Cheektowaga’s New Short-Term Rental Law: What You Need to Know As of August 28, 2025, Cheektowaga is on the brink of a significant shift in how short-term rentals (STRs), like those found on Airbnb and VRBO, are managed within the town. A comprehensive new law is nearing implementation, aiming to strike a crucial balance between the economic advantages these rentals offer and the need to maintain the character and quality of life in our residential neighborhoods. This isn’t just about rules; it’s about ensuring Cheektowaga remains a vibrant and livable community for everyone. For months, the town board has been diligently working on this legislation, listening to community feedback, and refining the details. The goal is clear: to create a framework that promotes public welfare and safeguards the integrity of our neighborhoods. We understand that short-term rentals can bring economic benefits, but we also recognize the concerns about potential impacts like increased noise and changes to neighborhood dynamics. This new law is designed to address those concerns head-on, ensuring that short-term rentals can coexist harmoniously with long-term residents. The Foundation: Balancing Community and Commerce At its heart, Cheektowaga’s proposed legislation is built on a foundation of protecting public welfare and preserving the unique character of our residential areas. The town acknowledges that unchecked short-term rentals can disrupt the fabric of our neighborhoods. Therefore, this law seeks a delicate equilibrium: allowing property owners to benefit from their investments while simultaneously ensuring that the quality of life for permanent residents is not compromised. This means that short-term rentals must be compatible with their surroundings and not detract from the established feel of our neighborhoods. Furthermore, the legislation is committed to upholding health and safety standards for everyone involved – from the short-term guests to the families living next door. It’s about creating a safe and responsible environment for all. Who’s Affected? Understanding the Scope The new regulations are designed to apply across the board to all dwelling units in Cheektowaga that are offered as short-term rentals, regardless of their zoning classification. This town-wide approach ensures a consistent standard for managing these accommodations. A key aspect of the law is a straightforward presumption: if a property isn’t occupied by its legal owner, it’s presumed to be rented for a fee, simplifying the identification of properties that fall under these new rules. It’s important to note that these regulations are intended to complement, not replace, existing state and local laws. In any instance where there might be a conflict between this new law and other ordinances, the stricter or more restrictive provision will always take precedence, ensuring the highest level of protection and compliance. Navigating the New Landscape: Permits and Licensing A cornerstone of Cheektowaga’s new approach is the introduction of a mandatory permit and licensing system for all short-term rental operators. To operate legally, owners will need to register with both Erie County for occupancy tax purposes and with the Town of Cheektowaga to secure a revocable short-term rental permit. This permit will be valid for two years and requires renewal at least 45 days before its expiration to ensure continuous compliance. The town plans to maintain a public registry of all permitted short-term rentals, promoting transparency and accountability within the system. Annual Renewals and Staying Compliant The proposed permit structure includes an annual renewal requirement. To keep their permits active, hosts will need to demonstrate an absence of complaints and a consistent adherence to all town regulations. This system is designed to encourage responsible hosting and provide a clear pathway for addressing any issues that may arise. The Role of Town Clerk and Code Enforcement The Town Clerk will generally be responsible for issuing permits and collecting associated fees. However, a crucial step before any permit is granted is obtaining a compliance letter from the Town of Cheektowaga’s Code Enforcement Department. This underscores the critical importance of meeting all safety and regulatory standards. Key Standards for Short-Term Rentals: What to Expect The legislation lays out specific standards that all short-term rental properties must meet. These are designed to ensure safety, health, and compatibility with our neighborhoods. Occupancy Limits and Guest Policies To prevent overcrowding and maintain neighborhood peace, strict occupancy limits are being established. Generally, the law will allow two people per legal bedroom, plus an additional two people per unit, with a maximum total of ten occupants. However, the Town of Cheektowaga’s Building Inspector will have the authority to approve higher occupancy in specific cases. Additionally, daytime gatherings, which include individuals who are not overnight guests, will be limited to six additional people. Property Requirements and Safety First All short-term rental properties will need to comply with the Uniform Code, as amended, ensuring a baseline of safety and structural integrity. A critical safety measure mandated by the law is the installation of smoke detectors on each floor of the dwelling. Activities That Are a No-Go To preserve neighborhood aesthetics and safety, certain activities will be prohibited. This includes restrictions on parking recreational vehicles or campers in driveways and a ban on tent camping in yards. Bonfires will also be prohibited, and any permitted fires will be subject to state and local fire bans. Enforcement: Ensuring Accountability A significant aspect of the new law is empowering the town to enforce its provisions effectively. If passed, the town will have the authority to shut down rentals found to be in violation of the established rules. This enforcement capability is vital for ensuring that the regulations have a real impact and that non-compliant operators are held accountable. Revoking Permits for Non-Compliance The proposed legislation includes provisions for revoking permits for hosts who repeatedly violate short-term rental rules. This measure serves as a strong deterrent against irresponsible behavior and ensures the town can take decisive action against problematic rentals. Community Watch: Your Role in Monitoring There’s a strong emphasis on community involvement in overseeing short-term rentals. Council members are encouraging responsible Airbnb and VRBO owners to form committees to monitor and report on problematic rentals. This collaborative approach recognizes that the community itself plays a vital role in identifying and addressing issues related to short-term rentals. Addressing Concerns and Finding Common Ground The development of this legislation has involved careful consideration of feedback from various stakeholders, including residents and short-term rental owners. Town council members have acknowledged the challenge of balancing the economic opportunities offered by short-term rentals with the need to protect the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods. The objective is to create regulations that are fair, enforceable, and do not unfairly burden responsible property owners. Refining the Legislation for Clarity Discussions have highlighted the importance of refining the language and addressing any potential contradictions within the proposed regulatory document. Council members are emphasizing the need for regulations that are clear, unambiguous, and legally sound. This iterative process of review and revision aims to produce a robust and effective piece of legislation. Could a Short-Term Rental Commission Help? One proposal being considered to enhance oversight and directly address community issues is the creation of a dedicated short-term rental commission. Such a commission could serve as a central hub for managing compliance, mediating disputes, and ensuring that community concerns are effectively addressed. Your Voice Matters: Community Feedback and Public Hearings The town has actively sought public input throughout the development of these regulations. Public hearings have been scheduled, and the period for public comment has been extended to ensure all perspectives are thoroughly considered. This inclusive approach is vital for building consensus and ensuring the final law truly reflects the needs and concerns of the Cheektowaga community. Gathering Input from All Sides Feedback from both residents who may be impacted by short-term rentals and from the short-term rental owners themselves has been instrumental in shaping the proposed law. This dialogue aims to foster understanding and find common ground on the best path forward. Looking Ahead: Future Hearings and Finalization The town board has indicated its intention to hold further public hearings to allow for additional input and refinement of the proposed regulations. This commitment to public engagement signals a strong desire to finalize a law that is well-received and effectively implemented. Broader Implications and What’s Next Cheektowaga’s developments in short-term rental regulations are part of a larger national conversation about managing the impact of the sharing economy on local communities. As Cheektowaga moves closer to enacting its new law, the outcomes of these discussions will likely be closely watched by other municipalities facing similar challenges. The town’s efforts to create a balanced and enforceable regulatory framework could serve as a valuable model for other communities navigating the complexities of short-term rentals. Learning from Others Cheektowaga’s approach to regulating short-term rentals may also involve learning from the experiences of other towns and cities that have already implemented similar measures. Understanding what has worked well and what challenges have arisen elsewhere can inform Cheektowaga’s own strategy. The Economic Ripple Effect The new regulations will undoubtedly have an impact on the local tourism economy. The town’s goal is to manage this impact in a way that supports sustainable tourism growth without compromising the residential fabric of our community. Adapting for the Future It’s likely that the town will maintain a process for continuous review and adaptation of these regulations as the short-term rental market evolves. This flexibility will be key to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the new law. Key Takeaways for Cheektowaga Residents and Hosts: * **Permit Required:** All short-term rental operators will need to obtain a permit from the Town of Cheektowaga, requiring registration with both the town and Erie County. * **Safety First:** Properties must meet specific safety standards, including the installation of smoke detectors on each floor. * **Occupancy Limits:** Strict limits on the number of guests and daytime visitors will be enforced to maintain neighborhood peace. * **Enforcement Power:** The town will have the authority to shut down non-compliant rentals and revoke permits. * **Community Involvement:** Residents and responsible hosts are encouraged to participate in monitoring and reporting. This new legislation represents a significant step forward in managing short-term rentals in Cheektowaga. By establishing clear rules and fostering a collaborative approach, the town aims to ensure that short-term rentals contribute positively to our community while preserving the residential character that makes Cheektowaga a great place to live. *** **Disclaimer:** This blog post provides a general overview of the proposed short-term rental regulations in Cheektowaga as of August 28, 2025. For the most current and detailed information, please refer to official town documents and announcements.