Oswego County Launches Short-Term Rental Registry

OSWEGO COUNTY – The tourism industry is one of the largest contributors to Oswego County’s economy; helping boost local businesses and enhance residents’ quality of life. According to Empire State Development/I LOVE NEW YORK, visitor spending in 2024 generated $90.9 million in local employment income and $13.8 million in county tax revenue, reducing the burden on residents.

In recognition of this – and changes made to New York State Tax Law and New York State Real Property Law last year – Oswego County created a Short-Term Rental Registry through Local Law Number 2 of 2025.

Starting Monday, Feb. 9, short-term rental property owners are required to register their unit(s) – if they have not done so already – with the County in order to continue operating in accordance with the law.

“Our Legislative body adopted a local law last year that will help give us a better understanding of the need for and present usage of short-term rental units in our housing stock,” said Oswego County Legislator Mary Ellen Chesbro, District 10, chairwoman of the Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee. “This is especially important as we work to improve infrastructure and facilities around the county.

“Knowing where we need to build up housing will help us better meet the needs of our residents while still providing ample opportunities for visitors to come enjoy all the amenities in our backyard,” she continued.

Oswego County Community Development, Tourism and Planning Director Tim Stahl added, “We’ve been using funds from occupancy taxes collected at area hotels to help promote our area and bring in visitors. Now, we’re just adding short-term rentals to the registry, which will allow us to reach a wider audience and really put Oswego County on the map.

“We realize this is a new process for many property owners and hosts, so we are here to help answer any questions and welcome their feedback,” he offered.

Click on Short-Term Rental Registration Application Guide for Oswego County, NY to begin the process. Applications will be reviewed within 30 days of receipt. Once approved, the property will be placed on the Registry and a permit will be issued that must be prominently displayed near the entry of the unit.

The registration fee is $50 every two years.

Short-term rental units vary in use and appearance. Some may be seasonal properties, such as summer camps on the lake or cabins used for hunting or snowmobiling, while others may be a room, an apartment or whole house which is rented for events such as a family reunion, wedding, college graduation or Harborfest. Others are investment properties that are rented out year-round by the week or weekend.

For Oswego County Short-Term Registry purposes, the terms are defined as:

• A short-term rental unit is an entire dwelling, a room, a group of rooms, other living or sleeping spaces or any other space within a dwelling that is made available for rent by guests for less than 30 consecutive days. The unit(s) must be located within the geographical boundaries of Oswego County.
• A short-term rental host is a person or entity in lawful ownership or possession of a short-term rental unit(s) who rents it out to guests in accordance with Oswego County Local Law Number 2 of 2025. This is typically the owner of the property.

The Oswego County Short Term Rental Registry is a county requirement. Its purpose is to preserve and protect the health, character, safety and general welfare of residential neighborhoods and rural areas where these units are operated and mitigate any adverse effects of unregulated short-term rentals.

Property owners or hosts should make sure the use of their property is in compliance with all applicable local code, zoning and land use requirements imposed by the city, town or village where the unit is located.

Oswego County estimates that there are over 500 short-term rentals operating in the county.

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