Bemus Point approves short-term rental moratorium
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BEMUS POINT – New short-term rentals in Bemus Point are on a 12-month hold after the Bemus Point Village Board approved a moratorium on the seasonal rentals.
During a trustee workshop and village board meeting, the trustees discussed the proposed law, heard public comments, and ultimately passed the short-term/vacation rental moratorium local law.
Jeff Molnar, Bemus Point mayor, said existing short-term rental properties already registered with the village and currently in operation will not be affected by the legislation.
"This isn't about stopping or shutting down the registered 'Airbnbs' in the village," Molnar said. "This isn't a punitive action; we're simply updating our existing zoning laws. We're implementing a temporary pause to achieve that. Properties currently in our system can continue operating as they are. However, we will not be accepting new short-term rental applications for one year, until our zoning laws are updated."
Molnar said the village’s zoning ordinance was last updated many years ago and needs revisions.
"I believe the last update we had in our zoning laws was done in the 1980s; we need to modernize and bring the codes up-to-date," he said.
However, some attendees voiced concerns about the board's approval of the new local law.
"I have two rental properties, live here, and own a business in the village," said Claire Sleggs. "I get what the board is trying to do – but a lot of the local businesses depend on people who rent here. Restaurants, bars, small shops – we all benefit from high-quality rentals. I also keep up with my properties and make sure the renters are abiding by the terms of the agreement and keep up with the maintenance and lease it responsibly – this is my community too."
Molnar said the village currently has around 16 or 17 short-term rental properties. By updating the existing zoning laws, the village could better regulate and monitor these properties, ensuring they comply with the law.
"We currently have 16 or 17 short-term properties listed and are considering capping the total at approximately 20 to 24. There is a registration fee of $125 for these properties, and it is required that smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher be present on-site. Additionally, we do not permit multiple short-term properties to be located side-by-side, as we aim to avoid entire streets or blocks becoming rental properties. However, we believe that commercial use, such as rentals above businesses, is a valuable use of the properties and does not disrupt the town’s design or character. This moratorium gives us a chance to get all this on the books – to sort it all out."
Deputy Mayor Ted Farnham echoed some of Molnar’s statement.
"We don't want whole neighborhoods turning into rental property," he said.
In other business:
– Randy Edwards, Bemus Point fire chief, said the department has responded to 187 calls for service in 2026, with 110 were for EMS; 15 for fires; eight for motor vehicle accidents; 32 alarms, and 22 others, which includes water rescues. Edwards also reported that Capt. Jon Stahley was named Firefighter of the Year and the department would be supporting the Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake's annual Trunk or Treat, which is scheduled to take place on Oct. 24.
– Bemus Point Street Superintendent Joel P. Dahlberg reported that at the end of next week, or before Oct. 1, that his department was planning on pulling out the public dock.