Residents Weigh In On Short-Term Rental Law

Some Clinton residents shared their thoughts on the Village of Clinton’s proposed law to have short-term rental owners register.

The law, which was not voted on at last week’s meeting, is being created to keep the character of neighborhoods and to have the village know where these rentals are, Mayor Elizabeth Tantillo said.

The meeting opened with a public hearing on the regulations. If approved all short-term rentals and bed and breakfast spots would be required to list with the village.

This comes as Oneida County began a similar process this month.

The county is requiring all short-term rentals register and pay a registration fee plus an occupancy tax per rental.

The county has also outlined regulations that have to be followed by the owner.

Clinton’s proposed regulations have no regulations other than a suggested maximum of 25 such units in the village and limiting how close two such units can be to each other.

Nora Revenaugh, 8 Utica St., said there were no exceptions for places like hers that are owner-occupied.

She said the freedom to rent out your own property has benefits to both parties.

Joe McHarris, 14 Williams St., also is a local realtor.

He said he never had a client who asked to buy a house to use an Airbnb, although some parents look to buy a house for their students to use.

McHarris said his two guest suites are rented to people visiting Hamilton College.

“We have a need for short-term housing we do not fill,’’ he said. ...