As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
AGENT
A person 18 years of age or older or entity designated by
the owner on the registry form who, by such owner designation, shall
have the authority to make decisions regarding the management and
maintenance of any and all rental units owned by the owner and located
within the Town.
BEDROOM
Shall be subject to the requirements of and be defined in
accordance with the Uniform Code or the Town Code, whichever is more
restrictive.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The Code Enforcement Officer of the Town of Athens or such
other person appointed by the Town Board to enforce the provisions
of this chapter.
COUNTY
Greene County, New York.
LOCAL CONTACT PERSON
A person 18 years of age or older designated by the owner
on the registry form who, by such owner designation, shall have the
authority to make decisions regarding the management and maintenance
of any and all rental units owned by the owner and located within
the Town. The local contact person must reside in the county and be
available to respond to questions and concerns from neighbors and
occupants of the rental unit and/or their guests.
OCCUPANT
Shall be defined as set forth in the Uniform Code or the
Town Code, whichever is more restrictive.
OWNER
Person(s) or entity(ies) that hold(s) legal and/or equitable
title to the rental unit.
PROPERTY
A residential legal lot of record on which a rental unit
is located.
RENTAL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
The annual certificate issued by the Town Clerk on receipt
of an owner's completed registration form and payment of fee,
pursuant to this chapter.
RENTAL UNIT
A building (as defined in Town Code §
180-3) including but not limited to a cottage, cabin, camp, single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, multifamily dwelling, or dwelling unit, or any portion of such building, used for the purposes of a short-term residential rental. Appropriately licensed hotels, motels, resorts, and bed-and-breakfast inns are explicitly excluded from this definition.
RESPONSIBLE PERSON
An occupant of a rental unit required to be at least 18 years
of age and who shall be legally responsible for compliance by all
occupants of the rental unit and/or their guests with all provisions
of this chapter and/or the Town Code.
SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTAL
Use of a rental unit by fee-paying guests for the purpose
of overnight lodging for a period of eight consecutive days or less,
other than ongoing month-to-month or annual tenancy pursuant to a
valid lease agreement.
UNIFORM CODE
The New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code,
as amended.
A rental registration certificate issued pursuant to this chapter
shall expire one year after the date of issuance, unless sooner revoked.
Renewal of the rental registration certificate is due 30 days prior
to its expiration and requires payment of the annual fee. If applicable,
any change of address, local contact person, agent, or any other registration
information shall be submitted at the time of renewal.
An annual registration fee, in an amount to be established by
resolution of the Town Board that shall be no greater than necessary
to defer the cost incurred by the Town in administering the provisions
of this chapter, shall be paid by the owner at the time of filing
a rental registration certificate for each rental unit being registered.
All advertising, including advertising on reservation websites,
for a short-term residential rental shall include the following:
A. The maximum number of overnight occupants permitted to stay in each
rental unit, and maximum number of daytime occupants allowed in the
rental unit and on the property;
B. Notification that occupants and/or their guests are required to comply
with the Town Code; and
C. Summary of the general rules of conduct, including statement that
the Town of Athens is a residential community and any unreasonable
noise or disturbances, disorderly conduct, or violations of the Town
Code will not be tolerated and may result in citation, fines, and/or
eviction from the rental unit.