Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Rochester, NY?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
The Town of Rochester regulates STRs under Zoning Chapter 140, Sec. 140-26A (Short-Term Transient Rentals, Local Law 3 of 2021), requiring a permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. There is a cap on new non-owner-occupied permits, while owner-occupied units are not capped. Existing operators had 90 days from the law's effective date to apply, and a nonrefundable application plus inspection fee applies per unit.
What the rules say in Rochester
- STR permit required from the Code Enforcement Officer (Ch. 140 Sec. 140-26A, Local Law 3 of 2021)
- Cap on new non-owner-occupied permits; owner-occupied units not capped
- Nonrefundable application and inspection fee per dwelling unit
Sources: Town of Rochester Local Law 3 of 2021 (eCode360 PDF); Town of Rochester Code Table of Contents (eCode360). 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.
Rochester short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Rochester, NY?
The Town of Rochester regulates STRs under Zoning Chapter 140, Sec. 140-26A (Short-Term Transient Rentals, Local Law 3 of 2021), requiring a permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. There is a cap on new non-owner-occupied permits, while owner-occupied units are not capped. Existing operators had 90 days from the law's effective date to apply, and a nonrefundable application plus inspection fee applies per unit.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Rochester?
STR permit required from the Code Enforcement Officer (Ch. 140 Sec. 140-26A, Local Law 3 of 2021)
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Rochester, 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 Rochester?
Palisade Stays launches and runs short-term rentals for owners end to end. Where a short-term rental works in Rochester, we can handle setup, listing, guest operations, and turnovers. Start with a quick property-fit assessment.
Thinking about a short-term rental in Rochester?
Palisade Stays launches and runs short-term rentals for owners end to end. Tell us about your property and we'll see if it's a fit.
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