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Mamakating looks to add short-term rentals to zoning codes

Vincent Kurzrock
Posted 10/29/24

WURTSBORO   — At the behest of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, towns around the state are beginning to incorporate language for short-term rentals (STRs) with …

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Mamakating looks to add short-term rentals to zoning codes

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WURTSBORO  — At the behest of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, towns around the state are beginning to incorporate language for short-term rentals (STRs) with their zoning codes, with Mamakating looking to join those ranks.

In pursuit of that, the town held a public hearing during their Tuesday meeting for a proposed Local Law that, if passed, would alter the town’s current zoning codes to include STRs.

Town Supervisor Michael Robbins stated that the Public Hearing will also remain open for the next two weeks until November 6 to collect more input.

Residents’ concerns heard

Five meeting attendees came to the Board with questions answered by the Board about the additional chapter to the Local Law in addition to their own comments. One of the highlights was town resident, Cathy Dawkins.

She inquired about a part within the law that stated the permit for the Short-Term Rentals would be valid for a year. Robbins confirmed that there was going to be a start date and an end date.

Dawkins also noted concern on the matter of maximum occupancy for STRs.

The next up to speak was Matthew Bremer, a Mamakating resident and short term property owner of five years.

He thanked the Board for running what he felt was due-diligence for many years.

“I do feel like everyone who’s at the table and everyone who is in the room feels some type of inclusion on this,” stated Bremer. “I do think at this point time would be of the essence to get some real legislation on the Boards.”

One of the concerns he brought up was the time frame of the one year. He emphasized the feeling of shortness on this time.

“We’ve talked to the Building Department and four months before you run out you’re going to get an email,” answered Robbins.

Two Zoom users spoke as well, sharing a mutual concern about the aspect of “notifying adjacent properties” and what the Board would quantify as adjacent neighbors.

Robbins responded that it would be based on how far a distance is from one another.

Councilman Tyler Wood clarified that it would be similar to going to the Zoning Board and needing to notify your neighbors within “400 or 500 feet”.

“That’s not in here so that’s something we’ll have to look at before we pass this Law,” Robbins answered.

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