Important Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the provided documents for the Village of Cambridge, Washington County, New York, and the State of New York. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Investors should consult with the local authorities and a qualified attorney before proceeding.

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

Short-term rentals (STRs) are not explicitly defined or regulated as a standalone category in the Village of Cambridge Zoning Law. This creates a significant gray area for investors. The Village’s zoning primarily focuses on specific lodging establishments like "Bed & Breakfast Establishments" and "Lodging Facilities," which have distinct, well-defined regulations. Therefore, operating a STR that does not meet these specific definitions is likely to be subject to the Village's general zoning and use regulations.

Key Implication: An STR operation in Cambridge, NY, will likely be evaluated against the zoning district's permitted uses and home occupation standards. An investor must ensure their proposed STR use is a permitted use or obtains a special use permit in their specific zoning district.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cambridge, NY

Given the lack of explicit STR regulations, the process is akin to starting a new business and ensuring zoning compliance.

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Before any other step, confirm that operating an STR is a permitted use in the zoning district of your property. If it is not explicitly permitted, you may need to apply for a Special Use Permit from the Planning Board.
2. Obtain a Zoning Permit: Per Article III of the zoning law, no development or use can commence without a Basic Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO).
3. Pursue Special Use Permit (if required): If your STR use requires a special permit (as deemed by the ZEO), you must submit an application to the Planning Board. This process is often coupled with Site Plan Review.
4. Secure a Certificate of Occupancy: The law states, "No building may be occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been received from Washington County." This is a critical step for legal operation.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

While there is no specific "STR Registration," the following general requirements will apply:

• Zoning Permit Application: Submitted to the ZEO.
• Special Use Permit Application (if applicable): Submitted to the Planning Board, including detailed site plans and operational information.
• Site Plan (if applicable): Required for new business uses or special permits per Article III.
• Certificate of Occupancy: Issued by Washington County after a final inspection.
• Business Registration: You may need to register your business with the Village Clerk's office, though this is not detailed in the provided zoning law.
• State Requirements: As a business in New York, you will likely need a State Tax ID number and must comply with state sales tax regulations. Short-term occupancy taxes (also known as the "Hotel Tax") are collected by New York State and administered by Washington County. You must register with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance to collect and remit this tax.

Important Documents to Review:

• The complete Village of Cambridge Zoning Law (provided).
• Bed & Breakfast Definitions: Since these are the closest lodging-related regulations, review sections defining "Bed & Breakfast Establishment" and "Bed & Breakfast Home" to see if your STR concept can be adapted to fit within these permitted uses.
• Home Occupation Regulations: Your STR may be considered a "Home Occupation" (Level 1 or Level 2). Ensure your operation complies with the rules for signs, off-street parking, and not changing the residential character of the dwelling.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

At the City/Village Level (Cambridge, NY):

• No Explicit STR Ordinance: There is no city-specific regulation equivalent to Cambridge, MA's detailed STR law.
• Zoning is Paramount: The legality of your STR hinges entirely on whether it is a permitted use in your zoning district (VR, RR, etc.) and whether it complies with the "Home Occupation" standards.
• Permits and Inspections: You must obtain a Zoning Permit and a Washington County Certificate of Occupancy. Inspections for safety (egress, fire safety, etc.) will be required.
• Parking and Signage: Your STR must comply with the Village's general off-street parking and sign regulations (Article VII). You cannot create a parking problem for neighbors or install commercial signage that violates the law.

At the County Level (Washington County):

• Certificate of Occupancy: The county is responsible for issuing the final CO, a non-negotiable requirement for occupying any building.
• Hotel Tax Administration: The county administers the New York State Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax for short-term rentals.

At the State Level (New York State):

• Building and Safety Codes: All STR units must comply with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. This includes regulations on room size, ceiling height, egress, and life safety devices.
• Taxation: You must register with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance to collect and remit the state and county hotel taxes.
• Accessibility: Consider the New York State Human Rights Law, which may require reasonable accommodations for guests with disabilities.

Contact Information for Local Authority

• Village of Cambridge - Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO): The primary point of contact for zoning permits and questions on whether an STR is permitted.

  • Mailing Address: Village of Cambridge, 10 Dr. Killian Drive, Cambridge, NY 12816
  • Phone: (518) 677-2443
  • Website: laws.cambridgeny.gov

• Village of Cambridge - Zoning Board of Appeals: For appeals of ZEO decisions or variance requests.

  • Mailing Address: Same as above.
  • Phone: (518) 677-2443

• Village of Cambridge - Planning Board: For Special Use Permit applications.

  • Mailing Address: Same as above.
  • Phone: (518) 677-2443

• Washington County - Building & Codes: For the Certificate of Occupancy.

  • Phone: (518) 746-2210
  • Website: www.washingtoncountyny.gov (under "Departments" -> "Building & Codes")

Links to Source Pages

• Village of Cambridge, NY - Zoning Law: [https://laws.cambridgeny.gov/Local%20Law%202%20of%202015%20(Zoning%20Law).pdf](laws.cambridgeny.gov/Local%20Law%202%20of%202015%20(Zoning%20Law.pdf)
• Note: The provided Cambridge, MA STR guide is for a different jurisdiction and is not relevant to Cambridge, NY.