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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ontario County, NY

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are generally restricted to specific zones and require a local 24-hour contact available to respond within two hours. Occupancy is typically limited by bedroom count or septic capacity, and in the City of Canandaigua's residential districts, the property must be the owner's primary dwelling. Events are prohibited at STR properties in the Town of Canandaigua.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a completed application via the municipal portal (e.g., Cloudpermit) including owner/manager contact info, floor plans, and proof of septic capacity. 2. Provide evidence of property/liability insurance and consent for a safety inspection. 3. Pay the required fee (e.g., $300 in Canandaigua) to receive a permit valid for 1-3 years depending on the municipality.

Official Resources

Official Ontario County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Ontario County, NY?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Ontario County, NY, but with restrictions. STRs are generally restricted to specific zones and require a local 24-hour contact available to respond within two hours. Occupancy is typically limited by bedroom count or septic capacity, and in the City of Canandaigua's residential districts, the property must be the owner's primary dwelling. Events are prohibited at STR properties in the Town of Canandaigua. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Ontario County, NY?
STRs are generally restricted to specific zones and require a local 24-hour contact available to respond within two hours. Occupancy is typically limited by bedroom count or septic capacity, and in the City of Canandaigua's residential districts, the property must be the owner's primary dwelling. Events are prohibited at STR properties in the Town of Canandaigua.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ontario County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ontario County. 1. Submit a completed application via the municipal portal (e.g., Cloudpermit) including owner/manager contact info, floor plans, and proof of septic capacity. 2. Provide evidence of property/liability insurance and consent for a safety inspection. 3. Pay the required fee (e.g., $300 in Canandaigua) to receive a permit valid for 1-3 years depending on the municipality.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ontario County?
1. Submit a completed application via the municipal portal (e.g., Cloudpermit) including owner/manager contact info, floor plans, and proof of septic capacity. 2. Provide evidence of property/liability insurance and consent for a safety inspection. 3. Pay the required fee (e.g., $300 in Canandaigua) to receive a permit valid for 1-3 years depending on the municipality.
Is Vrbo legal in Ontario County, NY?
Vrbo is permitted in Ontario County, NY under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Ontario County?
Short-term rental hosts in Ontario County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Ontario County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Ontario County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction