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

YES — Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly allowed in Ancram, NY, but are subject to comprehensive regulations. The Town of Ancram enacted Local Law No. 2 of 2020, which went into effect on December 7, 2020, specifically to permit and regulate short-term rentals. This legislation recognizes STRs as a legitimate use while implementing oversight to minimize impacts on neighbors and the community.

Prior to this local law, STRs were not considered a permitted use in Ancram, but the Town Board recognized that residents were already operating them and chose to regulate rather than prohibit the activity. As of 2021, Ancram had approximately two dozen residents offering STRs, demonstrating both the popularity and necessity of formal regulation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ancram

Starting an STR business in Ancram involves a structured process with multiple steps:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Preparation

• Contact the Ancram Building Department to discuss your property and STR plans
• Review applicable zoning requirements for your specific property location
• Familiarize yourself with all supplemental STR regulations

Step 2: Building Department STR Operating Permit

• Submit a complete Building Permit Application for Short-Term Rental Inspection
• Pay the required $250 Building Department STR Operating Permit fee
• Schedule and complete the required safety inspection

Step 3: Planning Board Special Use Permit (SUP)

• Obtain the SUP application from the Planning Board Secretary
• Submit completed SUP application with all required documentation
• Pay the $150 Planning Board special permit fee plus advertising and mailing fees
• Attend Planning Board meetings for SUP review and approval

Step 4: Compliance and Operations

• Comply with all safety and operational requirements
• Post required emergency information in the STR property
• Maintain annual inspection and permit renewal schedule
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all noise, parking, and occupancy standards

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Building Department STR Operating Permit Requirements

Application Components:

• Complete Building Permit Application for Short-Term Rental Inspection
• Site plan of property including dimensions showing sufficient parking and lighting within a designated area
• Photograph of structure(s) and parking area
• Floor plan drawn to scale
• Current tax bill indicating proof of property ownership
• Insurance certificates for short-term rentals
• DOH sewer/septic engineer's letter
• Copy of advertisement
• Response to question about coincidental use of STR for special events

Fees:

• Building Department STR Operating Permit: $250
• Planning Board Special Use Permit: $150 plus advertising and mailing fees

Planning Board Special Use Permit (SUP) Requirements

Required Documentation:

• Site plan showing property dimensions, parking, and lighting
• Floor plan drawn to scale
• Photographs of structure and parking areas
• Proof of tax payment
• Septic certification from Columbia County Department of Health or signed/stamped engineer's letter
• Certificate of insurance
• Owner contact information
• Building Department inspection approval

Review Process:

• Initial inspection by Code Enforcement Officer
• Planning Board review and approval
• Annual renewal requirement for both inspection and SUP

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Standards

• Maximum bedrooms: Limited to four (4) bedrooms total
• Adult occupancy: Two (2) tenants 12 years of age or older per bedroom
• Child occupancy: Two (2) accompanying children under age 12 per bedroom
• Location restrictions: Tenant bedrooms limited to within the principal dwelling and/or one accessory building

Operational Requirements

Owner/Operator Availability:

• Owner, operator, or designated representative must be available and respond on-site within 30 minutes of notification
• Response required for complaints from: Town of Ancram CEO, Town elected officials, NYS Police, or Columbia County Sheriff's Department

Safety and Emergency Requirements:

• 911 address must be posted on premises
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required on premises
• Fire extinguisher required on premises
• Written notification to tenants of street address and emergency contact information
• If STR has security alarm system, owner must provide agency contact information
• Owner must ensure tenants always have current emergency contact information

Noise and Environmental Standards

• Noise limit: Must not exceed 55 dBA at property line, except for agriculture
• Must comply with Town of Ancram Ordinance #1 dated May 20, 1997
• Must comply with Town of Ancram Zoning Law Article V (A) (9) (e)
• Must protect natural environmental features
• Must not negatively impact traffic
• Must have no greater overall impact than permitted by-right uses

Parking and Traffic Restrictions

• No vehicular parking on any Town, County, or State road unless on-street parking is currently allowed
• Adequate parking must be provided on the property itself
• Visitors of STR tenants cannot remain as lodgers overnight if presence exceeds occupancy standards

Advertising and Documentation

• STR owner must inform tenants in writing about all regulations
• Must post street address and emergency contact information prominently within the STR
• Copy of advertisement must be submitted with application

Contact Information for Local Authority

Building Department / Code Enforcement

Phone: 518-329-6512 x207/208
Email: buildingdepartment@ancramny.org
Fax: 518-329-6535
Physical Address: 1416 County Route 7, Ancram, NY 12502

Services Provided:

• STR Building Permit Applications
• Property inspections
• Safety compliance verification
• Operating permit processing

Planning Board

Phone: 518-329-6512 x205
Email: planningboard@ancramny.org
Fax: 518-329-6535
Physical Address: 1416 County Route 7, Ancram, NY 12502

Services Provided:

• Special Use Permit (SUP) applications
• Planning Board review and approval
• SUP renewal processing
• Zoning compliance verification

Key Contacts:

• Code Enforcement Officer: Ed Ferratto
• Planning Board Secretary: John Hoffman

Links to Source Pages

1. Short-Term Rental Application Form: www.ancramny.org/ws/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Short-Term-Rental-Application.pdf

2. Ancram Local Law No. 2 of 2020: www.ancramny.org/ws/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ancram-LL-No-2-of-2020-Adopted-11-19-20.pdf

3. Town of Ancram Official Website: www.ancramny.org

4. Millerton News Article on STR Regulation: millertonnews.com/millerton-news-regional/ancram-town-board-passes-local-law-regulate-short-term-rentals

Important Notes for STR Investors:

• All STRs require both a Building Department Operating Permit and Planning Board Special Use Permit
• Annual inspections and renewals are mandatory
• The SUP is valid for one year and must be renewed annually
• Compliance with all safety, noise, and occupancy standards is strictly enforced
• The town maintains oversight through the Building Department and Planning Board
• Current estimated number of STRs in Ancram: approximately two dozen (as of 2021)

This regulatory framework provides a clear path for legitimate STR operations while protecting community interests and ensuring safety standards are met.