Note on sources: This guide relies exclusively on the Town of Lake George STR Guide, the Town’s 2022 moratorium local law, a zoning amendments document, and a Lake George Mirror report. Where dates are provided in the source, they are preserved; otherwise, this guide reflects the latest published materials available through those sources.

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Lake George, NY?

Yes. The Town of Lake George explicitly defines a Residential Short-Term Rental (STR) as a property rented for 30 days or less and requires a permit to operate such rentals. Rentals of 30 consecutive days or longer do not require a Town STR permit.

STRs are conditionally allowed. A property must be located in a zoning district that permits STRs and must obtain, maintain, and annually renew the Town’s Residential Rental Permit. Additionally, properties must pass required safety inspections and may be subject to an occupancy limit tied to the septic system’s capacity (or sewer system, if applicable).

Market Snapshot (from local reporting)

• The number of legal STRs in the Town has nearly doubled since 2018.
• STRs are estimated to gross about $2.2 million per year in the Town of Lake George.
• Owners pay Warren County an occupancy tax equal to approximately 4% of gross rental receipts (a portion of which is distributed to the Town for tourism-related purposes).

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Lake George

1. Confirm zoning eligibility

• STRs are not permitted in the following zoning districts: RS-1, RSH, RM-1, RM-2, RH, RR, and LC.
• Use the Town’s Zoning Map and the Warren County GIS (activate the “Lake George Zoning” layer) to determine your property’s district. Contact the Planning & Zoning office to confirm whether STRs are allowed on your parcel.

2. Secure permits and documentation

• Download and submit the Residential Rental Permit Application (available on the Town website or in the Planning & Zoning office).
• Submit with the application:
  • A fee (per the Town’s Fee Schedule).
  • A current homeowners and/or rental insurance declaration page or certificate.
  • Any additional documentation requested by the Code Enforcement Officer or Zoning Administrator.

3. Prepare for building safety and inspections

• The Town Code Enforcement Officer and/or Zoning Administrator may inspect the property to verify application accuracy and compliance with Town guidelines. A Site Plan Review may be required if standards are not met.
• A fire and safety inspection is required from the Warren County Building Codes and Fire Prevention Office. The County will make a preliminary assessment of the property’s Occupancy Limit during the inspection.
• The Town will make the final determination of the Occupancy Limit, which is based on the septic tank size and disbursement field capacity. If the property uses the Caldwell sewer system, the County’s preliminary occupancy limit will likely be upheld.
• The location of the septic system must be clearly marked to prevent damage.
• Property must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in compliance with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

4. Post‑approval obligations

• Permits expire after one year and must be renewed by June 1 each year.
• Keep a copy of the completed permit and required property and safety information on-site at the property.
• Pay occupancy taxes on your STR to Warren County annually.
• As the operator, you are responsible for guest health and safety, guest conduct, and impacts on the neighborhood. Violations (e.g., exceeding occupancy limits, safety violations, neighborhood complaints) can lead to penalties or permit loss. Accumulating three or more violations, or failing to correct operational violations, may result in penalties or revocation.

5. Understand privilege and compliance framework

• Short‑term renting is a privilege granted under municipal home rule and zoning law. Maintain strict compliance to retain your permit.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Residential Rental Permit Application (Town of Lake George)
• Permit fee (per Town Fee Schedule)
• Proof of insurance (homeowner’s and/or rental insurance declaration page or certificate)
• Safety compliance:
  • Fire and safety inspection by Warren County Building Codes and Fire Prevention Office
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors compliant with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Occupancy Limit determination:
  • Town approval based on septic capacity and disbursement field; or County preliminary limit likely upheld for properties using Caldwell sewer system
  • Septic system location must be clearly marked on the property
• Annual renewal:
  • Permit expires after one year; renewals due June 1
• Ongoing obligations:
  • On-site posting of permit and required safety information
  • Annual occupancy tax remittance to Warren County

Specific Regulations: Town, County, and State

Town of Lake George (STR Guide)

• STR definition: rented to visitors for 30 days or less.
• Permits required for STRs; rentals of 30 consecutive days or longer do not need an STR permit.
• Zoning districts that prohibit STRs: RS-1, RSH, RM-1, RM-2, RH, RR, LC.
• Inspections: Code Enforcement Officer/Zoning Administrator may inspect; Warren County conducts fire and safety inspection and preliminary Occupancy Limit assessment.
• Septic capacity governs final Occupancy Limit; Caldwell sewer system limits typically upheld.
• Smoke/CO detectors required per NY State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
• Permit term: 1 year; renewals due June 1.
• Permit and safety information must be stored at the property.
• Operator responsibilities: health and safety, guest conduct, neighborhood impact.
• Violations: 3 or more, or failure to correct operational violations, may result in penalties or permit loss.

Town of Lake George (Moratorium Local Law No. 3‑2022, adopted August 8, 2022; expired February 8, 2023)

• Suspended issuance of new STR permits in the RSH, RS‑1, RCH, and RCM‑1 zoning districts for six months.
• Use variances available through the Zoning Board of Appeals under Town Code Section 175‑95(C).
• Vesting: If approved for a variance during the moratorium, an owner could continue operating the STR despite subsequent zoning changes.

Town of Lake George (Zoning amendments – 2020; local law reference)

• Contains code amendments relevant to STRs (e.g., zoning districts, occupancy limits, and enforcement mechanisms). For precise changes, refer to Chapter 175 §37 and §52B (Local Law 6‑2020).

Warren County (from local reporting)

• Collects an occupancy tax on STRs equal to approximately 4% of gross rental receipts.
• Performs fire and safety inspections and provides a preliminary Occupancy Limit assessment; the Town makes the final determination based on septic capacity.

New York State

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must comply with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

Local Authority Contacts (STR‑related)

Town of Lake George

• Address: 20 Old Post Road, Lake George, NY 12845
• Phone: (518) 668‑5722
• Email: pzclerk@townoflakegeorge.gov
• Website: townoflakegeorge.gov

Key local roles

• Zoning Code Enforcement Officer: Doug Frost (Town of Lake George Planning and Zoning)
• Warren County Building Codes and Fire Prevention Office (fire/safety inspections and preliminary Occupancy Limit assessment)

For occupancy taxes

• Warren County (to verify remittance process and current tax rate)

Links to Source Pages

• Town of Lake George Short‑Term Rental Guide (2025): townoflakegeorge.gov/assessment-rolls/planning-zoning/2562-town-of-lake-george-short-term-rental-guide.html
• Lake George Mirror article on STR costs and benefits (March 24, 2023): www.lakegeorgemirror.com/lake-george-weighs-costs-and-benefits-of-short-term-rentals/
• Town of Lake George Local Law No. 3‑2022 (STR Moratorium): townoflakegeorge.gov/assessment-rolls/assessor-s-office-documents/2028-str-moratorium-local-law-3-2022-format-final.html
• Zoning amendments (2020) – Local Law 6‑2020 (Ch. 175 §37 & §52B): www.lakegeorgetown.org/document-center/planning-zoning/zoning-amendments/2020-zoning-amendments/1665-ch-175-37-and-52b-local-law-6-2020-format-final.html

Practical reminders for investors

• Start with zoning confirmation; do not assume a parcel allows STRs.
• Build inspection and septic capacity into your underwriting; both determine maximum occupancy.
• Treat annual permit renewal and occupancy tax compliance as non‑negotiable operating costs.
• Keep detailed records of inspections, permits, and guest policies to manage neighborhood impacts and reduce violation risk.