Hearing Set On New Law For Short-Term Rentals

Residents of Clinton and those who own short-term rentals in the Village can weigh in on a proposed law to regulate the rentals.

Board members and Village Attorney William Schmitt discussed the draft of the law at last week’s Village Board meeting.

The Village’s regulations go along with ones put in place by Oneida County that begin Jan. 1.

Like the county, Clinton will require owners of Bed and Breakfasts and Airbnbs to register.

The Clinton discussion centered on two concerns: how many overall short-term rentals should be in the Village and the proximity of them to each other.

Mayor Elizabeth Tantillo said the goal is to preserve Clinton’s neighborhoods and residential areas.

“We don’t want people buying property just for Airbnbs,’’ she said. “That reduces housing.’’

Schmitt suggested the distance between two short-term rentals could be at least 100 feet and/or three zoning parcels.

Existing rentals would not be grandfathered in, so those who register first would have the advantage of not needing a zoning variance if the proximity is a problem.

All rentals will require off-street parking for renters.

Any change in ownership of the property will require the new owner to register.

The public hearing for input by the community is at the Board’s next meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 14.

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