Short Term Rentals: Effective August 1, 2023, short term rental properties are subject to Local Law No. 4 of 2023 (PDF) regulating short term rentals in Chestertown. A copy of the Local Law can be obtained at the Town Planning and Zoning Office or found online on the Town website at www.townofchesterny.org/media/5451.
Applications for short term rental permits (PDF) can be obtained from the Town Planning and Zoning Office in-person or online.
Renter Education
Inform your renters of the importance of environmental and health safety!!!
- We encourage those of you who rent your home on Friends Lake to make sure renters are aware of invasive species and how to prevent them from getting in the lake. We also have several handouts available so just email or contact us to obtain the material. Print out materials to leave in your own for renter awareness.
- The association strongly encourages landlords to include contract language in the lease to prevent renters from bringing their own watercraft to launch in Friends Lake. An alternative solution is to provide volumes of cleaning materials and bleach sprays while posting invasive cleansing literature.
- Include information on quite hours on the lake, generally from 10 PM to 8 AM.
- A town ordnance prohibits the use of jet skies/personal water craft on Friends Lake.
- The Town of Chester has dog leash laws. Pick up after your pets and properly dispose of waste.
- No fires except in fire pit. Fires are not to be left unattended. Garbage is not to be burned. Be sure that fires are fully out before leaving the area.
- Renters and guests are restricted to the dock belonging to the owner. Boats are not to be moved from the designated dock
- Winter rentals should include information on ice safety and ice depths. Warn renters that some people use bubbler systems around their docks.