Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Bainbridge, NY, but operate under the Village's Zoning Regulations. The provided zoning code defines a "Tourist Home" as an owner-occupied dwelling offering overnight accommodations for profit. This indicates that non-owner-occupied short-term rentals (like Airbnb) fall into a regulatory gray area since the definition specifies owner-occupancy. Investors should be cautious and seek clarification from the local authority regarding non-owner-occupied STRs.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business

1. Property Selection: Ensure the property is in a zoning district where "Tourist Home" or similar lodging uses are permitted or allowed by special permit. Review allowed uses in your property's specific district (R1, R2, R3, C1, C2, IN).
2. Determine Permitting Needs: While a specific STR permit isn't mentioned in the zoning code, a "Special Permit" from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is required for a "Tourist Home" in the R3 district. Check if your district requires a permit or special permit.
3. Compliance Review: Ensure the STR operation will comply with:
   • All zoning district requirements (setbacks, height, coverage, parking).
   • Parking requirements: "Hotel, motel, tourist home, boardinghouse: three (3) parking spaces, plus one (1) space for every two (2) beds."
   • Building Codes: Obtain necessary permits for any construction/alteration.
   • NYS Tax Requirements: Register for and collect NYS Sales Tax and NYC occupancy tax if applicable.
4. Owner-Occupancy: If operating a "Tourist Home" as defined, ensure the owner occupies the property.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

Crucially, no explicit short-term rental permit or license is detailed in the provided zoning code. Requirements depend on your specific use and zoning district:

1. Building Permit (Likely Required): For any significant construction, alteration, or change in use, a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer is mandatory.
2. Special Permit (Potential Requirement): Mandatory for "Tourist Home" in R3 districts. Possible requirement if operating a non-owner-occupied STR where zoning doesn't clearly permit it (interpreted as a "similar structure" or requiring relief via variance).
3. Site Plan Approval (Potential Requirement): The Planning Board reviews site plans for certain uses. While not explicitly stated for STRs, it could be required if significant site modifications (parking, landscaping, etc.) are needed.
4. Compliance with Zoning District Regulations: Adhere strictly to the specific dimensional and use regulations of your property's district (e.g., R1, R2, R3).
5. NYS Registration: Register for NYS Sales Tax collection.
6. Fire/Safety Inspections (Potential Requirement): Check with the local fire department and Code Enforcement Officer for any required inspections.

Specific Regulations

• Village Zoning (Chapter 165):
  • Definition: "Tourist Home" explicitly requires owner-occupancy and offering transient lodging for profit.
  • Permitted Uses by District:
    • R1 District: Tourist Homes not listed as permitted or special permit uses (likely Prohibited).
    • R2 District: Tourist Homes not listed as permitted or special permit uses (likely Prohibited).
    • R3 District: Tourist Home/Bed & Breakfast is listed as a use requiring a special permit.
    • C1 & C2 Districts: Hotels and Motels are listed as permitted uses. Whether a "Tourist Home" falls under this is uncertain; non-owner-occupied STRs are likely interpreted differently than traditional hotels/motels. Clarification from the Village is essential.
  • Parking Requirements: Specific parking ratio for "Tourist Home" is mandated.
  • Home Occupation: Operating an STR as a "Home Occupation" is unlikely, as these are typically small-scale, service-oriented uses conducted within a dwelling, secondary to the residential use, and without exterior evidence (which an STR inherently provides).
• Broader Context:
  • Subdivision Regulations (Chapter 130): While primarily governing land division, their focus on infrastructure development is relevant if developing land for STR purposes.
  • State Law: NYS regulations (e.g., Multiple Dwelling Law, Tax Law, Safety Codes) may apply depending on the property type and scale. The NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and NYS Department of State provide guidance on statewide STR regulations.
• County Regulations: No specific Chenango County STR regulations are provided in the content. Check county websites for any relevant guidelines (e.g., health department requirements for sewage disposal if not on public sewers).

Local Authority Contact Information

Village of Bainbridge

• Website: http://www.villageofbainbridgeny.org/
• Address: Village Hall, 18 N. Canal Street, Bainbridge, NY 13733
• Phone: (607) 967-5444
• Key Contacts: * Code Enforcement Officer: Handles building permits and zoning enforcement. * Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA): Handles special permits, variances, and interpretations of zoning regulations. * Village Clerk-Treasurer: Handles applications and administrative tasks. * Planning Board: Reviews site plans and subdivisions, provides advisory opinions to the ZBA.

Important Links

1. Village of Bainbridge Official Website: http://www.villageofbainbridgeny.org/
2. Village Zoning Regulations (Chapter 165 PDF): http://www.villageofbainbridgeny.org/uploads/1/1/0/3/110367877/local_law_1_of_2019.pdf
3. Village Subdivision Regulations (Chapter 130 PDF): http://www.villageofbainbridgeny.org/uploads/1/1/0/3/110367877/local_law_1_of_2019.pdf (Note: Same PDF as Zoning contains both)
4. NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Short-Term Rental Information: https://hcr.ny.gov/renter-community-information/short-term-rentals
5. NYS Department of State Division of Local Government Services: https://dos.ny.gov/local-government (For guidance on local laws)

Critical Disclaimer: The information in this guide is based solely on the provided documents. Bainbridge Village Code may have been amended after the provided documents. STR regulations are highly localized. Explicitly confirm the permissibility, permit requirements, owner-occupancy restrictions, and tax obligations for non-owner-occupied STRs with the Village of Bainbridge Code Enforcement Officer or Village Attorney before investing or operating.