Short Term Rentals in Groton

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Update: An application has been submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission (REGA23-0001, Short Term Rental Zoning Text Amendments). A public hearing was held on January 9, 2024. The application was approved on the April 9, 2024 meeting and will be effective on May 15, 2024.

If you like to travel, you've probably heard of VRBO or Airbnb-style short-term rentals (STRs). You may also rent out a vacation home, a portion of your home, or the neighborhood that you live in may be impacted by a STR. Residential housing is being used in many different ways, one of which is to rent that home for short periods of time. STRs were once a niche way to travel, but are now available for rent all over the world.

The Town of Groton is considering ways to regulate STRs. What you might not know is that at this time, the State of Connecticut has no legislation in place regulating short term rentals statewide. Historically, Groton hasn’t regulated them either. So to keep up with the demand, regulation of these properties must be done through a change to our zoning regulations or development of a new town ordinance.

  • Zoning Regulations provide rules about how a piece of land or property can be used, how large a building can be, whether a business can be opened on a property, as well as establishing parking, landscaping and lighting requirements. Zoning laws govern issues like site construction, hours of operation, parking requirements, signs, garbage collection, and the like. Zoning could specify which districts allow STRs and can specify how STRs are approved. Zoning can require that a permit is issued to the property, not the operator, and zoning can dictate enforcement through the zoning enforcement officer. Zoning regulations are adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the regulations will only apply to new uses.
  • A Town Ordinance, on the other hand, would apply to both new STRs and those already operating. It would eliminate the potential for existing properties to claim grandfathered rights to operate STRs and would issue a license to the operator and not the property. An ordinance would also put nuisance enforcement in the hands of the Police. An ordinance is adopted by the Town Council.

Whether we decide on new zoning or an ordinance, to develop these new regulations for STR's Groton is engaging the Horsley Witten Group to seek solutions that protect public interests and meet the needs of all residents. We strive to create regulations that generate inclusive opportunities for local wealth-creation, while still balancing the needs of all members of the community.

Please take a look around this page. You will find a project timeline, links to documents, staff contacts, and opportunities to leave feedback throughout the project.

Thank you for your interest and participation!

Update: An application has been submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission (REGA23-0001, Short Term Rental Zoning Text Amendments). A public hearing was held on January 9, 2024. The application was approved on the April 9, 2024 meeting and will be effective on May 15, 2024.

If you like to travel, you've probably heard of VRBO or Airbnb-style short-term rentals (STRs). You may also rent out a vacation home, a portion of your home, or the neighborhood that you live in may be impacted by a STR. Residential housing is being used in many different ways, one of which is to rent that home for short periods of time. STRs were once a niche way to travel, but are now available for rent all over the world.

The Town of Groton is considering ways to regulate STRs. What you might not know is that at this time, the State of Connecticut has no legislation in place regulating short term rentals statewide. Historically, Groton hasn’t regulated them either. So to keep up with the demand, regulation of these properties must be done through a change to our zoning regulations or development of a new town ordinance.

  • Zoning Regulations provide rules about how a piece of land or property can be used, how large a building can be, whether a business can be opened on a property, as well as establishing parking, landscaping and lighting requirements. Zoning laws govern issues like site construction, hours of operation, parking requirements, signs, garbage collection, and the like. Zoning could specify which districts allow STRs and can specify how STRs are approved. Zoning can require that a permit is issued to the property, not the operator, and zoning can dictate enforcement through the zoning enforcement officer. Zoning regulations are adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the regulations will only apply to new uses.
  • A Town Ordinance, on the other hand, would apply to both new STRs and those already operating. It would eliminate the potential for existing properties to claim grandfathered rights to operate STRs and would issue a license to the operator and not the property. An ordinance would also put nuisance enforcement in the hands of the Police. An ordinance is adopted by the Town Council.

Whether we decide on new zoning or an ordinance, to develop these new regulations for STR's Groton is engaging the Horsley Witten Group to seek solutions that protect public interests and meet the needs of all residents. We strive to create regulations that generate inclusive opportunities for local wealth-creation, while still balancing the needs of all members of the community.

Please take a look around this page. You will find a project timeline, links to documents, staff contacts, and opportunities to leave feedback throughout the project.

Thank you for your interest and participation!

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  • Share Welcome to our New England Community on Facebook Share Welcome to our New England Community on Twitter Share Welcome to our New England Community on Linkedin Email Welcome to our New England Community link

    Welcome to our New England Community

    by Susanne on High Street, almost 2 years ago
    As I walk my dogs in Mystic I’m always so pleased to see the people visiting. Their smiles and excitement are contagious and a reminder for me of how fortunate I am to live in this welcoming little village. This is a unique little seaport town that people flock to. I’m very proud to share the warmth and ambiance of this community with them. I believe an important aspect of their memory making experience is the opportunity to share a home like atmosphere during their stay. Short Term Rentals offer exactly that segueing completely with all this community has to... Continue reading
  • Share I am a LANDLORD on Facebook Share I am a LANDLORD on Twitter Share I am a LANDLORD on Linkedin Email I am a LANDLORD link

    I am a LANDLORD

    by I am a LANDLORD, almost 2 years ago

    My husband and I are both long term and short term rental landlords. Our most recent tenant moved on after 8 years, needless to say, that property had a lot of “deferred maintenance”, just ask the neighbors. Long term properties get maintained only after the tenant moves out. The long term property takes minimal time and expense. The guests pay the state of CT 15% hotel tax for the luxury of staying in a short term rental, 0% for the long term renter.

    In our short term rental properties, my husband and I spend hours daily with a full staff... Continue reading

  • Share Our Family Weekend in Mystic on Facebook Share Our Family Weekend in Mystic on Twitter Share Our Family Weekend in Mystic on Linkedin Email Our Family Weekend in Mystic link

    Our Family Weekend in Mystic

    by Ruth, almost 2 years ago
    We are a family of 11 - 3 generations in 3 separate parts of the Tri-State/New England area. To spend time together, someone must always travel and only one of the homes is big enough for all of us to stay. Traveling with young children can be a challenge, so for my husband's 65th birthday, I looked to find a rental big enough for all of us, close enough so all could travel part-way with ease. Mystic was the perfect central location. Having a short term rental allows us to spend the quality time together that we crave. Hotels and... Continue reading
  • Share NIMBY on Facebook Share NIMBY on Twitter Share NIMBY on Linkedin Email NIMBY link

    NIMBY

    by NIMBY, almost 2 years ago

    My husband travels for his work in CT. So many hotels cannot get help, that the cleaning is neglected and many of the hotels are limited in renting rooms, and they are disgustingly dirty. My husbands stays in people’s homes for one or two nights for less than half the cost of a hotel. In most cases, the owner of the home is doing their own cleaning and preparations. I’m not knocking the hotels, bc most businesses today have trouble getting help. He used to ask the hotel to see the room before he paid over a $100. That was... Continue reading

  • Share Get real on Facebook Share Get real on Twitter Share Get real on Linkedin Email Get real link

    Get real

    by seeing the win-win, almost 2 years ago

    Short term rentals are wonderful. They allow families and friends to stay together and it's such a much better experience than a hotel - doesn't even compare. It's all about the host of the property too. We've had nothing but great experiences with short term rentals. I don't think short term rentals in Mystic are bad for the community. They're great for local businesses and help the local economy thrive. Those who are not in favor should really come to terms with what their real fears are about short term rentals. Work with your neighbors and get real!

  • Share Owners of STR have to set boundaries and rules on Facebook Share Owners of STR have to set boundaries and rules on Twitter Share Owners of STR have to set boundaries and rules on Linkedin Email Owners of STR have to set boundaries and rules link

    Owners of STR have to set boundaries and rules

    by Joan, almost 2 years ago
    We had a wonderful family trip to Mystic in early May 2022. We chose a property via VRBO and were so impressed with the accuracy of the description of the property on the web site and the rules and procedures that we would be required to follow while at the property. This was all known before our arrival and were part of the rental agreement. This is the proper way to run a STR.

    There was a limit on the number of people who could be present at the home, policies were set regarding age of children and if pets... Continue reading

  • Share Owner-Occupied STR Proprietor on Facebook Share Owner-Occupied STR Proprietor on Twitter Share Owner-Occupied STR Proprietor on Linkedin Email Owner-Occupied STR Proprietor link

    Owner-Occupied STR Proprietor

    by ConcernedForMystic, almost 2 years ago
    My wife and I have been operating an Owner-Occupied STR in Mystic for 4 years. During this time we have hosted over 100 guests, and now have many returning as satisfied customers. Also, we have never had any noise or property damage from any of our quests or complaints from our neighbors. My wife and I are strongly in favor of Owner-Occupied STR's, as the units are receiving the constant supervision that they require and our guests contribute greatly to the overall financial well-being of the village of Mystic. However, the rapid expansion of STR's in our community has caused... Continue reading
  • Share Great vacation when at Airbnb on Facebook Share Great vacation when at Airbnb on Twitter Share Great vacation when at Airbnb on Linkedin Email Great vacation when at Airbnb link

    Great vacation when at Airbnb

    by JS, almost 2 years ago
    We come yearly and love being able to visit family and stay in a house (AirBnB) instead of a hotel. We stay longer cause we feel at home. So that means we eat out more ,shop more visit more places! Which helps everyone that lives and works in your beautiful town.
  • Share I love Airbnb’s, Thats what’s driving the economy and small business’ here. on Facebook Share I love Airbnb’s, Thats what’s driving the economy and small business’ here. on Twitter Share I love Airbnb’s, Thats what’s driving the economy and small business’ here. on Linkedin Email I love Airbnb’s, Thats what’s driving the economy and small business’ here. link

    I love Airbnb’s, Thats what’s driving the economy and small business’ here.

    by Wally, almost 2 years ago

    Hotels are a thing of the past, think Uber, you may not take one or like the idea, but that’s what people are doing. I’m working in lower Fairfield County right now and stay in Airbnbs for $65 a night. The Airbnb must be 5 stars and meticulously kept, sometimes daily, because if Airbnb gets one complaint about the host or the guest, they immediately respond. Airbnb pays The State of CT 15% tax from the guest. Do you know how much money short term rentals drive the local economy and small business’? A homeowner is a small home... Continue reading

  • Share No to STRs where owner is not present on Facebook Share No to STRs where owner is not present on Twitter Share No to STRs where owner is not present on Linkedin Email No to STRs where owner is not present link

    No to STRs where owner is not present

    by SharonD, almost 2 years ago

    I live in Noank and I am thrilled that Noank zoning stood up and did the right thing by simply enforcing current regulations. Groton town should do the same. I've stayed in Airbnb in other parts of the country, but the owners were living at the home - very different than what is happening now. The town does not benefit by absent home owners renting out these homes as STRs. The only ones who benefit are the ones who pocket the money. Those staying STRs come and they leave - no concern for our schools, our roads, our neighborhoods, or... Continue reading

Page last updated: 11 Apr 2024, 08:06 AM