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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Erie County, NY

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Erie County imposes a 3% hotel/occupancy tax and requires a Certificate of Registration with the County Comptroller. Municipalities within the county add further restrictions: Buffalo requires a Short-Term Rental License with zoning limits in specific districts (N-4-30s/N-4-50s), while Amherst requires rental-unit registration with higher fees for non-owner-occupied units ($500 vs $250).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) File a Certificate of Registration with the Erie County Comptroller within three days of opening for tax purposes. 2) Apply for a local Short-Term Rental License or registration through your specific municipality's permit portal (e.g., Buffalo or Amherst). 3) Pay required local fees and pass any required safety inspections by the local Code Enforcement Officer.

Official Resources

Official Erie County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Erie County, NY?
Erie County imposes a 3% hotel/occupancy tax and requires a Certificate of Registration with the County Comptroller. Municipalities within the county add further restrictions: Buffalo requires a Short-Term Rental License with zoning limits in specific districts (N-4-30s/N-4-50s), while Amherst requires rental-unit registration with higher fees for non-owner-occupied units ($500 vs $250).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Erie County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Erie County. 1) File a Certificate of Registration with the Erie County Comptroller within three days of opening for tax purposes. 2) Apply for a local Short-Term Rental License or registration through your specific municipality's permit portal (e.g., Buffalo or Amherst). 3) Pay required local fees and pass any required safety inspections by the local Code Enforcement Officer.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Erie County?
1) File a Certificate of Registration with the Erie County Comptroller within three days of opening for tax purposes. 2) Apply for a local Short-Term Rental License or registration through your specific municipality's permit portal (e.g., Buffalo or Amherst). 3) Pay required local fees and pass any required safety inspections by the local Code Enforcement Officer.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction