Office of the Mayor
City of Niagara Falls

For Immediate Release

Mayor Restaino announces new Short-Term Rental

Compliance Program for Niagara Falls

(Niagara Falls, New York – June 10, 2022) Mayor Robert Restaino and the City of Niagara Falls announced today the launch of a new compliance program that will streamline the implementation of local rules and regulations for Short-Term Rentals (STR). This program makes enforcement simpler, fairer, and more effective for the entire community.

Under the new program, property owners of Short-Term Rentals, such as those listed on various advertising platforms, will be able to easily apply for a permit, complete required paperwork, and pay taxes and fees. The program will also provide resources for Niagara Falls residents to help ensure the compliance of STR properties in their neighborhoods.

“The new compliance program provides resources that allow us to fairly enforce our community’s short-term rental rules,” said Mayor Robert Restaino. “Our priority is to make the home-sharing economy work for everyone in Niagara Falls, whether they’re a property owner, manager, neighbor, tourist, or a local business owner.”

With the launch of the new program, the City has amended its Codified Zoning Ordinance Chapter 1328.13, titled “Short-Term Rental Units.” This can be found by visiting the City of Niagara Falls webpage at: https://niagarafallsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Short-Term-Rental-1328.3-Ordinance.pdf

As part of the new program, STR owners continue to be required to obtain an STR Special Permit in order to operate, and subsequently an STR License within a year of the permit’s issuance. New Special Permits will only be issued for STR units in a designated boundary area (see map here: https://niagarafallsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/STR-Approved-Zone.pdf). STR units existing outside the designated area that were approved prior to today’s date (6/10/22) will be honored and remain legal.

Requirements for obtaining both the Special Permit as well as the STR License are outlined in both Chapter 1328.13 and at https://niagarafallsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Permit-and-License-Requirements.pdf

As outlined in Chapter 1328.13, the one-time fee for Special Permits is now $250.00 for an STR unit in a single-family residence and $400.00 for a two-unit rental residence. There is also now an annual fee for STR Licenses, which is also $250.00 for a single-family residence STR and $400.00 for a two-unit rental residence.

After acquiring a STR Special Permit, the owner of a Short-Term Rental unit must acquire an STR License within one year. If a License is not secured within one year, the Special Permit becomes null and void. STR owners who held a Special Permit prior to today’s date (6/10/22), must obtain a License by September 7, 2022 or they will not be permitted to operate the STR in the City of Niagara Falls.

Additionally, STR owners are required to collect and remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes and fees (including City of Niagara Falls Room Occupancy taxes).

For a full explanation of tax responsibilities, visit: https://niagarafallsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Short-Term-Rental-1328.3-Ordinance.pdf. Occupancy Tax payments may be made online at: https://secure.hostcompliance.com/niagara-falls-ny/permit-registration

The new program also provides a hotline that neighbors can use to report Short-Term Rentals that may not be compliant with local rules, and file complaints about problematic activities and conditions, such as excessive noise, illegal parking, or overflowing trash. To make a complaint about an STR in Niagara Falls, visit secure.hostcompliance.com/niagara-falls-ny/complaints/type or call 716-402-7806, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To apply for an STR License, confirm compliance for a property, or to get answers about STR rules, regulations, and fees, visit: https://niagarafallsusa.org/government/city-departments/department-of-code-enforcement/short-term-rentals/ or call (716) 286-4450.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC REGARDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MOVING TO CITY HALL

To All City of Niagara Falls Clients, Landlords, and Community Partners:

Beginning June 3, 2022, the Community Development Department is moving its office to 745 Main St, Niagara Falls, NY 14302 in the Niagara Falls City Hall Building.

Please plan accordingly.  All visitors will need to check in at the front of the building and the Community Development offices are in the City Hall basement.  All visitors will need an appointment to be seen by Community Development staff.

For Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Clients and Landlords:

There will be a drop box for anyone who has business in the Department to drop off documents in the foyer area of City Hall.

If you have any questions please feel free to stop by the offices at 745 Main St, Niagara Falls at City Hall.

The Community Development Department Staff Phone numbers are below:

Name                                                              Phone

• Gail Bimont                                                     716-286-8802
• Dean Bailor                                                     716-286-8818
• Paul Martell                                                    716-286-8836
• Eugene Gouge                                                 716-286-8819
• Charles Downie                                               716-286-8813
• Adrienne Devantier                                        716-286-8835
• Shari Placek                                                    716-286-8828
• Whitney Mallory                                             716-286-8822
• Dana Rodgers                                                 716-286-8827
• Anne Marie Tornabene                                  716-286-8816
• David Tothill                                                    716-286-4386

• 2022 Action Plan
• Notice of Public Hearing on June 7th at 6:00PM