Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Tarrytown, NY?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Tarrytown's zoning code defines "dwelling" to exclude "accommodations used for transient occupancy," so short-term rentals are not a permitted use in any residential zone, and the village has enforced this against Airbnb hosts (fines up to $250/day). The only narrow lodging paths are a bed-and-breakfast by compatible use permit in the Historic Commons District and hotels in certain commercial/waterfront zones; the building inspector has stated that renting an entire home is tolerated only while it remains the host's primary residence.
What the rules say in Tarrytown
- Village Code sec. 305-5 defines 'dwelling' (one-family, two-family, multifamily, dwelling group) to exclude 'a rooming house, hotel, motel, tourist home, automobile court or other accommodations used for transient occupancy', so transient occupancy is not a permitted residential use in any zone.
- No short-term-rental permit, registration, or legalization law exists anywhere in the Village Code (full chapter index inspected, legislation current through late 2025).
- The village has enforced the zoning bar: written warnings to Airbnb hosts in Nov 2016, and the Building Inspector stated that advertising rooms in private dwellings on Airbnb risks Village Court prosecution with fines up to $250 per day or imprisonment.
- Uncodified enforcement interpretation (Building Inspector, Dec 2017): renting an entire house or apartment is treated as legal only so long as the homeowner or lessor maintains it as their primary residence; room rentals are not.
- Room rentals are limited to long-term boarders: maximum 2 boarders/lodgers per dwelling with a boarder/lodger occupancy permit (sec. 305-14B(4)); 'boarder' is defined as occupancy on a long-term residential basis.
- Accessory dwelling units may not be short-term rented: minimum rental term of six months (sec. 305-14B(15)(b)[8], added by L.L. No. 2-2023).
- A bed-and-breakfast (owner-occupied, up to 10 guest rooms, one meal daily) is a defined use but is permitted only in the Historic Commons (HC) District via a compatible use permit from the Board of Trustees (Ch. 305 use schedule; Art. XV, sec. 305-119).
- Hotels (defined to include rooming houses, boardinghouses, extended-stay and residential hotels) are permitted only in certain commercial and waterfront districts subject to conditions (e.g., 17+ rooms in the WGBD).
Sources: Tarrytown Village Code Ch. 305 Art. II, Definitions (dwelling, hotel, bed-and-breakfast, boarder); Tarrytown Village Code Ch. 305 Art. IV, Single-Family Residential Zones (boarder permits sec. 305-14B(4); ADU 6-month minimum rental term, L.L. 2-2023); Tarrytown Zoning Schedule Column 2, Permitted Principal Uses (hotels in commercial/waterfront zones; B&B via compatible use permit in HC District); Tarrytown Village Code Ch. 305 Art. XV, Compatible Use Permits (sec. 305-119); Tarrytown Village Code Ch. 305 Art. VII, Commercial Zones (hotel provisions); Village of Tarrytown Code index on eCode360 (no STR chapter exists); Hudson Independent (Dec 4, 2017): Airbnb enforcement in Tarrytown, Building Inspector Dan Pennella quotes. 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.
Tarrytown short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Tarrytown, NY?
Tarrytown's zoning code defines "dwelling" to exclude "accommodations used for transient occupancy," so short-term rentals are not a permitted use in any residential zone, and the village has enforced this against Airbnb hosts (fines up to $250/day). The only narrow lodging paths are a bed-and-breakfast by compatible use permit in the Historic Commons District and hotels in certain commercial/waterfront zones; the building inspector has stated that renting an entire home is tolerated only while it remains the host's primary residence.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Tarrytown?
Village Code sec. 305-5 defines 'dwelling' (one-family, two-family, multifamily, dwelling group) to exclude 'a rooming house, hotel, motel, tourist home, automobile court or other accommodations used for transient occupancy', so transient occupancy is not a permitted residential use in any zone.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Tarrytown, 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 Tarrytown?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Tarrytown (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 Tarrytown's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Tarrytown property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
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