Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Canandaigua?

**Yes**, Canandaigua requires a Short-Term Rental License to operate legally. You need to obtain this license from the City Clerk, which involves paying a $150 fee every two years. This also includes passing a mandatory fire safety inspection to ensure compliance with local regulations per Chapter 712. (53 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Canandaigua?

**3%** is the local lodging tax rate for short-term rentals in Canandaigua. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests in addition to the standard New York state sales tax. You need to file quarterly tax returns with the city to remit the collected tax, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations. (53 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Canandaigua?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Canandaigua, subject to specific regulations. You must obtain a Short-Term Rental License and comply with safety inspection requirements. Additionally, hosts need to provide guests with a 24/7 local contact and adhere to occupancy limits, which are typically two people per bedroom plus two, according to Chapter 712. (54 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Canandaigua?

**$150** is the fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Canandaigua. You need to pay this fee every two years to maintain a valid license. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the application and conducting the required safety inspections, ensuring that all rental properties meet the city's standards. (52 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Canandaigua?

**No**, renters are not allowed to host on Airbnb in Canandaigua. The regulations stipulate that only property owners can obtain a Short-Term Rental License. You need to own the property and meet all other requirements, including safety inspections and tax obligations, to legally operate a short-term rental within the city limits. (51 words)

Canandaigua

Moderate

New YorkUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Canandaigua regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 712 of the Municipal Code, requiring a biennial license and a safety inspection. Hosts must collect a 3% local lodging tax in addition to New York state sales tax.

Restriction level

Severity 21

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $150
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in the City of Canandaigua, you must first obtain a Short-Term Rental License from the City Clerk. This process involves paying a $150 fee every two years and passing a mandatory fire safety inspection. You must also provide guests with a 24/7 local contact and ensure you don't exceed the occupancy limit (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2). Remember that you are responsible for filing quarterly tax returns with the city to pay the 3% lodging tax.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$150

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify your jurisdiction: The Town of Canandaigua and City of Canandaigua have different rules.
2A mandatory fire safety inspection must be completed before you can start hosting.
3The maximum occupancy is strictly enforced (2 per bedroom + 2, max 10 total).
4You must have a property manager or local contact available 24/7 who can respond within 30 minutes.
5Quiet hours (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) must be posted inside the unit.
6The license is valid for two years and must be renewed 30 days before expiration.
7Stays of 30 days or more are exempt from the STR license and lodging tax.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Canandaigua prohibits STRs in the following property types: R-1A districts, R-1B districts, Rooming houses, Boarding houses.
Canandaigua requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Within R-2, R-3, and R-L zone districts, the short-term rental unit shall be the owner's primary residence.

Requirements15 rules

Canandaigua: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Canandaigua requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Must maintain records identifying names and permanent addresses of all renters.
Canandaigua STR warning: A 2-night minimum stay is required for every booking.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Canandaigua: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Confirm your property is not in R-1A or R-1B districts where STRs are prohibited. Estimated time: 1 day. Step 2: Primary Residence Verification - If in R-2, R-3, or R-L, prepare documentation proving the unit is your primary residence. Documents needed: ID, Tax records, Utility bills. Estimated time: 1 week. Step 3: Rental Inspection - Schedule and pass a rental inspection through the City of Canandaigua Rental Inspection Program. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/index.asp?SEC=6D57A04D-4E14-4A82-9721-F992BA58B438&Type=B_BASIC Step 4: Planning Commission Application - Submit a Special Use Permit application to the Planning Commission including site and floor plans. Documents needed: Application form, Site plan, Parking plan. Estimated time: 3-6 weeks. More info: https://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/vertical/sites/%7B9073356D-6316-4318-A7D0-0D62283A4126%7D/uploads/Planning_Commission_Short_Term_Rental_Application.pdf

Taxes4 rules

Canandaigua charges a City Room Occupancy Tax of 3%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect Ontario County taxes; hosts should verify if the specific 3% City portion is remitted by platform or requires direct filing.
Canandaigua: Total occupancy can never exceed 10 guests, regardless of the size of the house.

Limits & restrictions10 rules

Canandaigua limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: Planning Commission determines on case-by-case basis, but absolute maximum is 10 guests.
Canandaigua enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city noise ordinance; considerations of neighbor compatibility part of SUP review..
Canandaigua limits STRs to 60 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.

Safety requirements1 rule

Canandaigua requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Compliance with Chapter 748 Housing Standards, NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code compliance, Sufficient off-street parking as determined by Planning Commission.

Penalties2 rules

Canandaigua enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Subject to fine and permit review. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Canandaigua: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Canandaigua exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Canandaigua: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Canandaigua

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Ensure your property is located within a permitted zone and meets the dwelling type requirements (Single or Two-family).

1 day

Step 2

Gather Documentation

Prepare site plans, floor plans with egress, and proof of $500k liability insurance.

1 week

Documents needed

Certificate of Insurance
Floor Plan
Site Plan

Step 3

Submit Application and Fee

Submit the completed Short-Term Rental License application and the $150 biennial fee to the City Clerk's office.

1 day$150

Documents needed

Completed application form

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

A fire inspection must be scheduled and passed before the license is issued.

1-2 weeksFree

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Canandaigua

Moderate

New YorkUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 21

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $150
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$150

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify your jurisdiction: The Town of Canandaigua and City of Canandaigua have different rules.
2A mandatory fire safety inspection must be completed before you can start hosting.
3The maximum occupancy is strictly enforced (2 per bedroom + 2, max 10 total).
4You must have a property manager or local contact available 24/7 who can respond within 30 minutes.
5Quiet hours (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) must be posted inside the unit.
6The license is valid for two years and must be renewed 30 days before expiration.
7Stays of 30 days or more are exempt from the STR license and lodging tax.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility9 rules

Canandaigua prohibits STRs in the following property types: R-1A districts, R-1B districts, Rooming houses, Boarding houses.
Canandaigua requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Within R-2, R-3, and R-L zone districts, the short-term rental unit shall be the owner's primary residence.

Requirements15 rules

Canandaigua: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Canandaigua requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Must maintain records identifying names and permanent addresses of all renters.
Canandaigua STR warning: A 2-night minimum stay is required for every booking.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Canandaigua: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Confirm your property is not in R-1A or R-1B districts where STRs are prohibited. Estimated time: 1 day. Step 2: Primary Residence Verification - If in R-2, R-3, or R-L, prepare documentation proving the unit is your primary residence. Documents needed: ID, Tax records, Utility bills. Estimated time: 1 week. Step 3: Rental Inspection - Schedule and pass a rental inspection through the City of Canandaigua Rental Inspection Program. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/index.asp?SEC=6D57A04D-4E14-4A82-9721-F992BA58B438&Type=B_BASIC Step 4: Planning Commission Application - Submit a Special Use Permit application to the Planning Commission including site and floor plans. Documents needed: Application form, Site plan, Parking plan. Estimated time: 3-6 weeks. More info: https://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/vertical/sites/%7B9073356D-6316-4318-A7D0-0D62283A4126%7D/uploads/Planning_Commission_Short_Term_Rental_Application.pdf

Taxes4 rules

Canandaigua charges a City Room Occupancy Tax of 3%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect Ontario County taxes; hosts should verify if the specific 3% City portion is remitted by platform or requires direct filing.
Canandaigua: Total occupancy can never exceed 10 guests, regardless of the size of the house.

Limits & restrictions10 rules

Canandaigua limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: Planning Commission determines on case-by-case basis, but absolute maximum is 10 guests.
Canandaigua enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city noise ordinance; considerations of neighbor compatibility part of SUP review..
Canandaigua limits STRs to 60 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.

Safety requirements1 rule

Canandaigua requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Compliance with Chapter 748 Housing Standards, NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code compliance, Sufficient off-street parking as determined by Planning Commission.

Penalties2 rules

Canandaigua enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Subject to fine and permit review. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Canandaigua: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Canandaigua exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Canandaigua: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Canandaigua

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Ensure your property is located within a permitted zone and meets the dwelling type requirements (Single or Two-family).

1 day

Step 2

Gather Documentation

Prepare site plans, floor plans with egress, and proof of $500k liability insurance.

1 week

Documents needed

Certificate of Insurance
Floor Plan
Site Plan

Step 3

Submit Application and Fee

Submit the completed Short-Term Rental License application and the $150 biennial fee to the City Clerk's office.

1 day$150

Documents needed

Completed application form

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

A fire inspection must be scheduled and passed before the license is issued.

1-2 weeksFree

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Gather Documentation

Submit Application and Fee

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Canandaigua?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Canandaigua?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Canandaigua?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Canandaigua?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Canandaigua?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Gather Documentation

Submit Application and Fee

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Canandaigua?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Canandaigua?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Canandaigua?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Canandaigua?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Canandaigua?

Disclaimer