Short-Term Rental Regulations Discussed in Middletown - Comprehensive Plan Meeting Mar. 26th

MIDDLETOWN - Lissa Harris, member of the Short-Term Rental Committee, presented recommendations at the Middletown Council’s monthly workshop on March 4th.

The committee has been working since October to draft a policy to collect accurate data on short-term rentals and ensure public safety, said Harris. “We had good representation,” she said, adding that the group had individuals from the government, rental property owners, and first responders.

Committee members include Harris, Town Clerk and Margaretville Trustee Sarah Hubbell, Town Assessor Meg Balcom, Josef Schoell, Jason Frome, Alex Waters, Councilmember Brian Sweeney, Margaretville Mayor John Hubbell, and Supervisor Glen Faulkner.

The committee defined a short-term rental as the rental or lease of any dwelling unit for a period of 30 days or less to one entity. Any dwelling unit that is rented or leased for a period of 30 days or more to individuals or families, and that then allows others to occupy the dwelling for periods of less than 30 days, shall be considered a short-term rental unit and will require a permit for such use. Motels, hotels, and bed & breakfasts are excluded from the definition.

Shandaken's rental legislation was used to guide the committee's recommendations, explained Harris. Key requirements include liability insurance, property owner or manager response to emergencies, annual fire and building inspections, and installation of fire safety equipment. The suggested rate structure is a one-time registration fee of $150 and annual fees of $300 for Middletown residents or $400 for non-residents. The committee also outlined noncompliance fines and occupancy, signage, and parking requirements.

The members further suggest the town continue to consider alternative regulations, including a town bed tax.

Harris estimates that the town properties are roughly 15% short-term rentals. With second-home owners, Harris said around 43% of properties are not year-round occupied.

The council acknowledged potential challenges with compliance and enforcement of any adopted law. The recommendations will be reviewed by the board and the town attorney before a public hearing is set.

Other business

A public meeting for the comprehensive plan is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th, at 5 p.m. at Union Grove Distillery in Arkville. A survey is available via the town website at townofmiddletowndelcony.gov or at the town clerk's office. The survey is available until March 19th.

Anyone interested in participating in the Friends of Middletown Cemeteries group should contact Town Historian Diane Galusha at dianegalusha.65@gmail.com or call 845-586-4973.

The water department is seeking funding opportunities to dispose of a large amount of old railroad ties at one of the well sites. John Hubbell said the trucking alone could cost 10s of thousands of dollars.

Faulkner is working with Abundant Solar on the development of a PILOT agreement (Payment in Lieu of Taxes).

The town received $39,000 from the traffic diversion program for 2025. The program allows traffic violators to complete a course and pay a fee instead of going to court.

Faulkner is working with NYSEG representatives to schedule an in-person community informational day in Margaretville.

The next regular board meeting was scheduled Wednesday, Mar. 11, after press time. The next regular workshop is scheduled Wednesday, Mar. 4, at 6 p.m.