At the Stanford Town Board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12, town officials said most short-term rental operators remain out of compliance as the town begins enforcing its short-term rental law, signaling a shift from outreach to enforcement while also advancing longer-term planning on groundwater quality and emergency medical services.
Town leaders reported that 14 of Stanford’s 32 active short-term rental listings are now permitted, leaving 18 operating without approval.
The update framed a meeting that also included progress on a pending water-quality grant, an EMS service report, and approvals for town appointments.
Board member Eric Haims said enforcement of the town’s short-term rental law is now underway following its effective date of Jan. 1.
Haims said the town first sent a welcome letter in December notifying property owners of the new permitting requirement, followed by a first warning letter in mid-January. A second, more serious warning letter could be issued as early as next month, pending board approval.
The short-term rental law, adopted unanimously by the Town Board last August, allows for up to 55 active short-term rental permits town-wide. Under the law, a short-term rental is defined as the rental of all or part of a dwelling for fewer than 31 consecutive days and requires a permit issued by the Building and Zoning Department. According to town law, fines for noncompliance begin at $250 for a first offense, increase to $500 for a second offense within a year, and a third violation within that same period can result in revocation of the permit.
Permits are valid for two years, are non-transferable, and require a satisfactory inspection by the building inspector, proof of liability and property insurance rated for short-term rental use, documentation of septic and well capacity, and compliance with parking, safety, and occupancy standards. The two-year permit application carries a $500 fee, with renewal required prior to expiration.
Haims said the town has not received any formal complaints to date and that the rollout has proceeded smoothly so far.
Town Supervisor Julia Descoteaux provided an update on emergency medical services, reporting that the town has begun receiving monthly service reports from Empress EMS, the company contracted to provide EMS services to Stanford. According to January data, Stanford recorded 21 EMS calls, all of which were answered. Two calls exceeded a 20-minute response time.
Descoteaux said she has joined a report distribution list following a meeting with Empress representatives and emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear feedback loop between the town, the fire department, and the ambulance provider to ensure service concerns are addressed promptly.
She said the town plans to work closely with the fire department to communicate EMS data and service issues to Dutchess County officials, who are developing a countywide EMS plan at the request of Gov. Hochul.
The board also received an update from the Water Quality Committee, which met Jan. 21 and is awaiting a decision on a grant application with that could fund a multi-year groundwater quality study.
Town officials also received an update on the Haunted Fortress, the town-run seasonal attraction, where organizers said major design work is complete and operational improvements are under review.
“The scenes for the Haunted Fortress have pretty much been cemented,” Town Board member Teddy Secor said. He added that the town is exploring installing Wi-Fi at the ticket booth to allow credit card payments. Ticket prices will remain unchanged at $10 for children and seniors and $15 for adults.
The board approved several appointments, including Jenna Cort as program assistant and recreation leader, Tom Heath as interim building inspector, Rick Antonoff to the Planning Board, and Town Board member Charlie Cunningham to the Zoning Commission.
The next Stanford Town Board meeting is scheduled for March 12.