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Sullivan County, located in the Catskills region of New York State, has become a major destination for vacationers seeking nature, lakeside retreats, and weekend getaways. With this rise in tourism, short-term rentals (STRs) have exploded across the county. However, regulations vary by township and village, and hosts must stay informed to legally operate within local guidelines.
Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Sullivan County?
Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Sullivan County, but they are regulated on a town-by-town basis. There is no blanket countywide policy governing STRs. Instead, municipalities such as Bethel, Liberty, Fallsburg, and Thompson each enforce their own rules regarding zoning, permits, and enforcement.
For example:
- Town of Bethel requires a short-term rental permit and enforces occupancy, parking, and safety standards.
- Town of Liberty mandates registration and inspection of all short-term rental properties.
- Town of Fallsburg has adopted a licensing ordinance that includes fees, safety inspections, and local contact requirements.
- Town of Thompson has implemented permit and notification rules to ensure accountability and limit disruption to neighbors.
Typical STR Requirements Across Sullivan County
While local specifics differ, most municipalities within Sullivan County enforce the following types of requirements:
- Short-Term Rental Permit or License: Required for most towns, including annual renewal and fee payment.
- Safety Inspections: Properties must pass inspections for smoke detectors, fire exits, and general building safety.
- Occupancy Limits: Often based on bedroom count, with maximum caps per town.
- Noise and Parking Regulations: Hosts are responsible for ensuring guests comply with quiet hours and do not block driveways or public roads.
- Local Contact Requirement: Many towns require a 24/7 local contact to respond to complaints or emergencies.
- Notification to Neighbors: In some areas, hosts must notify adjacent property owners of their intent to operate an STR.
- Tax Collection: Sullivan County requires the collection of occupancy tax, and STRs must also comply with New York State sales tax regulations.
Fines and Penalties
Failure to follow STR rules can lead to:
- Fines of up to $1,000 per violation
- Revocation of permits or licenses
- Legal enforcement, including cease-and-desist orders
Some towns also limit how many STRs can operate in a given area, and unpermitted rentals may face increased scrutiny.
Why It Matters
Sullivan County is trying to maintain a balance between its growing tourism economy and the preservation of residential life. With limited housing and seasonal population spikes, STR regulation helps prevent overuse of local infrastructure, noise disturbances, and community tension.
Understanding and complying with your town’s specific regulations is the only way to operate a legal and successful rental in Sullivan County.
Stay Compliant with LC
Lodge Compliance helps short-term rental hosts across Sullivan County manage regulations at the town level. With our platform, you can:
- Check if STRs are allowed in your township
- Track permit and inspection requirements
- Stay up to date with county and state tax rules
- Monitor guest compliance and complaints
Plan smart. Stay legal. Use Lodge Compliance to run a worry-free short-term rental in Sullivan County, NY.
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