Based solely on the provided municipal ordinance content (ecode360.com/HI0602/laws/LF1461464.pdf), there is no explicit mention of short-term rental (STR) regulations (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) in Hillsborough Township. This 188-page document focuses entirely on affordable housing requirements per the township's obligations under the Fair Housing Act and the settlement with Fair Share Housing Center.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
This absence of explicit mention in the provided ordinance document does not automatically mean STRs are legal or illegal in Hillsborough. STRs may still be subject to:

• State-level regulations (e.g., NJ Occupancy Tax - see Hostaway NJ Guide below).
• General zoning ordinances (e.g., restrictions on transient rentals depending on the dwelling type or zoning district - requires further research into the zoning code).
• Future ordinances explicitly addressing STRs.
• Hotel/Motel Tax implications.

Before proceeding with any STR plans, investors must confirm the legal status directly with Hillsborough Township.

1. Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Hillsborough, NJ?

Explicitness Required: Based on the provided municipal ordinance content focused on affordable housing (ecode360.com/HI0602/laws/LF1461464.pdf), the document does not explicitly state whether short-term rentals are allowed or prohibited in Hillsborough Township.

• Short-term rentals are not regulated within the provisions of this ordinance.
• LEGAL STATUS IS UNCLEAR based solely on this source. Further research is required.
• Investors MUST verify the status with Hillsborough Township authorities (see "How to Start" and "Contact Information" sections).

If STRs are legal: Investors must comply with state-level requirements (taxes) and any other applicable local rules (zoning, permits, safety) that may exist but are not covered in this affordable housing ordinance document.

2. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hillsborough, NJ (Market-Specific Steps)

• CRITICAL FIRST STEP - LEGALITY: Verify the legality of operating an STR in Hillsborough Township by contacting the Township directly (see "Contact Information"). Ask:
  • Is an STR permit/license required?
  • What are the zoning requirements for my property?
  • Are there specific safety standards?
  • Are there any restrictions (occupancy, nights per year, etc.)?
• If STRs are Legal:
  • Comply with State Taxes: Register with the New Jersey Division of Taxation and comply with the New Jersey Room Occupancy Tax (see "State-Level Regulations").
  • Business Registration: Determine if a Hillsborough Township business license/registration is required for STRs (ask the Township).
  • Property Insurance: Secure appropriate general liability insurance (common requirement in other NJ municipalities; amounts may vary).
  • Zoning Compliance: Ensure the property's current zoning permits transient rentals. Verify setbacks, density, and use permissions with the Zoning/Planning department.
  • Safety Standards: Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguishers) per NJ law and local requirements (if applicable).
  • Register on Platforms: List the property on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, etc., only after confirming all local legal requirements and registrations are complete.
  • Market Positioning: Position your listing based on local attractions (e.g., proximity to NYC, local businesses, parks). Hillsborough is a suburban community.

3. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines (Hillsborough Focus)

Hillsborough-Specific (Based on Provided Document):
The provided affordable housing ordinance document does not outline any documents, permits, or licenses specifically for short-term rentals.

Potential Documents Needed (VERIFY WITH HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP):

• Hillsborough Township STR Permit/License: Required? How to obtain? Fees? (Unclear based on provided document).
• NJ State Business Registration Certificate: May be required if operating as a business.
• NJ Room Occupancy Tax Registration: Required to collect/remit state tax. (See "State-Level Regulations").
• Property Insurance Policy: General Liability Insurance (Potentially required; amounts vary elsewhere in NJ from $500k+).
• Zoning Approval/Land Use Permit: If required to legally operate an STR on the property.
• Safety Inspection Certificate: If required by Hillsborough.
• Proof of Primary Residence: Often required in other NJ cities.
• 24/7 Contact Person Information: Standard in other NJ municipalities.

4. Specific Regulations: Hillsborough (Municipal), Somerset County (County), and New Jersey (State)

Hillsborough Township (Municipal)

• Provided Ordinance: The 188-page document focuses solely on affordable housing compliance. It contains no explicit regulations pertaining to Short-Term Rentals (STRs) regarding permits, fees, safety, occupancy limits, or taxation.
• Implication: STRs are not addressed in this key governing document. Unclear if they are legal or regulated.
• Recommendation: Contact Township directly to understand if STRs are:
  • Allowed by-right in the property's zoning district.
  • Permitted with special approvals (Conditional Use Permit, etc.).
  • Completely prohibited.
  • Subject to future or separate regulations not covered in this document.

Somerset County (County-Level)

• Based on provided sources: No specific Somerset County short-term rental regulations are detailed. County regulations may exist but are not covered here. Investors should primarily focus on Hillsborough Township and NJ State for STR legality/compliance initially.

New Jersey (State-Level Regulations - REQUIRED)

Based on the Hostaway NJ Guide (www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-rules-in-new-jersey/):

1. State Occupancy Tax: Short-term rentals in New Jersey are subject to the New Jersey Room Occupancy Tax. Hosts are generally required to collect this tax from guests and ** remit it to the NJ Division of Taxation**.

   • Action Required: Register with the NJ Division of Taxation for this tax.
   • Rate: The rate can vary slightly by location but is typically 11.625% (Example: 6.625% State Tax + 5% Local Hotel Tax). Verify the exact applicable rate for Somerset County/Hillsborough.
   • Compliance: Requires filing periodic tax returns (quarterly or monthly) and remitting the collected taxes.
   • Link: New Jersey Division of Taxation - Room Occupancy Tax (Application Form).

2. Municipal Regulations Vary: NJ operates under "Home Rule." While Airbnb is legal statewide, each municipality can establish its own rules (permits, restrictions, fees). This is why confirming Hillsborough's local status is critical.

5. Contact Information (Hillsborough Township Authority)

• Primary Phone: (908) 369-4313
• Website: www.hillsborough-nj.org
• Municipal Building Address: The Peter J. Biondi Building, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
• Key Departments to Contact:
  • Planning/Zoning Department: Verify STR legality, zoning compliance, potential permits.
  • Construction Code Office: Inquire about safety requirements, potential inspections.
  • Tax Collector/Finance: Inquire about local taxes, business registrations related to STRs.
  • Municipal Clerk: General information.

6. Source Pages (Links)

1. Hillsborough Township Affordable Housing Ordinance: https://ecode360.com/HI0602/laws/LF1461464.pdf ( Ordinance 2021-06 - Primarily Affordable Housing; No STR regulations mentioned).
2. Hostaway Blog - Airbnb Rules in New Jersey: https://www.hostaway.com/blog/airbnb-rules-in-new-jersey/ (Contains State-level overview, NJOTax info, and examples from other cities).
3. NJ Division of Taxation - Room Occupancy Tax Information: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/other_forms/room/hotel_form.pdf (Required state tax registration and compliance).
4. NJ Division of Taxation - Room Occupancy Tax Registration Form (1655): https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/other_forms/room/1655.pdf (Official registration form).

Investors: Proceed with extreme caution. Confirming the legality of your intended STR operation in Hillsborough Township is the absolute first critical step before any investment or listing.