The Stanford Town Board is weighing its first-ever regulations on short-term rentals, including a proposed cap of 55 units and a local permit system, following a public workshop held June 26.
The draft law, as written, would only apply to single family residences and define short-term rentals (STRs) as stays of 31 days or fewer. It would require hosts to obtain permits, renewable every two years.
The board estimates there are currently 51 STRs in Stanford operated by 38 owners, but town officials said they cannot access more detailed records from the county’s STR registry — managed by the third-party vendor Granicus — due to the absence of local STR regulations.
“I wanted to have what we’re calling an informal workshop so we can get public comments before we actually introduce the law,” said Town Supervisor Wendy Burton. She added that the board hopes to adopt a more “streamlined” process for introducing legislation in the future.
Under the drafted law, permits would be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to owners already registered with Dutchess County. A 90-day window would allow those existing hosts to retain priority.
Town Attorney Robert Butts said the local law is intended to preserve municipal oversight ahead of a new state law taking effect Sept. 23, which will establish a statewide STR registry. “With our law, there is a limit on the number of units that could be permitted,” Butts said. “There would be no limit under the state law.”
Board member Nathan Lavertue, who helped draft the proposal, said adopting a local ordinance now is critical. “By putting this law in place, it would allow for the town to maintain control over the STR registry rather than it being managed by the county or state,” he said.
Roughly a dozen residents spoke at the meeting, expressing mixed views. Some longtime Airbnb hosts voiced concern about red tape, potential overreach, and questioned the need for local regulations at all. “I didn’t have to do it before, and now all of a sudden you’re dumping this on me,” one said.
Others welcomed local oversight. “It is a commercial industry and it does need some local control and regulation,” one attendee said. “I appreciate that you are drafting this law now.”
Residents also raised questions about enforcement and fairness, including whether allowing multiple units per permit holder could lead to corporate consolidation. The board said they may consider revising the drafted law to cap the number of units per individual.
The board expects to finalize the law in July, with a formal public hearing to come in August and a vote anticipated shortly after.