Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Roscoe, NY?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Roscoe, NY, but with specific regulatory requirements.

Roscoe is a hamlet within the Town of Rockland in Sullivan County, New York. As of July 6, 2023, the Town of Rockland implemented a local law governing short-term rentals (STRs). This means STRs are permitted in Roscoe, but operators must comply with the Town of Rockland's established regulations and application process.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Roscoe, NY

Step 1: Property Compliance Verification

• Ensure your property meets all local building and safety codes
• Verify zoning compliance with Town of Rockland zoning ordinances
• Confirm the property is suitable for rental use under local regulations

Step 2: Complete STR Application Process

• Obtain and complete the Town of Rockland STR Application
• Submit application to the Code Enforcement Office
• Pay required application fees
• Undergo any required inspections

Step 3: Legal and Tax Compliance

• Register for appropriate tax collections (sales tax, occupancy tax)
• Obtain necessary business licenses if required
• Secure adequate insurance coverage for short-term rental operations

Step 4: Operational Setup

• Develop standard operating procedures for guest management
• Establish cleaning and maintenance protocols
• Create emergency response and contact systems
• Implement safety measures and compliance documentation

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Documents Required:

1. Town of Rockland STR Application - Mandatory application form
2. Building Permit (if applicable) - For structural changes or additions
3. Certificate of Occupancy - Confirming legal occupancy status
4. Insurance Certificates - Liability and property insurance documentation
5. Workers' Compensation Exemption Form CE-200 (if owner-performing work)

When Building Permits Are Required:

• Building new one or two-family dwellings
• Structural modifications to existing buildings
• Installing or modifying fire escapes
• Adding decks, porches, or accessory buildings
• HVAC installations, roofing work
• Solar installations and electrical modifications

Safety and Compliance Requirements:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance
• Fire safety equipment and egress compliance
• Property condition standards for rental occupancy

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Rockland STR Regulations:

• Application Required: All STRs must complete the formal application process
• Local Law Compliance: Must adhere to Local Law provisions passed July 6, 2023
• Inspection Requirements: Properties may be subject to safety and compliance inspections
• Fee Structure: Application and annual fees apply (see fee schedules)

New York State Requirements:

• Multiple Dwelling Law: Prohibits rentals less than 30 days in buildings with 3+ units unless owner is present
• Occupancy Tax: Applies to rentals less than 28 days; hosts responsible for collection and remittance
• Sales Tax: Applicable to short-term rental income
• Hotel Unit Fee: State fee applicable to short-term accommodations

County Level (Sullivan County):

• May have additional health department requirements
• Potential additional tax obligations
• Building code enforcement through town representatives

Contact Information for Local Authority

Town of Rockland Code Enforcement Office

Primary Contact:

• Code Enforcement Officer: Glenn A. Gabbard
• Email: codeenforcement@townofrocklandny.gov
• Phone: 845-439-5450 ext 106
• Fax: 845-439-3775

Building Safety Inspector:

• Contact: Kaitlen Madison
• Email: buildinginspector@townofrocklandny.gov

Mailing Address:

• Town of Rockland Code Enforcement
• PO Box 964
• Livingston Manor, NY 12758

Physical Location:

• Town Hall offices (specific address not provided in content)
• Building permit applications and inspections conducted through this office

Links to Source Pages

1. Town of Rockland Code Enforcement Page: www.townofrocklandny.com/code-enforcement-officer/
2. Short-Term Rental Local Law (July 6, 2023): www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Short-Term-Rental-Local-Law.pdf
3. Town of Rockland STR Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/TOWN-OF-ROCKLAND-STR-UPDATED-APPLICATION.pdf
4. Building Permit Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Building-Permit-Application.pdf
5. Certificate of Occupancy Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Certificate-of-Occupancy.pdf
6. Special Use Permit Application: www.townofrocklandny.com/_docs/CodeEnforcement/Special_Use_Permit_App003.pdf
7. Town of Rockland E-Codes (Zoning): ecode360.com/RO1679
8. Building Department Fee Schedule: www.townofrocklandny.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bldg-dept-Fees.pdf

Additional Regulatory Considerations

Zoning Compliance

Properties must comply with Town of Rockland zoning ordinances. The town's e-code360 system provides detailed zoning information and requirements.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations

• Annual renewal requirements for STR permits
• Continued compliance with safety standards
• Tax collection and remittance obligations
• Potential re-inspection requirements

Investment Risk Factors

• Regulatory changes may affect STR operations
• Competition for permits in the town system
• Seasonal market variations in the Catskills region
• Property condition requirements for rural properties

This guide provides the foundational information needed for STR investment in Roscoe, NY. Potential investors should contact the Town of Rockland Code Enforcement Office directly to confirm current requirements and application procedures before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.