Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Peekskill, NY?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Ordinary Airbnb-style rentals under 30 nights are not a permitted use in Peekskill: the zoning code's definition of "family" expressly bars boarders, lodgers, or transient occupancy of any dwelling unit, and the city has no short-term-rental permit law. The only legal way to host short-stay guests in a home is a Common Council special permit for an owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast, available only on a small set of lots adjoining the C-2 downtown district, with 2-5 guest rooms, a 14-consecutive-night guest cap, and required breakfast service.
What the rules say in Peekskill
- Zoning bar: the definition of "family" in City Code sec. 575-60 states that nothing in it "shall be construed to permit boarders, lodgers or transient occupancy of any dwelling unit"; a "transient" is anyone lodging at a location not more than 180 days in a year, so STR guests are transients and STR use of a dwelling is not a permitted use in any district.
- No STR ordinance exists: the City Code (current through May 26, 2026) has no short-term-rental chapter, permit, or registration scheme; a pre-2019 attempt to codify STRs was abandoned after public opposition (reported by The Hudson Independent, May 2019).
- Narrow bed-and-breakfast path: an owner-occupied B&B is allowed only by Common Council special permit plus Planning Commission site plan approval, with 2-5 guest rooms (max 2 adult transient guests each), guests limited to 14 consecutive days, a required full hot breakfast, no first-floor guest rooms, at least one off-street parking space per guest room, an annual sworn owner-residency statement, and a B&B certificate of occupancy (secs. 575-22B(5), 575-23C(5), 575-60).
- B&B locations are tightly limited: only R-1C district lots contiguous to the C-2 district (sec. 575-22B(5)(a)) and R-2 lots contiguous to C-2 with frontage on Union Avenue between 1st Street and Elm Street (sec. 575-23C(5)(a)-(b)); "bed-and-breakfast hotels" are limited to the C-2 and WF-2 districts.
- Other lodging uses do not cover STRs: hotels/motels require 50 or more rooms in commercial districts, and boarding-, lodging- or rooming houses are defined so that "no transients are accommodated" (sec. 575-60).
- General landlord rule: non-owner-occupied residential properties must register owner/manager contact information with the city under Ch. 435 Property Registration (L.L. 17-2009); this is not an STR permit and does not authorize transient use.
Sources: Peekskill City Code Ch. 575 Art. XIV, sec. 575-60 Definitions (family, transient, bed-and-breakfast, hotel/motel, boarding houses); Peekskill City Code Ch. 575 Art. IV Residence Districts (secs. 575-22B(5), 575-23C(5) bed-and-breakfast special permit standards); Peekskill City Code Ch. 435 Property Registration (non-owner-occupied property registration); City of Peekskill Code portal on eCode360 (full chapter list, code current through 2026-05-26, no STR chapter); The Hudson Independent (May 1, 2019): Peekskill's attempt to codify STRs failed amid public opposition. Last reviewed 2026-07.
How short-term rentals are regulated in New York
- New York has no single statewide short-term-rental ban. Towns, villages, and cities set their own rules through local ordinances and zoning, so rules can differ sharply between neighboring municipalities in the same county.
- Short stays in New York are generally subject to state and local sales tax, and many counties add a local occupancy (hotel/motel) tax, often collected by the booking platform on the host's behalf.
- Common local controls include permits or registration, primary-residence requirements, and zoning limits on which districts allow short-term use. In New York, a town and a village inside it can each have their own rule.
- Rules change. An ordinance can be added or amended at any time. Always confirm the current rule with the municipality before listing.
Peekskill short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Peekskill, NY?
Ordinary Airbnb-style rentals under 30 nights are not a permitted use in Peekskill: the zoning code's definition of "family" expressly bars boarders, lodgers, or transient occupancy of any dwelling unit, and the city has no short-term-rental permit law. The only legal way to host short-stay guests in a home is a Common Council special permit for an owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast, available only on a small set of lots adjoining the C-2 downtown district, with 2-5 guest rooms, a 14-consecutive-night guest cap, and required breakfast service.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Peekskill?
Zoning bar: the definition of "family" in City Code sec. 575-60 states that nothing in it "shall be construed to permit boarders, lodgers or transient occupancy of any dwelling unit"; a "transient" is anyone lodging at a location not more than 180 days in a year, so STR guests are transients and STR use of a dwelling is not a permitted use in any district.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Peekskill, New York?
Short-term stays in New York are generally subject to state and local sales tax, and many counties add a local occupancy (hotel) tax, often collected for you by the booking platform. A tax professional can confirm what applies to your property.
Can Palisade Stays manage a short-term rental in Peekskill?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Peekskill (see the status above), so it may not be the right play. Palisade Stays can still help you understand what's possible for your property, including a compliant mid-term or longer rental, and run it if it's a fit. Start with a quick assessment.
Navigating Peekskill's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Peekskill property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Westchester towns