An Update on Short-Term Rental Regulations

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Short-term rental regulations in Saratoga Springs will likely entail significantly lower licensing fees than originally proposed, Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran said during a July 2 city council meeting.

Moran updated residents on future plans for short-term rentals after his initial proposal attracted controversy in February for, among other things, a $1,000 licensing fee.

The details of an updated proposal are still being ironed out, but Moran said that recent state regulations have impacted the city’s plans. Moran expects the state to have a software solution for its registration requirement, meaning that Saratoga Springs will have a licensing process rather than a local registry.

Because he’s confident that sales and bed taxes will be collected, Moran said that licensing fees could be as little as $50 for homeowners renting out their primary residence. Non-primary residences, however, may incur a steeper fee.

In an effort not to harm those whose income is dependent on short-term rentals, Moran said the city would allow homeowners to rent out their properties for 180 days, or half the year. According to the city’s zoning laws, residential areas are intended for primary residences. As a result, Moran said, those homes cannot be rented out for more than 180 days. 

The revised short-term rental regulations proposal will reflect “a lot of thought, a lot of input, and the best direction for our community,” Moran said. 

Once the revised proposal is unveiled, the city will hold a public hearing to discuss it.