Lake George Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-07-03
TL;DR
Lake George requires Residential Rental Permit ($100) with no primary-residence requirement. Combined tax rate is 11%. No annual day limit.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Residential Rental Permit ($100)
Primary Residence Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit
Tax Rate 11%
Max Penalty $350 per day + revocation risk
Insurance ✓ Required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Residential Rental Permit

FeeAmount
Initial cost$100
Renewal$100 / 1 year

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply to the Town Planning & Zoning Office; requires proof of homeowner's insurance and proof of (or scheduled) Warren County Building Codes & Fire Prevention property maintenance/fire code inspection; permit is valid for the calendar year and must be renewed annually by June 1 to avoid a doubled late fee.

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
New York State & Warren County Sales Tax 7% New York State / Warren County
Warren County Occupancy Tax (Bed Tax) 4% Warren County

Combined rate: 11% of gross rental income.

Collection: Owners/operators (or booking services facilitating the rental) register with and remit occupancy tax directly to the Warren County Treasurer's Office, in addition to registering as NY State sales tax vendors for state/local sales tax

Filing: Annually, quarterly, or monthly (filer's choice at registration) for Warren County occupancy tax

Rental Limits

Lake George does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Based on bedroom count and/or livable square footage as calculated by Warren County Building Codes and Fire Prevention during the required property maintenance inspection; capped at 2 persons per bedroom where septic capacity is inadequate

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-term rentals (30 days or less) require a Residential Rental permit and are prohibited outright in the RM-1, RM-2, RH, RR and LC zoning districts. In other districts, permits may be issued via the Planning and Zoning Office, subject to Site Plan Review if parking, garbage, occupancy, septic, or emergency-contact requirements are not adequately addressed. Pre-existing non-conforming rentals in now-restricted districts may be grandfathered under specific conditions.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Liability insurance is required for the property's use as a short-term rental, though the required coverage amount is not publicly specified.

Safety & Operating Requirements

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Lake George:

  1. Meet safety requirements. Functioning smoke detector and CO monitor in compliance with NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Warren County Building Codes and Fire Prevention property maintenance inspection prior to permit issuance. Occupancy limits based on bedroom count/livable square footage and septic system capacity, max 2 persons per bedroom.
  2. Obtain liability insurance. Required for property's use as a short-term rental.
  3. Apply for Residential Rental Permit. Submit application + $100 fee.
  4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Warren County Treasurer's Office.
  5. Collect and remit taxes. 11% on all bookings.
  6. Renew annually. $100 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Lake George?
Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Lake George requires a Residential Rental Permit.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Lake George?
A Residential Rental Permit in Lake George costs $100 per year.
Does Lake George require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
No. Lake George allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Lake George?
Lake George does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.
What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Lake George?
Short-term rental stays in Lake George are subject to a combined 11% in lodging taxes. This combines 7% New York State & Warren County Sales Tax + 4% Warren County Occupancy Tax (Bed Tax). The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Lake George?
Operating without a permit can cost up to $350 per day.

Official Sources

  1. Town of Lake George — Application for Residential Rentals (Short-Term Rental Permit)
  2. Town of Lake George — Application for Residential Short Term Rentals – Renewal
  3. Town of Lake George — Fee Schedule (Chapter 75)
  4. Town of Lake George, NY — Local Law No. 6-2020 (Chapter 175-37 and 175-52(B) — Short-Term Rentals)
  5. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance — Sales tax on short-term rental unit occupancy
  6. New York State Publication 718 — Sales and Use Tax Rates by Jurisdiction (2/25)
  7. County of Warren, NY — Local Law No. 5 of 2018 (Warren County Occupancy Tax Law)
  8. Warren County, NY — Short Term Rentals/Occupancy Tax