Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Schroon Lake, NY. The Town of Schroon has adopted Local Law #2 of 2021 (amended January 24, 2022) which comprehensively regulates short-term rentals within the town. The law recognizes that short-term rentals are "a strong contributor to the local economy" and "can attract visitors to the Town of Schroon" while providing residents with additional income. However, the Town Board has implemented specific regulations to "protect against adverse effects of this use while allowing it under appropriate circumstances."

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Schroon Lake

Starting a short-term rental business in Schroon Lake requires following a structured legal process:

1. Property Suitability Assessment

Before proceeding, verify that your property is appropriately zoned for short-term rental use. Contact the Town Clerk's office to confirm zoning compliance, as the town maintains zoning ordinances that may impact your ability to rent certain properties on a short-term basis.

2. Permit Application Process

• Required First Step: Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the Code Enforcement Officer before renting any dwelling unit
• Timeline: The Code Enforcement Officer has 30 days to review applications, perform inspections, and either issue the permit (with or without conditions) or deny the application
• Non-Transferable: Permits are tied to specific properties and cannot be transferred to new owners

3. Compliance Preparation

Ensure your property meets all technical requirements for safety and habitability, including:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguisher placement
• Electrical system safety
• Emergency egress requirements
• Septic system compliance (if applicable)
• Water testing (if served by private well)

4. Business Setup Requirements

• Register for the Essex County Occupancy Tax Program
• Obtain insurance coverage that includes short-term rental operations
• Establish written rules and regulations for guests
• Designate a contact person for nearby property owners

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Short-Term Rental Permit Application Requirements

Essential Documents:

1. Completed Application Form (established by Code Enforcement Officer)
2. Permit Fee (amount set by Town Board Resolution - contact Code Enforcement Officer for current fee)
3. Current Deed (copy required)
4. Signed Compliance Statement confirming review and intent to comply with Local Law #2 of 2021
5. Insurance Verification demonstrating coverage for short-term rental operations

Septic System Documentation (if applicable)

Properties served by private septic systems must provide:

• Age Verification: Proof system is less than 3 years old OR septic tank pumped within last 3 years
• Inspection Options (choose one):
  • Documented proof of full inspection by Town's Code Enforcement Officer during installation and completion, OR
  • Completed "Town of Schroon: Septic System Inspection Report" form
• Inspection Standards: Must comply with NYS Department of Health regulations (Appendix 75-A of Part 75 of Title 10)
• Qualified Inspectors: Professional engineer, registered architect, licensed land surveyor with minor engineering certificate; NYS Certified Code Enforcement Officer; individual with 5+ years septic system supervision experience; or OTN-certified inspector

Water Supply Documentation (if applicable)

Properties served by private water supplies must provide:

• Water Test Results: Performed by NYS accredited laboratory showing potable water
• Testing Frequency: Every 3 years minimum (required for permit renewal)
• Laboratory Accreditation: Must be certified by New York State

County Tax Registration

• Essex County Occupancy Tax Registration: Required under the county's Occupancy Tax Program administered by the Essex County Treasurer's Office

Ongoing Compliance Documentation

• Guest Rules and Regulations: Written document addressing prohibited behaviors and local law requirements
• Signed Acknowledgment Forms: From all guests confirming review of rules
• Contact Information: For property owner/manager to be provided to adjacent property owners
• Complaint Log: Documentation system for tracking and responding to complaints

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

• Base Calculation: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people
• Example: 3-bedroom unit = 8 maximum occupants
• Bedroom Determination: Based on Town of Schroon Assessment records and Code Enforcement Officer inspection
• Septic Override: Occupancy may be further limited based on septic system capacity

Safety and Building Requirements

• Smoke Detectors: One in each bedroom plus one centrally located with carbon monoxide detector
• Fire Extinguishers: One in kitchen and each room with open flame
• Emergency Egress: Each sleeping room must have exterior exit or emergency escape window meeting state and local building codes
• Electrical Systems: Must be serviceable with no visible defects; GFCI protection as required
• Heating Systems: All fireplaces, inserts, and fuel-burning heaters must be properly vented and installed with written safety instructions

Parking Regulations

• Maximum Vehicles: Most restrictive of:
  • One vehicle per bedroom, OR
  • Number of available parking spaces (9' x 20' per vehicle)
• Overnight Parking: Prohibited on street between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Day Parking: Must not impede residents or public access

Noise and Conduct Requirements

• Quiet Hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (must be maintained by all occupants and visitors)
• Prohibited Behaviors: Fighting, violence, tumultuous or threatening behavior, unreasonable noise, abusive or obscene language/gestures in public
• Owner Enforcement: Short-term rental owners must actively enforce rules and regulations

Property Maintenance Standards

• Exterior Access: All exterior doors operational with unobstructed passageways
• House Numbering: 9-1-1 address clearly visible from street/road
• Garbage Management: Secure containers with tight-fitting covers, appropriate placement to minimize visibility
• Property Contact: Name, address, and phone number of contact person provided to adjacent property owners

System Maintenance Requirements

• Septic Pumping: Every 3 years minimum (proof required for permit renewal)
• System Failures: Require new passing inspection report
• Water Testing: Every 3 years for private water supplies

Enforcement and Penalties

Legal Framework

• Compliance Required: All owners must comply with Local Law #2 of 2021 and all related orders and regulations
• Unlawful Operations: Owning, occupying, or operating property in violation of the law is prohibited

Enforcement Mechanisms

• Code Enforcement Access: Code Enforcement Officer or designee granted access upon reasonable request for inspection
• Violation Notices: Code Enforcement Officer may issue violation notices and appearance tickets
• Criminal Procedure Law: Authority to issue appearance tickets and summons directing court appearance

Penalties

• Monetary Fines: Up to $950 per offense for violations
• Civil Actions: Town may commence proceedings to compel compliance or restrain violations through injunction
• Permit Revocation: Non-compliance may result in permit revocation
• Multiple Remedies: Various penalties may be pursued simultaneously or sequentially

Appeals Process

• Initial Appeal: To Town of Schroon Town Board within 30 days of Code Enforcement Officer determination
• Stay of Determination: Appealed determinations are stayed during appeal process
• Hearing Timeline: Town Board endeavors to hear appeals within 15 days of filing with Town Clerk
• Decision Timeline: Town Board decision within 10 days of hearing

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact

Town of Schroon Code Enforcement Officer

• Department: Buildings & Codes Department
• Address: Town of Schroon, NY
• Phone: Contact Town Hall for Code Enforcement Officer direct line
• Email: Contact Town Hall for official email

Additional Contacts

Town Clerk

• Function: Application processing and general information
• Phone: Available through Town Hall main number
• Website: https://schroon.net/codes-permits/

Town of Schroon Town Board

• Function: Appeals process for permit denials, conditions, suspensions, or revocations
• Contact: Through Town Clerk for appeals filing

Essex County Treasurer's Office

• Function: Occupancy Tax Program registration
• Phone: Contact Essex County for current information

Official Resources

• Town Website: https://schroon.net/
• Forms Page: https://schroon.net/forms/
• Building & Codes Department: https://schroon.net/codes-permits/

Source Links

Primary Regulatory Documents

• Schroon Local Law #2 of 2021 - Short-Term Rentals
• Town of Schroon Laws & Ordinances Index
• Town of Schroon Building & Codes Department

Related Town Documents

• Anti-Litter Law
• Fire Prevention and Building Code
• Zoning Ordinance
• Individual Sewage Disposal Systems Ordinance

Administrative Resources

• Town of Schroon Forms
• Schroon Lake Park District
• Planning Board

Note: This guide is based on Local Law #2 of 2021, as amended January 24, 2022. The law includes enforcement provisions that took effect January 1, 2023. Investors should verify current requirements and contact the Code Enforcement Officer for the most up-to-date information regarding fees, forms, and implementation procedures.