The Village of Pittsford is considering whether to allow some existing short-term rentals to keep operating despite restrictions adopted in 2024.
To maintain the quality and character of Pittsford, trustees adopted a law that banned short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb and Vrbo, from allowing guests to stay less than 30 days. Rentals are allowed if the property is owner-occupied.
Any property owner who rents or plans to rent a property for short-term or long-term occupancy must register through the village’s rental property registration program.
Property owners were given 15 months to comply with the new rules.
Village officials adopted the restrictions amid concerns about housing availability and the effect short-term rentals can
have on residential neighborhoods.
During the Board of Trustees meeting Sept. 22, Mayor Alysa Plummer said she would like the board to consider grandfathering in the remaining rentals that existed before the law, allowing them to continue operations. "They've done nothing wrong essentially and there haven't been any complaints; there's only six left with the original owners," Plummer said. "I would like the board to consider that they've made investments; they're part of our community."
Plummer suggested a moratorium that would allow those properties to continue operating as short-term rentals while they remain under their current ownership. If a property were sold, the exemption would end.
Some trustees opposed revisiting the restrictions. Trustee Lisa Cove said the board had already spent considerable time on the issue and should move forward with the law.
Trustees ultimately tabled the proposed moratorium, leaving the issue to be reconsidered at a future meeting.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Pittsford may let some Airbnb rentals stay despite restrictions
