Date set for public forum on proposed short-term rental law

The Village of Trumansburg’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Revision Committee has announced the release of the initial draft of a comprehensive short-term rental law.

A public forum is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Meeting Hall to offer community members a chance to hear more about the draft and voice their concerns.

The committee says that the draft represents a step forward in the village’s efforts to ensure sustainable growth while preserving the character of Trumansburg. The village defines a short-term rental as any dwelling unit or guest room occupied for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days by someone other than the owner, for which payment is made to the owner.

As written, the draft acknowledges the benefits of short-term rentals to community members, such as increased revenue for homeowners and promoting local businesses by providing a place to stay for tourists visiting the area, but it also seeks to discourage disruptions to permanent residents and the removal of long-term housing options. 

The proposed short-term rental law includes mandatory registration and permit requirements, building and fire code inspections, a provision for permit revocation in the event of noncompliance and a sunset provision that requires periodic board review to “ensure the law’s effectiveness.” 

The provision calls for the law as written to expire after three years, allowing the village to decide whether to renew or amend short-term rentals.  

“The trial length is something we are looking for feedback on,” said committee Chair Ben Darfler, who also serves as a trustee on the village board. “Three years felt long enough to observe how the short-term rental market evolves in Trumansburg without being too long before revisiting the conversation. It also gives time to see if any other state-level regulations or court cases come along that impact short-term rentals. Of course, if something really dramatic changes, the board can revisit the law sooner. The value of the three-year trial is that it forces the board to have to revisit the law at that time.”

Permits will expire after two years, and then owners would need to reapply for another permit.

The committee says it is seeking feedback from residents, property owners and other interested parties to refine the proposal before sending the draft law to the village board for further consideration and potential adoption in 2024.

As for the final adoption of a law, Darfler says an exact timeline is difficult to pinpoint. 

“Every step along the way includes an opportunity for feedback and, if meaningful changes are made in response to that feedback, then another round of feedback is usually warranted, which then extends the timeline,” he explained.

The committee will move through one or more cycles of hosting public forums and making revisions until it is comfortable with the draft, which will then be passed to the full village board for consideration. The board will then host a public hearing and make revisions or request the committee to make adjustments until it’s comfortable with the draft.

“Only then could the village board move to a vote,” said Darfler. “All told, I would expect this process to stretch on for six to 12 months.”

A Frequently Asked Questions document accompanies the draft law, aiming to provide clarity on the proposed regulations. The document can be reviewed by visiting https://trumansburg-ny.gov/boards and clicking Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Revision.

Darfler says that the committee is hearing positive feedback about the oversight that this approach brings, regarding permits (and their potential revocation) as well as building and fire inspections.

“I believe that honest short-term rental owners welcome that level of oversight, and concerned residents welcome at least that level of review and structure,” he said. “I also expect concerned residents will appreciate the sunset clause that requires the village board to keep an eye on short-term rentals and their impacts, both positive and negative, on the village.”

According to the committee, the community was surveyed about various topics as part of the comprehensive plan, with 90% of respondents stating they want short-term rentals to remain legal in the village.

Community members are encouraged to email PublicComment@trumansburg-ny.gov to provide comments or feedback remotely.

Trumansburg Connection appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com or courtney.rehfeldt@gmail.com.

In brief:

Gems of the Finger Lakes: Grassroots Unplugged

Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (TCFA) will host a two-day music event Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, from 12:30 to 10 p.m. each day. 

Festival proceeds will support TCFA’s capital campaign to restore the building. 

A one-day pass is $45, and a two-day weekend pass is $80. Children 12 and under are free. 

The event features over a dozen bands on both an outdoor stage and indoor stage, including Bob & Dee, Cosmo Curry & the Perry City Playboys, Jeb & Friends, Madd Daddy (Maddy and Ted Walsh), Motherwort, Notorious Stringbusters, Richie & Rosie, Road Man, Rose and The Bros, Sim Redmond Band, Small Kings, Thousands of One, Toivo and Tenzin with Emmett Scott.

Additional events include children’s activities, face painting, plein-air painting on the front lawn and a silent auction with reserve prices featuring gems from Mark Oros Gems.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting tburgconservatory.org.

Chamber Music at New Park

A music festival is planned for Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. at New Park, located at 1500 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca.

Enjoy world-class musicians from the International Tchaikovsky Competition, Sphinx Competition, National Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada, Canadian Opera Company, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Sarasota Opera Orchestra and more in a relaxed and natural venue. ​Enjoy local food, drinks and more.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $10 for children 12+. Children under 12 are free, and college students are $20 with a student ID. Group rates and discounts are available; email chambermusicatnewpark@gmail.com for more information.

Free parking is available on site. A limited number of handicapped parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis (notify staff upon arrival). 

Tickets are available by visiting chambermusicatnewpark.com and at the door.