Overview: Are STRs allowed in Old Forge, NY?

Yes — short‑term rentals are allowed in Old Forge, NY (within the Town of Webb) only with a valid STR permit issued by the Town of Webb Code Enforcement Officer. The “Short‑Term Residential Rental Law of the Town of Webb” defines a short‑term rental as any dwelling rented, leased, or occupied by someone other than the owner and/or their family for more than fourteen (14) cumulative days in a calendar year and less than six (6) consecutive months. The permit requirement applies to such rentals once they cross the 14‑day threshold.

• Permit authority: Town of Webb Code Enforcement Office
• Permit validity: 2 years
• Fees: $800 total ($400/year) for 1–3 bedrooms; $1,600 total ($800/year) for 4+ bedrooms
• Compliance baseline: NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, NYS Property Maintenance Code, NYS Department of Health Appendix 75A, and all applicable town codes

If you remain at or below 14 cumulative days per year, no permit is required. As soon as you exceed 14 days, a permit is mandatory. The law is in place and actively enforced.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Old Forge

1. Confirm your property lies within the Town of Webb (Old Forge).
2. Confirm whether you will exceed 14 cumulative rental days in any calendar year.
3. If yes, apply for an STR permit through the Code Enforcement Officer before operating beyond the 14‑day threshold.
4. Prepare your property to meet or exceed:
   • NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (life safety/fire)
   • NYS Property Maintenance Code
   • NYS Department of Health Appendix 75A sanitation/septic requirements
   • Town of Webb codes
5. Determine maximum occupancy and lawful parking capacity to support your intended guest count.
6. Designate a local property representative who can respond to complaints within 24 hours.
7. Post the permit and keep contact information on file with the Code Enforcement Officer.
8. Maintain records for fire safety, septic compliance, and occupancy limits; prepare for inspections.
9. Set up systems to collect applicable sales tax under New York’s STR tax regime (see State Requirements).
10. Build neighbor-friendly operations to minimize nuisance complaints and avoid escalating enforcement actions.

Operational requirements to factor into your business plan:

• Maintain on-call property management capability for rapid response (24 hours).
• Limit occupancy to maximum allowable rates under state codes.
• Ensure sufficient lawful parking spaces for the stated occupancy.
• Maintain compliant septic systems; plan for inspection schedules.
• Build quiet hours and guest conduct policies to reduce complaint exposure.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Local (Town of Webb) requirements:

• STR permit application and fee (to Code Enforcement Officer)
• Property representative name, address, and phone number (kept on file)
• Proof that the property meets all town codes and state life-safety standards
• Documentation that septic systems meet NYS DOH Appendix 75A requirements
• Evidence of adequate parking for the proposed occupancy
• Permit must be posted visibly on the property

State of New York requirements:

• Compliance with the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Compliance with the NYS Property Maintenance Code
• Compliance with NYS Department of Health Appendix 75A sanitation/septic standards
• Collection and remittance of applicable sales taxes for STRs (New York’s STR law applies sales tax to STRs; consult your tax advisor or the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance for current rates and registration details)

Note: The New York STR law defers operation and oversight of local registries to municipalities; the Town of Webb’s Code Enforcement Office administers permits and enforcement.

Specific regulations (Town, County, and State)

Town of Webb (Old Forge) — Selected key provisions:

• Permit trigger: rentals that exceed 14 cumulative days in a calendar year and are less than 6 consecutive months.
• Permit validity: 2 years from issuance.
• Permit fees: $800 total for 1–3 bedrooms ($400/year); $1,600 total for 4+ bedrooms ($800/year).
• Property representative: must be immediately available and respond to complaints within 24 hours; owner and representative contact info must be on file with the Code Enforcement Officer.
• Posting: current permit must be posted on the property.
• Occupancy and parking: must comply with maximum allowable occupancy under the NYS Fire Prevention and Building Code and Property Maintenance Code and provide sufficient lawful parking for the number of occupants.
• Septic/sanitation: must meet NYS Department of Health Appendix 75A requirements.
• Enforcement and penalties:
  • First violation: fine up to $350
  • Second violation within 12 months: $350–$700
  • Third violation: $700–$1,000
  • After the third violation, the Code Enforcement Officer may administratively suspend the STR permit until full compliance is demonstrated and one year has passed from the date of the violation
• Effective status: the law is in place; permit applications were requested by January 1, 2023 (for existing operators) and are required for any property meeting the 14‑day trigger.

Herkimer County (context):

• The provided sources do not establish county‑level STR permit or registry requirements specific to Old Forge. The Town of Webb’s local law governs STRs at the municipal level in Old Forge. Any county regulations would need to be verified separately with Herkimer County officials.

New York State:

• Statewide sales tax applies to STRs (New York’s STR law extends sales tax to short‑term rentals, placing STRs on more equal footing with hotels and traditional lodging).
• State codes dictate minimum standards: NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, NYS Property Maintenance Code, and NYS Department of Health Appendix 75A for sanitation.
• Local registry/mandate: Municipalities are expected to oversee STR registries locally (per the STR law’s structure), with the Town of Webb serving as the permit authority for Old Forge.

Note on potential permit avoidance:

• One stakeholder pointed out that renting every weekend in the summer might keep cumulative days under the threshold, potentially avoiding permit and inspection requirements. Operators should review the law carefully and confirm their operating pattern against the 14‑day cumulative trigger.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs in Old Forge)

Town of Webb Code Enforcement Office (STR permit authority for Old Forge)

• Website: townwebb.digitaltowpath.org:10086/content/News/View/118
• Office: Town of Webb Town Hall
• Email/Phone: Not specified in the provided sources; consult the Town of Webb website or Town Hall for current contact details.

Administrative note:

• Municipalities set up their own registries under the state law. In Old Forge, the Town of Webb Code Enforcement Office is the primary contact for permits, inspections, and enforcement.

Links to source pages

• Town of Webb’s Short‑Term Residential Rental Law (full text): townwebb.digitaltowpath.org:10086/content/News/View/118
• News overview of the Town of Webb STR law (Adirondack Explorer): www.adirondackexplorer.org/community-news/town-of-webbs-short-term-rentals-law-what-you-need-to-know/
• State context for New York’s STR law and municipal oversight (Adirondack Explorer): www.adirondackexplorer.org/community-news/economy/what-nys-short-term-rental-law-means-for-adirondack-towns/
• Regional STR policy analysis and recommendations (Cornell/Northern Forest Center): northernforest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Short-Term-Rentals-in-the-ADKs.pdf

Practical next steps:

• Confirm your days rented per calendar year and secure your permit before the 14‑day trigger.
• Align operations with state codes, local requirements, and neighbor expectations to avoid fines and potential permit suspension.
• Coordinate with the Town of Webb Code Enforcement Office to finalize application steps, inspection schedules, and compliance documentation.