PHILIPSTOWN – Officials in the Town of Philipstown are drafting legislation that balances renter safety with property owners’ ability to earn income.
Greater Philipstown, with its scenic beauty found along the Hudson Highlands in Garrison, Manitou, Continental Village, Cold Spring and North Highlands, is home to dozens of Airbnb’s.
Under the proposed rules, short-term rentals would be allowed only in zones permitting single-family homes and only in single- or two-family dwellings or accessory apartments with a certificate of occupancy. Operators would need a permit, renewable every two years, with an initial $90 application fee and a $100 inspection fee from the town’s Building Department.
The town will allow landlords permits for up to three properties if one is used as a primary residence for up to 260 days per year.
Bedrooms must consist of at least 70 square feet with ceilings at least seven feet high and walls seven feet wide, have access to a bathroom, contain at least two exits, one of which must be a door or window.
The proposed law would limit occupancy to two guests per room, except when the additional guest is a child aged five or younger.
Property owners will also be required to book one party at a time and must provide off street parking.
The town is also proposing that hosts ensure their guests “do not create unreasonable noise, engage in disorderly conduct, consume large amounts of alcohol or use illegal drugs.”
Violating the regulations would carry a fine of $1,000 for the first offense, $2,000 and a ban on renting for the rest of the year for the second offense and $5,000 and a four-year ban for a third offense.
The town will hold a public hearing on the proposed law next month.
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