Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Glenfield, NY?

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Glenfield, NY. Glenfield is a hamlet within the Town of Martinsburg in Lewis County. There are currently no Glenfield- or Town-specific local laws that explicitly prohibit short-term rentals. However, Lewis County’s Planning & Community Development has endorsed model regulations for municipalities to adopt, which include requiring a permit and adhering to safety, occupancy, and parking standards. Until Martinsburg adopts its own STR law, hosts should follow the county’s model requirements (as the most common and practical standards in this market) and all applicable New York State regulations.

How to start a short-term rental business in this market

1. Confirm zoning and use compliance

• Verify that short-term rental use is permitted at your property. If the Town of Martinsburg later adopts STR-specific zoning or permitting, follow those rules. Until then, treat the Lewis County Model STR Regulations as the baseline requirements.
• Confirm any HOA, deed restrictions, and insurance policy clauses that may limit STR operations.

2. Prepare the property to meet safety and habitability standards

• Install required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; post evacuation procedures; place and inspect ABC fire extinguishers.
• Ensure clear egress and exterior doors; label electrical systems; address any code issues prior to listing.
• Confirm septic capability for your intended occupancy and pump within the past four years; keep proof available.
• Provide adequate off-road parking (1 space per bedroom) and post/signage rules.

3. Secure insurance rated for short-term rentals

• Obtain “Evidence of Property Insurance” and a “Certificate of Liability Insurance” indicating the premises are rated as a short-term rental. Maintain continuous coverage.

4. Apply for permits (if applicable) and prepare your listing materials

• If/when Martinsburg adopts STR permitting, submit a complete application and fees to the Code Enforcement Officer, including floor plans, owner signatures, contact person details, septic records, and insurance certificates.
• Draft a rental contract that includes maximum occupancy, parking capacity, and a Good Neighbor Statement (quiet hours 11 p.m.–7 a.m.; disorderly conduct laws; littering prohibitions; attended campfires). Maintain records for inspections.

5. Registration and taxes

• Register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for sales tax and (if applicable) New York City hotel taxes.
• Register with Lewis County for the 4% occupancy tax and remit as required.
• Some platforms (e.g., Airbnb) may collect and remit state sales tax and local taxes on your behalf; verify your obligations and keep records.

6. Advertising and operations

• If a permit is required under Martinsburg law, display the permit number in all advertisements and clearly on the premises.
• Manage garbage removal weekly during rentals; enforce quiet hours; screen guests; respond promptly to complaints.

7. Renewal and inspections

• Permits (when adopted) are typically valid for two years; request renewal at least 30 days before expiration and pass any required inspections. Keep documentation for inspections and audits.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Short-Term Rental Permit (when adopted by Town of Martinsburg)
  • Two-year permit; not transferable; new owner must reapply.
  • Permit display and permit number required in advertising.
• Permit application package (typical when enacted)
  • Owner signatures or agent authorization.
  • Acknowledgment of compliance with STR standards and parking capacity.
  • Property contact person (name, address, phone, email) available 24/7 for code enforcement.
  • Accurate floor plan (8.5x11, scaled) showing:
    • Buildings and required parking; basement, first floor, and second floor layout; all bedrooms, windows, exits; heating/cooling units.
  • Statement that no owner had an STR permit revoked within the prior year.
  • Evidence of Property Insurance and Certificate of Liability Insurance (rated for STR).
  • Septic pumping record within past four years; proof of satisfactory inspection by a qualified firm.
  • Nonrefundable permit fee (set by Town Board resolution).
• Fire and life safety
  • Smoke detectors in each sleeping room and on each floor; CO detectors per NY code.
  • Posted evacuation procedures in each sleeping room.
  • ABC fire extinguisher on each floor and in kitchen; inspected monthly with logs kept.
  • Visible house number from the road and driveway.
• Parking and occupancy
  • Minimum one off-road parking space per bedroom.
  • Maximum occupancy: two people per bedroom plus two for convertible furniture; overall cap of 12 people.
• Garbage handling and signage
  • Weekly garbage removal during rental periods; secured containers with tight-fitting covers; placement not clearly visible from the road except near pickup time.
  • One identification sign permitted (max 6 sq ft per side; double-sided allowed); prior approval by Code Enforcement.
• Building and housing compliance
  • Comply with New York State Uniform Building Codes.
  • Electrical systems in good condition, labeled, visible for inspections.
  • Water supply and septic systems meet state requirements.
• Taxes and registration
  • NYS sales tax registration (and NYC hotel tax registration if applicable).
  • Lewis County 4% occupancy tax registration and remittance.

Specific regulations: Glenfield/Town, Lewis County, and New York State

Glenfield/Town of Martinsburg

• No enacted local STR law identified as of the latest information. If/when the Town adopts STR regulations, they are expected to closely track the Lewis County Model STR Regulations.
• Until adoption, use the county model standards for permitting, safety, occupancy, and parking as the operating baseline.

Lewis County (county-level guidance and model regulations)

• The county’s Planning & Community Development Housing Hub endorses the “Short-Term Rentals Law Template” for municipalities to adopt. The template provides a detailed framework for:
  • Definitions: STRs rented for not more than 31 consecutive days; excludes B&Bs, boarding houses, hotels/motels, and month-to-month tenancies.
  • Permitting: Two-year revocable permits; inspections; application requirements; permit display and advertisement rules.
  • Standards: NYS building codes; detectors; posted evacuation procedures; extinguishers; egress; electrical conditions; parking; occupancy limits (two per bedroom plus two for convertible furniture; 12-person cap); septic/water compliance; signage; weekly garbage handling.
  • Enforcement: Complaint investigation; suspension; conditions; corrective action; court tickets; revocation; appeals to Zoning Board of Appeals.

New York State (state-level requirements that apply to Glenfield)

• Sales tax and occupancy tax obligations are governed by state law and the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance; registration is required, and platforms may collect/remit on your behalf.
• New York City hotel tax may apply for properties marketed to guests traveling to or staying in NYC; register and collect if applicable.
• NYS building, fire, and health codes apply to STR properties (detectors, extinguishers, egress, etc.).
• NYS Real Property Law and related statutes govern landlord-tenant matters where leases are used; and local nuisance and disorderly conduct laws (NY Penal Law §240.20) apply to guest behavior.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

Town of Martinsburg (local authority for permitting if/when adopted)

• Mailing Address: Town of Martinsburg, 9562ineries Rd, Lowville, NY 13367
• Phone: 315-376-2512
• Website: townofmartinsburg.com/ (verify for STR permitting updates)

Lewis County Planning & Community Development (housing guidance, model regulations)

• Address: 7660 N State Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 324, Lowville, NY 13367
• Phone: 315-376-5919
• Email: casandrabuell@lewiscounty.ny.gov
• Website: lewiscountyny.gov/departments/planning-and-community-development/housing/

NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (sales tax and hotel tax registration)

• Phone: 518-530-HELP (4357)
• Website: www.tax.ny.gov/

Lewis County Treasurer (occupancy tax administration)

• Phone: 315-376-5335
• Website: lewiscountyny.gov/departments/treasury/

Lewis County Fair Housing Office (for fair housing compliance and related guidance)

• Address: 7660 N State Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 324, Lowville, NY 13367
• Phone: 315-376-5919
• Email: casandrabuell@lewiscounty.ny.gov

Links to source pages

• Lewis County Housing Hub – Planning for Short-Term Rentals in Lewis County (model regulations reference): lewiscountyny.gov/departments/planning-and-community-development/housing/
• Lewis County Model Short-Term Rental Regulations (template for municipalities): lewiscountyny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/TEMPLATE-Short-Term-Rental-Model-Regulations.pdf
• Checkmate Rentals – Glenfield, NY STR overview (market context, no specific local law in force): www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/glenfield-new-york

Note on enforcement: Regulations evolve. Before investing or launching operations, confirm whether the Town of Martinsburg has adopted an STR law, what permit fees and processes are in force, and current county/state tax requirements. Use the contacts above to verify compliance specifics for your property and intended guest profile.