MONTICELLO – Local Law No. 4 of 2026 was unanimously adopted by the Village of Monticello Board following a public hearing that drew no comments for or against the proposal.

The law amends the village code to prohibit residential rentals of fewer than 30 days, eliminating weekend and holiday rentals commonly associated with platforms such as Airbnb.

Prior to closing the hearing, Village Attorney Michael Sussman asked board members whether they had received any comments by mail, email or direct communication regarding the proposed law. Members present indicated they had not received formal feedback.

Addressing an earlier question about whether the law would apply to Airbnb-style rentals, Trustee Gordon Jenkins said the village is aware of numerous short-term rentals operating locally.

“You probably have about 15 Airbnbs in this village as we speak,” Jenkins said. “It seems like code enforcement doesn’t know where to go and where to find them. You can see all the cars there.”

Jenkins noted that three such properties operate in his neighborhood and voiced concern about increased congestion during the summer months.

The board had previously discussed modifying rental regulations to require short-term rental operators to register with the village. Deputy Mayor John Barbarite said that to date, no operators have registered locally.

At the county level, Barbarite confirmed that three properties within the village have registered for the purpose of paying room and sales taxes.

“This law prohibits short-term rentals for less than 30 days. If someone wants to rent for two months, they can, but no more weekends and holidays,” Barbarite said. “You can make as much money renting it out four or five weekends in the summer and leave a place vacant all year round. We have an affordable housing shortage in the village. Hopefully this will put some housing back on the market for year-round use.”

Board members also discussed enforcement challenges.

Sussman noted that the Sullivan County District Attorney’s office now holds prosecutorial responsibility for zoning and local code violations and suggested suspected violations be formally reported.

“The identities of the locations should be provided in writing to the District Attorney’s office,” Sussman said. “Provide photographs, if you can, so they know where you believe there are violations and they can investigate.”

Village Manager James Snowden questioned how the village would proceed if a property owner claimed occupants were family members rather than paying guests.

“We go there and say we know you’re operating an Airbnb, and they say, ‘No, this is my family,’” Snowden said. “What is our next step?”

Barbarite acknowledged that proving violations can be a “tough case,” particularly when online listings do not publicly disclose exact addresses.

Jenkins also expressed frustration with enforcement efforts.

“It’s coming to a point where you should just get rid of your code enforcement,” Jenkins said, reiterating concerns about parking congestion and potential safety issues during the summer season.

The board closed the public hearing and adopted Local Law No. 4 by unanimous vote, with a motion by Trustee Janice Davis and a second by Jenkins. The law will take effect in accordance with state filing requirements.