Hotels, motels and short-term rentals must register with the city of Cortland Finance Department by the end of the month as the city begins collecting an occupancy tax, the city announced Tuesday.
All overnight accommodations are included, including short-term rentals such as Air B&B or VRBO.
The city will use the revenue to promote tourism, cultural programs, parks and recreation. City Council approved enacting the tax in January.
“The Finance Department has begun reaching out to local business owners to register,” said Elizabeth Greenwood, the city’s director of administration and finance. “We want to make sure that all businesses are aware of the requirement to register their overnight accommodations with the city by the end of February.”
Additionally, any rental property, including short-term rentals, require a rental permit from Codes Enforcement and may require a special use permit. Owners will need to work with the codes department, but the city is offering amnesty to complete the process by May 31.
