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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Clarence, NY, but with significant restrictions. Explicitly, short-term rentals are prohibited in Residential Single-Family and Planned Unit Residential Development Zones. The town operates under a permitting system where owners must obtain a Short-Term Rental permit from the Office of Planning and Zoning before operating.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Clarence

Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility

Before proceeding with any investment, confirm that your property is not located in a prohibited zone. Properties in Residential Single-Family zones and Planned Unit Residential Development Zones are explicitly forbidden from operating short-term rentals.

Step 2: Complete Application Process

1. Download and complete the Short-Term Residential Rental Application from the town's website
2. Submit the application to the Office of Planning and Zoning
3. Pay the required fee: $100 for new applications, $50 for renewals
4. Provide all required documentation (see Required Documents section below)

Step 3: Meet Safety and Compliance Standards

• Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers according to NYS Fire Safety Code
• Ensure adequate off-street parking for advertised guests
• Establish a local 24/7 emergency contact system
• Post required information on premises

Step 4: Annual Renewal

• Permits are valid for one year from issuance
• Renew annually with updated application and $50 renewal fee
• Maintain compliance with all ongoing requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permit

• Short-Term Rental Permit - issued by the Office of Planning and Zoning
• Application Fee: $100 (new), $50 (renewal)
• Validity: 1 year from issuance

Required Certifications and Documentation

Safety Compliance

• Smoke detector and fire extinguisher locations meeting NYS Fire Safety Code
• Floor and/or site plan indicating off-street parking and guest access points

Operational Requirements

• Evidence of sufficient off-street parking for advertised guest capacity
• Documentation of weekly residential trash collection service
• Property number visible from street
• Local emergency contact information (24/7 availability within 1 hour response time)

Legal and Ownership

• Proof of property ownership
• Certification that property is not a detached accessory building (except authorized accessory dwelling unit)
• Verification that Homeowner and/or Neighborhood Associations do not prohibit short-term rentals
• Emergency contact agreement signatures

Advertising and Platform Information

• Disclosure of all hosting platforms where property will be advertised (Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, TripAdvisor, FlipKey, Vacasa, Evolve, etc.)

Permit Conditions

• Permit does not run with the property but is issued to the property owner
• Permit cannot be transferred or assigned to another individual, person, entity, or address
• Only the person named in the permit may operate the short-term rental

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Clarence Town Regulations (Local Level)

Zoning Restrictions

• PROHIBITED in Residential Single-Family zones
• PROHIBITED in Planned Unit Residential Development zones
• Properties must comply with local zoning classifications

Operational Requirements

• Off-street parking: Must accommodate the number of guests advertised
• Emergency contact: Local contact must be available 24/7 and able to respond within 1 hour
• Property visibility: Property number must be visible from the street
• Waste management: Weekly residential trash collection service required
• Safety equipment: Smoke detectors and fire extinguisher locations must meet NYS Fire Safety Code

Guest Information Requirements

The following must be posted on the premises:

• Local emergency contact information
• Operating license number
• Guest access points
• Off-street parking accommodations
• Fire exit information

Good Neighbor Guidelines

• Town provides Good Neighbor Guidelines for educating STR owners and tenants/guests
• These guidelines are recommended to be made available to short-term rental guests
• STRs should maintain positive community relations

Erie County Regulations (County Level)

No specific county-level STR regulations were found in the provided content. Clarence operates under its own municipal regulations.

New York State Regulations (State Level)

• STRs must comply with NYS Fire Safety Code for smoke detectors and fire extinguisher requirements
• State-level occupancy and safety standards may apply depending on property type and guest capacity

Contact Information for Local Authority

Office of Planning and Zoning

Primary Contact:

• Phone: 716-741-8933
• Fax: 716-741-4715
• Address:
  • One Town Place
  • Clarence, NY 14031

Town Main Number:

• Phone: 716-741-8930

Website: www4.erie.gov/clarence

Department Hours: Contact the office during regular business hours for application assistance and questions.

Application Submission: Short-Term Rental Applications should be submitted directly to the Office of Planning and Zoning.

Links to Source Pages

Primary Source Documents

• Short-Term Rental Application Form
• Town of Clarence Forms Page

Related Planning & Zoning Resources

• Planning and Zoning Department
• Town Code
• General Code

Important Investment Considerations

Risk Factors

1. Zoning Restrictions: Major limitation due to prohibitions in common residential zones
2. Permit Requirements: Annual renewal process with ongoing compliance obligations
3. Emergency Contact: Requirement for local 24/7 contact within 1-hour response time
4. Parking Constraints: Must provide adequate off-street parking for all advertised guests
5. Association Restrictions: Homeowner and neighborhood associations may impose additional prohibitions

Best Practices for Compliance

1. Verify zoning before property acquisition
2. Establish reliable local emergency contact system
3. Maintain detailed records of safety equipment inspections
4. Create comprehensive guest information packets
5. Monitor ongoing regulatory changes through the Planning and Zoning Department
6. Consider professional property management services for emergency contact requirements

Market Considerations

• Limited to properties outside Residential Single-Family and Planned Unit Residential Development zones
• Must compete with traditional long-term rental market
• Tourism demand may be influenced by proximity to Buffalo and regional attractions
• Seasonal variations in demand should be considered in business planning

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the STR regulatory landscape in Clarence, NY. Investors should contact the Office of Planning and Zoning directly to verify current requirements and confirm zoning eligibility for specific properties.