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Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals in Utica, NY: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Utica or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Utica has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Utica regulates short-term rentals (30 days or less) through its Zoning Code. They are prohibited in R1 single-family zones, allowed after Department Review in CBD, UMU and NMU districts, and require a Special Use Permit plus Site Plan Review in the RM district.

Key details: STR definition: Rental 30 days or less. R1 single-family: Prohibited. CBD/UMU/NMU: Department Review. RM district: Special Use Permit + Site Plan. Reviewed by: Codes / Planning Board.

Operating an STR without required zoning approval is a zoning violation enforced by the Codes Department; unpermitted use in a prohibited district can be ordered to cease.

Taxes & Fees

Short-term rentals in Utica are subject to Oneida County's 5% hotel and motel occupancy (bed) tax, plus the 8.75% combined New York State and Oneida County sales tax. Booking platforms generally collect and remit these; independent hosts must collect and remit them directly.

Key details: County occupancy tax: 5% hotel/motel. Combined sales tax: 8.75%. State sales tax: 4%. County sales tax: 4.75%. Platform remits tax: Usually yes.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy tax exposes the host to liability to Oneida County for the unpaid tax; unregistered hosts are barred from listing until compliant.

The Bottom Line

Utica's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Utica is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Utica's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.