🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Fair Haven, NY
Fair Haven Weighs STR Lottery System: Village proposal would cap permits and use random selection to decide who can operate rentals
Fair Haven Considers Lottery System for Short‑Term Rental Permits
A packed public hearing this month revealed sharp divisions in Fair Haven as village leaders weigh major changes to how short‑term rentals are regulated. At issue is a proposed law that would cap the number of permits and introduce a lottery system to decide who can operate a rental if demand exceeds supply.
📒 Current Rules and Rising Pressures
Fair Haven adopted its first short‑term rental law in 2025, issuing 32 permits to property owners already operating rentals. Since then, new permits have been paused while officials studied the impact.
Over the past year, village leaders say they have seen an increase in investor‑owned properties, growing pressure on housing for seasonal and year‑round residents, and rising demand on emergency services.
✅ Proposed Changes
The draft law would require property owners to obtain a permit to operate a short‑term rental, defined as stays of 30 days or less. If applications exceed the number of permits available, the village would assign numbers and draw them at random in a lottery.
Specific limits include:
Village documents describe the lottery as a way to ensure fairness and avoid inequities found in first‑come, first‑served systems.
Planning Board Chair Heidi Schlegel said the goal is to balance competing needs. “We’re trying to create a balance between the needs of the residents and the needs of the tourism economy and renters and make sure we’re fostering a livable, year‑round community,” she said.
Mayor Brian DiBernardo defended the lottery approach. “A lottery seems like the only fair way. How else would you do it?” he said.
🎤 Strong Opposition
Many residents and property owners at the hearing voiced opposition, arguing the lottery system could destabilize investments.
“The lottery system I think is incredibly detrimental. Markets can’t survive on a lottery system. You can’t get a mortgage based on a lottery system. You can’t finance your business based on a lottery system,” said taxpayer Amy Enwright.
Business owners also warned of economic fallout. “The visitors who come to Fair Haven in the summertime cause the town to stay open for business,” said café owner Scott Azwell, noting that seasonal tourism sustains local shops through slower months.
Bill Haddad, manager of the Hardware Café and General Store, said 75 percent of the café’s business comes during the summer. “To add in a new law that would restrict our income, that would be detrimental,” he said.
Adriana Loh
👪 Residents Share Personal Stories
Some residents spoke about their personal ties to the village and how short‑term rentals helped them discover Fair Haven.
Property owner Amy Bidwell said she fell in love with the community during short stays before moving permanently. “Something happens when I’m just out here listening to the water,” she said, adding that she hopes others can have the same experience. Bidwell said she has rented her home for years but is currently unable to obtain a permit.
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➡️ Next Steps
Village leaders emphasized that the proposal remains under review. Feedback from the recent hearing will be considered before any final decision. Another public hearing is scheduled for April 22 at the Fair Haven Village Fire Hall, followed by a second session on May 11.
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