Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Watkins Glen, NY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Watkins Glen, NY, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are limited to a cap of 8% of total residential units in the Village. Operations require a 24-hour local contact reachable within 30 minutes, a maximum occupancy of 10 people per unit, off-street parking, and adherence to quiet hours after 10:00 PM. 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.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are limited to a cap of 8% of total residential units in the Village. Operations require a 24-hour local contact reachable within 30 minutes, a maximum occupancy of 10 people per unit, off-street parking, and adherence to quiet hours after 10:00 PM.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Watkins Glen. 1. Submit a special use permit application including a site plan, proof of property/liability insurance, and a Schuyler County Certificate of Authority to Collect Occupancy Tax. 2. Undergo a property inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer. 3. Obtain approval per Article 42; permits are valid for 24 months and must be renewed prior to expiration.

1. Submit a special use permit application including a site plan, proof of property/liability insurance, and a Schuyler County Certificate of Authority to Collect Occupancy Tax. 2. Undergo a property inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer. 3. Obtain approval per Article 42; permits are valid for 24 months and must be renewed prior to expiration.

Vrbo is permitted in Watkins Glen, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Watkins Glen 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Watkins Glen. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.