Overview: Short-Term Rentals in Ellicottville, NY

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ellicottville, NY, but require proper licensing and compliance with specific regulations. Both the Village of Ellicottville and Town of Ellicottville have established comprehensive short-term rental frameworks. The Town of Ellicottville recently adopted Local Law 1-2025 on February 19, 2025, which significantly updated the regulatory landscape for short-term rentals. Investors must obtain appropriate licenses from either the Village or Town jurisdiction, depending on property location, and comply with safety, operational, and zoning requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ellicottville

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

First, determine whether your property is located within the Village of Ellicottville or the Town of Ellicottville boundaries, as each has different regulatory frameworks.

Step 2: Review Zoning Compliance

Ensure your property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals according to the respective land use tables.

Step 3: Complete Application Process

Submit the appropriate annual application with required documentation to the local Code Enforcement Officer or Building Official.

Step 4: Prepare for Inspection

Properties must pass safety inspections covering fire safety equipment, egress routes, and compliance with New York State building codes.

Step 5: Obtain Insurance

Secure liability insurance with minimum coverage requirements (Town requires $1,000,000 minimum).

Step 6: Designate Local Contact

Appoint a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to property issues within one hour.

Step 7: Post Required Information

Display license number prominently in all advertisements and within the property, along with emergency contact information.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Village of Ellicottville Requirements

Required Documentation:

• Completed Short-Term Rental Application
• Proof of ownership or authorized management
• Site plan indicating parking spaces
• Floor plan showing bedroom locations and exits
• Local contact information (name, address, phone)
• Property management details (if applicable)
• Notarized affidavit affirming compliance with regulations

License Type: Village Short-Term Rental License Valid Through: May 31st of each year Transferability: Non-transferable, expires upon property sale

Town of Ellicottville Requirements

Required Documentation:

• Completed Short-Term Rental License Application
• Owner and operator contact information
• Proof of ownership documentation
• Site plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking
• Floor plan indicating bedrooms and emergency exits
• Parking plan
• Signed and notarized affidavit including:
  • Legal habitability confirmation
  • Fire and life safety compliance
  • Valid insurance covering short-term rental activity
  • Consent to enforcement jurisdiction
• Proof of liability insurance ($1,000,000 minimum)

License Type: Town Short-Term Rental License Valid Through: February 28th of each year Transferability: Non-transferable, expires upon property sale

Specific Regulations

Zoning and Permitted Uses

Village of Ellicottville:

• STRs permitted only in districts indicated in Land Use Tables (Section 3B Village Zoning Law, LL 1 of 2019)
• Both principal and secondary dwellings permitted

Town of Ellicottville:

• STRs permitted for principal and secondary dwellings in all residential and commercial districts
• Secondary dwelling licenses limited based on first-year issuances
• Density caps in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) limiting STR permits to 15% of total lots per block

Occupancy Limits

Village of Ellicottville:

• Maximum occupancy as indicated on license
• All vehicles must park on-site only

Town of Ellicottville:

• Dwelling units (excluding studios): 2 guests per compliant bedroom + 2 additional guests
• Efficiency dwellings: 1 guest per 120 square feet, maximum 3 guests
• Daytime occupancy (6 AM - 10 PM): Maximum twice the overnight occupancy limit
• One booking per property per day

Safety and Building Requirements

Both Jurisdictions:

• Functioning smoke alarms in each bedroom and outside sleeping areas
• Carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of sleeping areas and in rooms with fuel-burning appliances
• Fire extinguishers in kitchen and at primary exits
• Clear emergency egress routes
• Electrical systems in serviceable condition
• Fireplaces and fuel-burning heaters properly vented
• Exterior exits or emergency egress windows in each bedroom

Parking Restrictions

Both Jurisdictions:

• All guest vehicles must park on-site only
• No parking on lawns or landscaped areas
• No parking in public streets or rights-of-way
• Large vehicles (12+ passenger capacity) prohibited
• No RVs or trailers allowed for renter use

Noise and Nuisance Control

Village of Ellicottville:

• Must comply with Local Law No. 6 of 2006 "Noise Ordinance"
• No unreasonable noise audible on neighboring properties
• Disorderly conduct provisions apply

Town of Ellicottville:

• No adverse effects on residential character
• No excessive noise, vibration, glare, or odors
• 24/7 operator availability with one-hour response requirement

Waste Management

Both Jurisdictions:

• Comply with local solid waste and recycling requirements
• Trash cannot be placed at curb more than 24 hours prior to pickup
• Emptied containers must be removed within 24 hours of collection
• Weekly or more frequent waste removal required
• Containers must have tight-fitting covers

Signage Restrictions

Both Jurisdictions:

• Maximum one "for rent" sign per property
• Signs limited to 12" x 18" maximum size
• Location restricted to single window or door
• No signs in yards, public rights-of-way, or on structures
• No flashing or internal lighting
• Professional appearance required

Advertising Requirements

Both Jurisdictions:

• License number must be prominently displayed in all advertisements
• Platform listings must include license number
• No advertising exceeding permitted occupancy
• Unlicensed properties cannot be advertised for short-term rental

Enforcement and Penalties

Village of Ellicottville Penalties

• Unlicensed operation: Warning then $1,000 per instance
• Missing/inaccurate local contact: $250 per instance
• Over-occupancy/parking violations: $1,000 per instance
• Garbage non-compliance: $200 first instance, $400 second, $600 each thereafter
• Advertising non-compliance: Warning then $500 per instance
• Verified neighborhood complaints: $500 per instance, license loss after third incident

Town of Ellicottville Penalties

• Operating without license: $1,000-$2,000 fine
• General violations: Up to $1,000 first violation; $1,000-$2,000 second violation within 5 years; $2,000-$4,000 third violation within 5 years
• Daily violations: Each day constitutes separate violation
• License revocation: Available for serious violations, with one-year waiting period for new applications

Fees Structure

Village of Ellicottville

• Studio to 2 Bedrooms: $400.00
• 3-4 Bedrooms: $750.00
• 5+ Bedrooms: $1,000.00
• Annual Renewal: Same fee structure

Town of Ellicottville

• Studio Unit: $75.00
• 1 Bedroom: $125.00
• 2 Bedrooms: $150.00
• 3 Bedrooms: $175.00
• 4+ Bedrooms: $200.00
• Grandfathered Units: $200.00

Important Deadlines

Town of Ellicottville

• New Law Effective Date: March 21, 2025
• Existing Operator Application Deadline: June 19, 2025 (90 days from effective date)
• License Expiration: February 28th annually
• Renewal Period: 60 days prior to expiration

Village of Ellicottville

• License Expiration: May 31st annually
• Annual renewal required

Contact Information

Village of Ellicottville

Code Enforcement Department

• Phone: (716) 699-4773
• Email: kelly.fredrickson@evlengineering.com
• Address: PO Box 600, 17 Mill St., Ellicottville, NY 14731

Village Clerk's Office

• Phone: (716) 699-4636
• Email: amyvillageevl@gmail.com
• Address: PO Box 475, 1 West Washington, Ellicottville, NY 14731

Town of Ellicottville

Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer

• Phone: Contact Town Clerk for current information
• Email: Contact Town Clerk for current information
• Website: elllicottvillegov.com/planning-zoning-documents.html

Town Clerk

• Phone: Contact through Town Hall
• Address: Town of Ellicottville offices

Source Documents and Links

1. Village of Ellicottville STR Regulations & Application: https://www.villageofellicottvilleny.gov/uploads/1/2/5/1/125156875/short-term-rental-permit.pdf

2. Town of Ellicottville Local Law 1-2025 (Zoning Amendment): https://www.townofellicottvilleny.gov/uploads/1/4/7/4/147433225/2025.02.19_-_ll1-2025_str_zoning_amendment_adopted.pdf

3. Village of Ellicottville STR Application (Updated): https://www.villageofellicottvilleny.gov/uploads/1/2/5/1/125156875/village_str-application_6-25.pdf

4. The Villager Newspaper Article on Town STR Law: https://thevillagerny.com/2025/05/14/new-short-term-rental-law-town-of-ellicottville-adopts-new-rules/

5. Airbnb Help Center - Ellicottville STR Information: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3793

Important Note: This guide reflects regulations as of the provided documents. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities, as regulations may change. The Town of Ellicottville's new law represents a significant regulatory shift, and investors operating existing STRs must act quickly to meet compliance deadlines.