Area: Flemington has no explicit STR ban or licensing, but investors must interpret zoning rules case-by-case with local officials.
2. Compliance Risks: Unpermitted STRs in non-residential zones (e.g., ground-floor commercial areas) may violate ordinances.
3. Tax Obligations: Report STR income to the NJ Division of Taxation and collect county hotel taxes.

For definitive guidance, consult the Zoning Officer or Borough Clerk before investing.