The Town of Ellicottville is now accepting applications for the newly passed short-term rental (STR) regulations, and the deadline to comply is quickly approaching.
If you are currently renting your property — or planning to start — you must apply for a license to continue operating legally. Submitting your application before the compliance deadline is critical, especially with the Town preparing to establish a cap on the number of licenses available for secondary residences.
If your property is located within the Town of Ellicottville — not the Village of Ellicottville or Great Valley — these new requirements apply to you.
Understanding the New License Requirement
Under the new ordinance, all short-term rentals within the Town of Ellicottville must obtain a valid license before accepting guests. Licenses are issued for one year and will expire every February 28, regardless of when they are granted. Renewal applications must be submitted ahead of expiration to avoid gaps in operation. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your ability to legally rent until a new application is approved — and space for licenses could become limited.
You can access and download the application here:
👉 Town of Ellicottville Short-Term Rental Application (PDF)
Primary vs. Secondary Residences
The Town now separates properties into two groups: primary residences and secondary residences.
A primary residence is defined as a property where the owner lives at least 184 days a year. Owners of primary residences are eligible for a license without any cap, and the annual application fee is $200. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or tax record, must be submitted with the application.
Secondary residences — including vacation and investment properties — are subject to a cap. The maximum number of licenses for secondary residences will be determined based on how many are issued in the first year. After that, owners can only hold one secondary residence license unless grandfathered in. The license fee for secondary residences is $700 per year.
Occupancy and Guest Limits
Occupancy is now formally regulated. For standard homes, the limit is two guests per legal bedroom, plus two additional guests for the overall dwelling. For example, a two-bedroom property would be permitted to host six overnight guests.
Studio or efficiency units have slightly different rules, allowing one guest per 120 square feet of living space, up to a maximum of three guests.
During the daytime hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the number of allowed guests doubles — so a property permitted to host six overnight guests could host up to twelve daytime visitors.
Operational Requirements for STR Owners
Every STR must have a designated local contact available 24/7 who can physically respond to the property within one hour if there is a complaint, issue, or emergency. This information, along with the owner’s contact details, must be shared with adjacent property owners.
Additionally, all properties must pass a safety inspection prior to licensing approval and at each annual renewal. Properties must have working smoke detectors in each bedroom and hallway, carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas, fire extinguishers placed near exits and in kitchens, unobstructed emergency exits, and safely maintained electrical and heating systems.
These safety measures will be strictly enforced to protect both guests and neighbors.
Advertising and Property Standards
Listings on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and other platforms must clearly display the property’s town-issued license number. Advertising a rental for more guests than the license permits, or omitting the license number, will be considered a violation.
Guest parking must be contained entirely on the property itself — no parking on streets, lawns, or landscaped areas. Trash must be securely stored in covered containers and collected at least weekly.
The regulations also prohibit the use of properties for events like weddings, corporate gatherings, or other large functions. Rentals must be used strictly for lodging purposes, and tents, campers, and other temporary sleeping accommodations are not allowed.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating the new rules carries significant penalties. Fines can range from $1,000 to $4,000 based on the seriousness of the violation. Repeated offenses could result in license suspension or revocation. Additionally, unpaid fines could be added to the property’s tax bill, creating long-term financial impacts.
Deadline to Comply
The Town’s deadline to comply is approaching quickly. If you intend to continue renting your property short-term in 2025, it’s critical to submit your application, schedule inspections, and complete any necessary improvements now.
👉 Download the Application Here
How EVL Property Rentals Can Help
At EVL Property Rentals, we have over five years of experience managing short-term rentals in Ellicottville. Our team handles every aspect of rental management, from listing optimization and guest communications to maintenance coordination and full regulatory compliance.
We can assist owners with the new licensing process, including helping to schedule inspections and identifying any upgrades needed to meet town safety standards. If required, we can coordinate improvements like installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or fire extinguishers using our network of trusted contractors.
Beyond compliance, we offer full-service management to ensure your property remains profitable and protected — while freeing you from the day-to-day workload that short-term rentals demand.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you navigate these new changes and maximize your rental success, please reach out.
We would be happy to discuss how we can help you continue operating smoothly — and compliantly — under the new regulations.