Executive Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in the Village of Hammondsport, NY with proper permitting. In the Town of Hammond (outside the Village), short-term rental operations appear to be addressed through related lodging categories like Bed and Breakfast and Tourist Cottages, which require special permits. The regulatory framework is well-established at the village level but less specific for town-level short-term rentals, requiring case-by-case evaluation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

• Hammondsport Village: Direct STR regulations with defined permitting pathway
• Hammond Town: STRs likely classified as Bed and Breakfast or Tourist Cottage operations
• Hammond Village: May have different requirements than Town of Hammond

Step 2: For Hammondsport Village Operations

1. Property Eligibility Assessment: Confirm your property meets zoning requirements
2. Special Use Permit Application: Required before operating any STR
3. Short-Term Rental Registration: Complete mandatory registration form
4. Code Compliance: Ensure property meets electrical, safety, and building codes
5. Planning Board Review: Attend public hearing for special permit approval
6. Ongoing Compliance: Annual inspections may be required

Step 3: For Hammond Town Operations

1. Use Classification: Determine if operation qualifies as Bed and Breakfast, Tourist Cottage, or other lodging use
2. Special Permit Application: Required for most lodging operations
3. Site Plan Review: Planning Board approval needed
4. Public Hearing: Mandatory for special permit applications
5. Compliance Verification: Ensure all zoning and use requirements met

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Hammondsport Village Requirements

• Special Use Permit Application (required for all STRs)
• Short-Term Rental Registration Form (mandatory)
• Building Permit (if structural modifications needed)
• Code Compliance Documentation
• SEQR Environmental Assessment (if required)

Hammond Town Requirements

• Special Permit Application (for Bed and Breakfast/Tourist Cottage classification)
• Site Plan Review Application
• Concept/Site Plan Review Application
• Building Permits (as applicable)
• SEQR Short Environmental Assessment Form

Standard Application Components

• Property ownership documentation
• Site plan and property descriptions
• Operational plans and procedures
• Parking and access arrangements
• Waste management protocols
• Emergency contact information

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Hammondsport Village Regulations

Definition: STRs are defined as "a village house available for lodging for periods not less than one day, nor more than 30 days, to the same occupants for the same dwelling."

Key Requirements:

• Special Use Permit mandatory
• Registration with village required
• Maximum 30-day stay limit
• Must comply with zoning district requirements
• Subject to annual inspection by Code Enforcement Officer

Zoning Considerations:

• Must comply with underlying district setbacks and requirements
• Property maintenance standards apply
• Sign regulations may apply for exterior identification

Hammond Town Regulations

Lodging Categories (potential STR classifications):

Bed and Breakfast (Shoreline District):

• Maximum 3 employees (non-residents)
• No exterior appearance changes (except single permitted sign)
• No noise, vibration, glare, or interference detectable to adjacent properties
• Exterior storage of supplies prohibited
• Planning Board may attach compatibility conditions

Tourist Cottages (Shoreline District):

• Special permit required
• Subject to Shoreline District specifications
• Minimum lot size: 0.75 acre
• Setbacks: Front 50', Side 10', Rear 30' (from high water mark)
• Height limit: 35 feet

General Requirements:

• Compliance with NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Environmental review under SEQRA for significant projects
• County Planning Board referral for projects within 500 feet of municipal boundaries, parks, highways, or agricultural districts
• Public hearing required for special permits
• Planning Board approval authority

State-Level Requirements (New York)

General NYS Compliance:

• NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code compliance
• Health Department regulations for food service (if applicable)
• ADA accessibility requirements
• Tax obligations (sales tax, occupancy tax, income tax)
• Insurance requirements (liability coverage recommended)

Contact Information

Hammondsport Village Contacts

Code Enforcement Officer:

• Charles Cagle
• Phone: (607) 542-2175
• Email: codeoffice.1957@gmail.com

Village Administration:

• Village Hall: (607) 569-3700
• Address: 80 Shethar Street, PO Box 425, Hammondsport, NY 14840
• Website: hammondsport.us

Planning Board:

• Chairman: Mike Hicks - (607) 569-3700

Zoning Board of Appeals:

• Chairman: John Cerio - (607) 569-3700

Hammond Town Contacts

Town Administration (contact through Town Clerk or Code Enforcement Officer - specific contact details not provided in source materials)

Planning Board (reviews special permits and site plans)

Code Enforcement Officer (reviews permit applications and compliance)

Application Resources

Hammondsport Village Applications

• Master Application
• Special Use Permit Application
• Short-Term Rental Registration Form
• SEQR Short Environmental Assessment

Hammond Town Applications

• Concept/Site Plan Review Application
• Site Plan Review Materials

Supporting Documents

• Complete Village Code
• Zoning and Planning Process Overview
• Village Zoning Districts
• Hammond Land Use Law

Investment Considerations

Market Opportunities

• Hammondsport Village: Clear regulatory pathway for STR operations
• Tourism Areas: Proximity to water bodies (Keuka Lake for Hammondsport, St. Lawrence River/Black Lake for Hammond)
• Seasonal Demand: Lake/river recreation areas with peak seasonal demand

Compliance Risks

• Permitting Delays: Public hearing processes may extend timeline
• Neighbor Relations: Bed and Breakfast regulations emphasize compatibility
• Code Changes: Municipal regulations subject to amendment
• Enforcement: Violations subject to civil penalties ($50-$250 per offense)

Operational Considerations

• Maximum Stay Limits: Hammondsport caps at 30 days
• Employee Limits: Bed and Breakfast operations limited to 3 non-resident employees
• Appearance Standards: Exterior changes generally prohibited
• Noise/Nuisance: Zero tolerance for detectable impacts on neighbors

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for short-term rental investment in the Hammond, NY area. Given the regulatory complexity across different jurisdictions, investors should engage with local authorities early in the planning process to confirm specific requirements and streamline the permitting pathway.