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

Yes—but under rules that have tightened significantly. As of December 2024, the Town allows two pathways:

• Hosted short-term rentals (owner present) are permitted and require a Short-Term Rental Certificate issued by the Municipal Code Enforcement Inspector (MCEI), with annual renewal.
• Non-hosted short-term rentals are no longer allowed for new applications. Existing non-hosted STRs issued Special Use Permits before the new law took effect may continue as nonconforming uses and be renewed annually, subject to conditions and caps.

Zoning: STRs are permitted in all zoning districts except Office–Light Industry (I) and Floodplain (F).

Cap: Non-hosted STRs are limited to two per ultimate beneficial owner (e.g., two per individual or two per LLC member), regardless of the number of properties owned.

Local source: Town of Clinton Local Law No. 4 of 2024 (amended §250-69.1) [source: www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf].

How to Start a STR Business in Clinton

A. Hosted STR (Owner Present)

1. Confirm property eligibility. The unit must be a lawful residential Dwelling or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). STRs are prohibited in zoning districts I (Office–Light Industry) and F (Floodplain). If served by a private septic system or cesspool, you must be able to provide a passing septic/cesspool inspection report every two years (dated within 90 days of application/renewal). If the property has a chimney, you must provide a chimney report dated within 90 days (stating it is in working order or has been capped and is no longer functioning).

2. Prepare documents and fees.

• Application (use the Town’s STR application form).
• Application fee and annual renewal fee (per current fee schedule; as of the 2024 law, Hosted STR Certificate is $275 and Renewal is $175).
• Dutchess County Hotel Occupancy Tax Certificate or proof the tax is collected by your STR platform.
• 24/7 contact details (owner and, if applicable, local agent).
• Proof that you will meet all Uniform Code safety requirements (e.g., detectors, GFCI, extinguisher, illuminated stairs/decks, reflective address signage).

3. Submit to the Municipal Code Enforcement Inspector (MCEI) before operating. The MCEI will review and inspect to verify compliance.

4. Operate and manage. Display required notices inside the unit, maintain occupancy limits, enforce parking and noise rules, and respond promptly to complaints. Post and distribute General Performance Standards (§250-28) to every lodger.

5. Renew annually. Request renewal at least 30 days before the anniversary; the MCEI has 10 days to review. You have a 14-day grace period from expiration to cure compliance issues. Failure to pay fees or comply can result in denial of renewal and penalties.

References and process details: §250-69.1 (C), §250-69.1 (E) [source: www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf]; fees and fines [source: www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf].

B. Non-Hosted STR (Owner Not Present)

As of December 2024, no new Special Use Permits (SUPs) will be issued for non-hosted STRs. Existing non-hosted SUPs issued before the law took effect are nonconforming uses and can be renewed annually subject to the following:

1. Eligibility. The property must have an unexpired SUP granted prior to the law’s effective date.

2. Prepare renewal package.

• Renewal application (submitted to the MCEI at least 30 days prior to the SUP anniversary).
• Annual renewal fee (as of the 2024 law: $350 for Non-Hosted STR Special Permit Renewal).
• Updated 24/7 owner and agent contact details.
• Septic/cesspool inspection report every two years (within 90 days of renewal).
• Chimney report if applicable (within 90 days of renewal).
• Proof of Dutchess County Hotel Occupancy Tax Certificate or platform collection.
• Evidence of any required insurance if previously required (see prior permit conditions; current law does not issue new SUPs).

3. Review and renewal. The MCEI reviews compliance within 10 days and issues a renewal or denies for cause (e.g., violations, noise, safety). You have a 14-day grace period from expiration to cure compliance issues.

4. Ownership change. New owners must notify the MCEI within 60 days; failure results in expiration of the SUP.

References: §250-69.1 (D) and §250-81 (Nonconforming Uses) [source: www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf].

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Hosted STR Certificate (new and renewal)

• Short-Term Rental Application form (Town of Clinton).
• Application fee and annual renewal fee (Hosted STR Certificate $275; Renewal $175).
• Dutchess County Hotel Occupancy Tax Certificate (or proof the platform collects and remits the tax).
• 24/7 contact information for owner and local agent (if applicable).
• Septic/cesspool inspection report every two years (dated within 90 days) for properties served by private systems.
• Chimney report (within 90 days) if a chimney is present.
• Proof of compliance with Uniform Code requirements:
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • GFCI outlets.
  • Metal dryer exhaust to the exterior (if laundry facilities exist).
  • ABC-type fire extinguisher (10 lb) on each floor, conspicuously placed and certified.
  • Properly illuminated and safe stairs, porches, decks.
  • Reflective 4-inch-high address numbers posted three feet high at the driveway entrance, visible both directions.
• Posting requirements: Display the required notice on/near the front door (owner/agent contacts; 911 address; max lodgers and daytime visitors; parking rules; trash handling; emergency evacuation instructions with floorplan).
• Noise and conduct: Provide copy of §250-28 General Performance Standards to each lodger and post a copy in a common area; use best efforts to prevent noise, disturbances, and disorderly conduct.

Non-Hosted STR Special Use Permit (renewal only; no new permits)

• Renewal application (submit to MCEI).
• Annual renewal fee ($350).
• Dutchess County Hotel Occupancy Tax Certificate or proof of platform collection.
• 24/7 owner and local agent contact information.
• Septic/cesspool inspection report every two years (within 90 days).
• Chimney report (within 90 days, if applicable).
• Evidence of any insurance requirements specified in the prior permit.
• Access for MCEI inspection to verify compliance.

General requirements that apply to all STRs

• Maximum occupancy based on bedrooms and septic capacity (2 persons per sleeping room plus 2 additional; smaller sleeping rooms <100 sq ft count as 1 person). Occupancy also limited by the septic or cesspool capacity per NYS DOH Appendix 75-A standards.
• Daytime visitors: allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.; cannot exceed the maximum number of lodgers at any time.
• Parking: 1 off-road parking space per bedroom intended for lodgers; not on lawn or vegetated areas; no parking on public roadways adjacent to the property.
• Advertising: No yard signs or exterior visibility of STR advertisements; no signs indicating STR use.
• Compliance with all Town, County, State, and Federal regulations.

Source references: §250-69.1 (C), (D), (E) and §250-81 [source: www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf]; §250-28 (General Performance Standards) and §250-89 (enforcement), and prior law provisions on hosted/non-hosted definitions and insurance (now superseded for new non-hosted SUPs) [source: www.townofclinton.com/wp-content/uploads/20200218-FINAL-STR-LAW-for-CONT-PH.pdf]; fines and penalties [source: www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf].

Specific Regulations for Clinton (Town), Dutchess County (County), and New York State

Town of Clinton (Local Law No. 4 of 2024, amending §250-69.1)

• Purpose: Preserve residential character, ensure safety, mitigate adverse impacts (noise, traffic, trash, parking), and protect property values; limit non-hosted STRs.
• Applicability:
  • Hosted STRs must obtain a Short-Term Rental Certificate from the MCEI before operating and renew annually.
  • Non-hosted STRs: No new SUPs on/after the effective date; existing SUPs are nonconforming uses and can be renewed annually under §250-81.
• Permitting:
  • Hosted STR Certificate: Issued by MCEI; effective for one year; renewal request at least 30 days prior to anniversary; MCEI review within 10 days; 14-day grace period to cure compliance issues.
  • Non-hosted STR Renewal: Submit to MCEI at least 30 days before anniversary; review within 10 days; 14-day grace period; renewal subject to discretion for good cause (violations, noise, safety).
• Ownership changes:
  • Hosted: Notify MCEI before continuing operation; renew at expiration to continue use.
  • Non-hosted: Notify MCEI within 60 days; failure results in SUP expiration.
• Fees:
  • Hosted STR Certificate: $275; Renewal: $175.
  • Non-hosted STR SUP Renewal: $350.
• Fines and penalties:
  • Violations are “Violation Zoning Enhanced” under Chapter 137.
  • First offense: $2,000–$3,000; second within 5 years: $3,000–$5,000; third or more within 5 years: $5,000–$10,000. Each week of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.
• Zoning:
  • STRs permitted in all districts except Office–Light Industry (I) and Floodplain (F).
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):
  • ADUs used as STRs are considered Hosted STRs and must comply with Hosted STR requirements; ADUs are not permitted for Non-hosted STRs.
• Health and safety:
  • Septic/cesspool inspection every two years (within 90 days of application/renewal) for properties with private systems.
  • Chimney report (within 90 days) if chimney exists.
  • Uniform Code compliance (smoke/CO detectors, GFCI, extinguisher, illuminated stairs/decks, reflective address signage).
• Occupancy and visitors:
  • Max occupancy tied to bedrooms and septic capacity; daytime visitors 7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; visitor cap equals max lodgers.
• Parking:
  • One off-road space per lodger bedroom; no parking on public roadway or lawn/vegetated areas.
• Advertising and signage:
  • No yard signs; no exterior visibility of STR ads; no external STR signage.

Dutchess County (County-level)

• Hotel Occupancy Tax: Operators must obtain a Dutchess County Hotel Occupancy Tax Certificate and comply with tax collection/remittance; for STRs, either hold the certificate or demonstrate that the platform collects and remits the tax on your behalf.
• Reference for county tax scope and registration: County-level hospitality tax obligations apply countywide; Clinton STRs must comply. This is a county-level requirement referenced in the Town’s STR law.

New York State (State-level; relevant to Clinton STRs)

• Safety and building standards:
  • Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) applies to all dwellings; STRs must meet standards for smoke/CO detectors, GFCI protection, emergency egress, and safe stairs/decks.
  • Fire extinguisher requirements (10 lb ABC on each floor), inspected and certified.
• Onsite wastewater:
  • Private septic or cesspool systems must meet NYS Department of Health Appendix 75-A standards; maximum occupancy is limited by septic/cesspool capacity; inspections required every two years for STRs with private systems.
• Taxation:
  • State sales tax and applicable local taxes (including county hotel occupancy taxes) generally apply to transient accommodations; operators must collect and remit as required.

Enforcement and Appeals

• MCEI is authorized to issue Orders to Remedy/Stop Work and Appearance Tickets for violations.
• Violations are subject to enforcement under §250-102 and fines under Chapter 137 (Violation Zoning Enhanced).
• The MCEI may deny renewals for cause; applicants may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• The Town may seek injunctive relief and penalties in court.

Source references:

• Town of Clinton Local Law No. 4 of 2024 (STR amendments): www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf
• Town of Clinton Local Law No. 1 of 2020 (original STR law, definitions, and prior hosted/non-hosted requirements): www.townofclinton.com/wp-content/uploads/20200218-FINAL-STR-LAW-for-CONT-PH.pdf

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Town of Clinton

• Physical Address: Town Hall, 1215 Centre Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
• Phone: (845) 266-5221
• Website: www.townofclinton.com
• Email (general; confirm current contacts with Town Clerk/MCEI): supervisor@townofclinton.com; clerk@townofclinton.com
• Department: Code Enforcement/Municipal Code Enforcement Inspector (issues Hosted STR Certificates and oversees renewals for both hosted and non-hosted STRs)

Dutchess County (Hotel Occupancy Tax)

• County Finance Department (Room 1A), 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
• Phone: (845) 486-2000
• Website: www.dutchessny.gov
• Note: Obtain the Hotel Occupancy Tax Certificate and comply with tax collection/remittance.

Source Links

• Town of Clinton Local Law No. 4 of 2024 (Amendments to Short-Term Rentals): www.clintondcny.gov/wp-content/uploads/STR-Amend-LL-Final-Dec.-2024.pdf
• Town of Clinton Local Law No. 1 of 2020 (Short-Term Rentals; definitions, hosted/non-hosted prior framework): www.townofclinton.com/wp-content/uploads/20200218-FINAL-STR-LAW-for-CONT-PH.pdf
• Home Sweet Hudson: Hudson Valley STR Regulation Resources (context for county/town coverage; not primary legal source): homesweethudson.com/str-regulation-resources/

Action Checklist for Investors

• Confirm zoning district (avoid I and F); verify lawful residential use.
• Decide pathway: Hosted STR Certificate vs. non-hosted renewal (only if you hold a pre-2024 SUP).
• Assemble documents (Dutchess County HOT Certificate or platform proof, septic/cesspool and chimney reports if applicable, safety compliance evidence).
• Submit application or renewal to the MCEI and schedule inspections.
• Post required notices, enforce occupancy/parking/noise rules, and maintain records for annual renewal.
• Monitor compliance; respond promptly to MCEI inquiries; budget for annual fees and potential fines.