Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Canandaigua?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Canandaigua, NY, but with significant restrictions. The jurisdiction is split between the Town of Canandaigua and the City of Canandaigua, each with distinct regulatory frameworks. Both jurisdictions require permits or special use permits to operate legally.

Key takeaway for investors: STRs are permitted but highly regulated, with the City having much stricter limitations including primary residence requirements and 60-day annual rental limits in residential zones.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Canandaigua

Town of Canandaigua Process

1. Determine Maximum Occupancy: Calculate based on bedroom size in accordance with NY State laws
2. Apply for STR Permit: Submit application through Cloudpermit building permit module
3. If Max Occupancy > 12: Additionally apply for Special Use Permit through Planning Board
4. Complete Application: Provide all required documents as outlined in § 201-5
5. Pay Fees: $300 non-refundable permit fee per unit
6. Receive Permit: Valid for one year from issuance date

City of Canandaigua Process

1. Verify Property Status: Confirm if property is your primary residence (required for R-2, R-3, R-L zones)
2. Check Zoning: Ensure property is not in R-1A or R-1B zones (prohibited)
3. Apply for Special Use Permit: Submit to Planning Commission
4. Rental Inspection Program: Register property for periodic inspections
5. Compliance Verification: Demonstrate compliance with housing standards and fire codes
6. Pay Applicable Fees: Follow permit application procedures
7. Understand Limitations: If in residential zones, maximum 60 days rental per year

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Town of Canandaigua Requirements

STR Permit Application:

• Short term rental permit application via Cloudpermit
• Compliance with § 201-5 requirements
• $300 non-refundable fee per unit
• Valid for one year

Special Use Permit (if max occupancy > 12):

• Special Use Permit application via Cloudpermit Planning module
• Code Enforcement Office inspection required prior to Planning Board meeting
• Statement of Operations detailing:
  • Year-round or seasonal rental operation
  • Quiet hours policy
  • Garbage handling procedures
  • Other operational details

Code Compliance:

• Maximum occupancy in accordance with NY State laws
• Maximum occupancy cap of 18 regardless of bedroom size
• Compliance with all applicable building codes

City of Canandaigua Requirements

Special Use Permit Application:

• Planning Commission Short-Term Rental Application
• Registration under City Rental Inspection Program
• Compliance verification with Chapter 748 Housing Standards
• Compliance with NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

Documentation Required:

• Records system for identifying renter names, permanent addresses, and stay duration
• Evidence of off-street parking provision
• Proof of compliance with lodging tax collection requirements
• Documentation that no exterior alterations are required

Insurance and Tax Considerations:

• Applicable county and local lodging tax collection
• Property must meet lodging facility standards

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Town of Canandaigua STR Regulations

Permitting Structure:

• STR permits required for all short-term rentals
• Separate permit required for each rental unit
• Annual permit renewal required

Occupancy Limitations:

• Maximum occupancy determined by bedroom size following NY State law
• Absolute maximum occupancy cap of 18 persons
• Properties exceeding 12-person occupancy require Special Use Permit

Operational Requirements:

• Must comply with all Town Code Chapter 201 regulations
• Subject to complaint-driven enforcement
• Online complaint portal available for residents

Fee Structure:

• $300 non-refundable application fee per unit
• Annual permit renewal required

City of Canandaigua STR Regulations

Zoning Restrictions:

• Prohibited in R-1A and R-1B zone districts
• Permitted in all other zones with Planning Commission approval

Primary Residence Requirement:

• R-2, R-3, and R-L zones: Must be owner's primary dwelling
• Maximum 60 days rental per calendar year in these zones
• Minimum 2-night rental increments

Permit Structure:

• Temporary Special Use Permit issued for 3 years
• Renewable administratively by Zoning Officer
• Subject to compliance verification and complaint review
• Revocable for non-compliance

Operational Standards:

• Must register with Rental Inspection Program
• Subject to periodic inspections
• No exterior alterations permitted
• Cannot operate as rooming house or boarding house
• Cannot sell meals to non-guests unless licensed as restaurant
• Must maintain detailed renter records

Parking Requirements:

• Off-street parking required
• Determined case-by-case by Planning Commission
• Cannot exceed Schedule II requirements

Compliance Requirements:

• Chapter 748 Housing Standards compliance
• NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code compliance
• County and local lodging tax collection mandatory

State-Level Regulations (New York)

Building and Safety Standards:

• NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code compliance required
• Housing Standards compliance (Chapter 748 in City jurisdiction)
• Maximum occupancy calculations must follow state guidelines

Tax Obligations:

• County lodging tax collection required
• Local lodging tax collection required
• Proper record-keeping for tax remittance

Contact Information

Town of Canandaigua

Primary Contact:

• Phone: (585) 394-1120
• Email: info@townofcanandaigua.org
• Address: 5440 Route 5 & 20 West, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Code Enforcement:

• Contact through main town office
• Inspection scheduling for Special Use Permits

Complaint Reporting:

• Online Portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/canandaigua-ny/complaints/type
• Hotline: (585) 577-7072

Permit Applications:

• Cloudpermit: us.cloudpermit.com/login
• Building Permit Module for STR permits
• Planning Module for Special Use Permits

City of Canandaigua

Development and Planning Department:

• Director: Richard E. Brown
• Email: richard.brown@canandaiguanewyork.gov
• Phone: (585) 337-2179
• Fax: (585) 919-0605
• Address: 2 N Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

City Main Contact:

• Phone: (585) 396-5000
• Address: 2 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Planning Commission:

• Special Use Permit approvals
• Contact through Planning & Zoning Department

Source Pages

Town of Canandaigua Sources

1. Town STR Regulations Page
2. STR Permit Applications
3. Complaint Portal
4. Town Code Chapter 201 - STR Regulations
5. Town Code § 220-35 Special Use Permits

City of Canandaigua Sources

1. City STR Rules and Regulations
2. STR Application Form
3. Planning Commission STR Information
4. Planning & Zoning Department Directory

Important Note for Investors: The regulatory environment between Town and City jurisdictions differs significantly. The Town allows more flexibility with higher occupancy limits and no annual rental day restrictions, while the City imposes strict primary residence requirements and 60-day annual limits in residential zones. Choose your investment location accordingly and ensure full compliance with the applicable jurisdiction's regulations.