Important note on status: The documents here are the initial draft law and public materials issued in 2023. They outline the proposed regulatory framework for short-term rentals (STRs) in the Village of Trumansburg. As of the latest provided documents, the law had been released for public comment and further board consideration; specific fees, final adoption timing, and any subsequent revisions were not included in the provided content. Confirm current status before proceeding.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Trumansburg?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in the Village of Trumansburg, subject to regulation. The village defined a short-term rental as any dwelling unit or guest room occupied for fewer than 30 consecutive days by someone other than the owner, for which payment is made to the owner. Traditional Bed and Breakfasts are regulated by the State and are not subject to the local STR law. Community survey data referenced by the village indicates more than 90% of respondents wanted STRs to remain legal. The proposed framework emphasizes oversight over hard caps, with a three-year “sunset” period that halts new permits after that window while allowing existing permits to remain valid to expiration.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Trumansburg

The following process is drawn from the initial draft law and supporting FAQ and news materials:

• Prepare the property and documentation
  • Confirm the property’s zoning and structural suitability.
  • Assemble required registration and permit application details: owner/manager contact information, physical and mailing addresses, property floor plans indicating guest rooms and fire-safety features/exits, proof of Tompkins County registration and payment of sales and room occupancy taxes, and a nonrefundable permit fee (fee amount is set periodically by the Village Board of Trustees).
  • Be ready to correct any substandard conditions or building/fire code deficiencies prior to permit issuance.
• Apply and obtain the STR permit
  • Submit a complete application on forms approved by the Village Code Enforcement Officer.
  • Submit to inspections as required by the draft law; address any violations.
  • Permits are valid for two years and are non-transferable.
• Operational requirements
  • Post required signage and emergency information inside each STR unit (24-hour emergency contacts, physical address, owner/manager contact, evacuation routes).
  • Comply with Village noise and parking laws; quiet time is 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  • Maintain current county registrations and tax remittance; display any required county tax information where applicable.
• Ongoing compliance and renewals
  • Permits expire every two years; apply for renewal before expiration.
  • Violations can result in suspension or revocation; appeals are available via the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Strategic note
  • The three-year sunset provision prevents issuing new permits after the law has been in effect for three years. Existing permits remain valid until they expire. New entrants beyond that window would be restricted unless the law is extended or amended.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The draft law specifies the following:

• Short-Term Rental Permit (Village of Trumansburg)
  • Required before advertising or renting any STR unit within the village.
  • Permit validity: two years; non-transferable; may include special conditions or limitations.
• Owner/Manager Information
  • Names, phone numbers, email addresses, mailing and physical addresses for the owner and any manager.
  • If entities, list each director/officer/manager/trustee with contact details and FEIN.
• Property Information
  • Physical address and number of guest rooms for each STR unit rented as a whole.
  • Physical address and room designation for individually rented guest rooms.
  • General floor plan showing STR layout, fire-protection systems, number and location of fire/safety exits.
• County Registration and Tax Compliance
  • Proof of registration with Tompkins County and up-to-date sales and room occupancy taxes.
  • Fee payment: nonrefundable STR permit fee set by Village Board resolution (amount not specified in provided documents).
• Certifications and Inspections
  • Applicant certification of accuracy and completeness.
  • Building and fire code compliance; inspections may be conducted upon notice (typically 10 days) and at issuance; corrections required before permit issuance.
• On-Premises Signage and Information
  • 24-hour emergency contact information posted within the STR premises.
  • General emergency contact information for owner or manager posted visibly.
  • Evacuation routes and procedures posted in each guest room.
  • Required statement: “Welcome to Trumansburg! Please be a good neighbor and observe quiet time from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. (per the Village’s Noise Law).”

Compliance also required with:

• Vehicle and Traffic Law (including local street parking rules).
• Local Noise Law (quiet time 11 p.m.–7 a.m.).
• Village of Trumansburg Zoning Law (setbacks, density, and other development controls).
• Tompkins County hotel room occupancy tax and any associated registration.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (Village/County/State)

Key provisions from the draft law and referenced materials:

• Applicability
  • Applies to all STRs advertising or renting within the village; applies across land uses regardless of zoning designation.
• Registration and Permit
  • Required prior to any advertising or rental.
• Inspections
  • Inspections may be conducted on 10 days’ notice (or less in suspected violations); required at issuance. Building/fire code issues must be corrected under New York State laws.
• Permit Discipline
  • Permits may be suspended or revoked for violations of local law or building/fire codes; suspended permits can be reinstated upon abatement; revoked permits require a new application.
• Appeals
  • Appeals go to the Zoning Board of Appeals; filing an appeal does not stay suspension or revocation, but stays revocation until decision.
• Penalties and Enforcement
  • Violations can lead to fines and criminal charges; fines escalate for repeat violations; each week of noncompliance may be charged as a separate violation; the village can seek injunctive relief and other remedies.
• Signage and Safety
  • Required emergency information and evacuation postings inside units.
• Noise and Parking
  • Quiet time 11 p.m.–7 a.m.; compliance with local parking and vehicle/traffic regulations required.
• Zoning
  • STRs must comply with village zoning controls (setbacks, density, dwelling size/number on lots).
• Sunset Provision
  • No new permits issued after the law has been in effect for three years. Existing permits remain valid until expiration.
• County Tax
  • Hotel room occupancy tax applies to STRs; registration and payment required through Tompkins County.

Items not addressed or pending in the provided draft materials:

• Fee amount for the STR permit (set by board resolution; value not provided).
• Specific county registration and filing procedures, tax rate, and any registration portal details for Tompkins County’s room occupancy tax.
• The Code Enforcement Officer’s direct contact information (general village contact provided).

Contact Information (Local Authority)

Use these contacts for village-level inquiries and public comment:

• Village of Trumansburg (general office)
  • Address: 56 E. Main St., Trumansburg, NY 14886
  • Phone: (607) 387-6501
  • Email: clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov
  • Public Comment Email (for the draft law process): PublicComment@trumansburg-ny.gov
  • Office Hours:
    • Front Office: Monday–Thursday 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; closed most holidays
    • Mayor’s Office: by appointment
  • Board/Committee Page for the draft and FAQ: see “Links to Source Pages” below

Note: The Code Enforcement Officer’s direct contact is not provided in the sources; contact the village office for routing.

Links to Source Pages (as provided in your materials)

• Short-Term Rental Regulation FAQ (2023-09-15)
  • File: Short-Term_Rental_Regulation_FAQ_-_2023-09-15.pdf
• Draft Short-Term Rental Law (2023-08-27)
  • File: Short-Term_Rental_Draft_Law_-_2023-08-27.pdf
• Village news release announcing draft law and public forum
  • URL: trumansburg-ny.gov/news/comprehensive-plan-and-zoning-revision-committee-releases-initial-draft-of-short-term-rental-law
• Ithaca Times article on committee review of the draft law
  • URL: www.ithaca.com/news/trumansburg/t-burg-comp-plan-committee-reviews-short-term-rental-law/article_ea34a496-ca7d-11ed-b457-0ff5ebd6c5b9.html
• Tompkins Weekly article on public forum schedule and key elements
  • URL: tompkinsweekly.com/articles/date-set-for-public-forum-on-proposed-short-term-rental-law
• Village Board/Committee page for draft materials and FAQs
  • URL: trumansburg-ny.gov/boards/comprehensive-plan-review-zoning-revision/index.html

Before proceeding with permitting or operations, confirm whether the draft law has been adopted, amended, or replaced, and verify current fee schedules and inspection protocols with the Village of Trumansburg.