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 Home-Away-From-Home; Not a Hotel on Facebook Share Home-Away-From-Home; Not a Hotel on Twitter Share Home-Away-From-Home; Not a Hotel on Linkedin Email Home-Away-From-Home; Not a Hotel link

    Home-Away-From-Home; Not a Hotel

    by Debbie Bied, almost 4 years ago


    Dear Neighbors,

    My husband and I have been full-time residents in the historic district of Mystic for over 30 years. Several years ago, we decided to buy a second home and chose to buy it in our hometown, Mystic.

    We don’t have one home and one hotel. We have two homes we care deeply about and open up to guests who come to Mystic for many different reasons. When we read in these posts or hear in the town meetings that we are running a hotel, we find it is troubling.

    Our other home welcomes guests and allows them to... Continue reading


    Dear Neighbors,

    My husband and I have been full-time residents in the historic district of Mystic for over 30 years. Several years ago, we decided to buy a second home and chose to buy it in our hometown, Mystic.

    We don’t have one home and one hotel. We have two homes we care deeply about and open up to guests who come to Mystic for many different reasons. When we read in these posts or hear in the town meetings that we are running a hotel, we find it is troubling.

    Our other home welcomes guests and allows them to experience Mystic from a very personal side- it’s their home-away-from-home while they stay. Why is it not a hotel? Our family doesn’t stand at a front desk while guests are staying. We don’t do daily house cleaning (though we have wonderful cleaners who help us clean between guests). We don’t have room service. We don’t operate a restaurant or bar in our home. We don’t offer extended amenities like a spa, pool, or workout room. We don’t even offer valet parking as our guests park in the driveway next to our home. Our home isn’t a multilevel hotel with elevators, corridors, and up to several hundred rooms, and it is not part of a national chain of similar properties.

    So what is it then? It is making cookies with grandma. It is bedside stories with twin beds that have quilts. It is counting how many ships are in a bottle. It is a host leaving an apple pie. It is time in the backyard on a summer night with smores and a ghost story. It is a rocking chair with lemonade and a friend. It is going to Ford’s for live lobsters. It is taking the garbage out on Wednesday nights (and yes, our guests do that, too). It is getting a call from a guest to tell us a family of ducks moved into the backyard (really). It is movie night on the couch. It is a host leaving fresh lilacs with a note. It is conversations, laughter, and even tears around the table. And so much more. It is memories that last a lifetime. It all takes place in our home as this wouldn’t be possible in a hotel.

    Our family has gotten to know so many guests personally- even if we’ve not met them face to face- it’s like strangers become friends, and they share how they feel and what staying at our second home in Mystic has meant to them. Since our homes are an extension of who we are, we share a part of us with them, and they share a part of themselves with our family. It’s been truly extraordinary and humbling to be part of something so special.

    We embrace all the responsibilities of home ownership with our other home. We garden, clean, take mail in, take brush to the transfer station, visit our neighbors, pay the bills, and do maintenance weekly. This past spring, our sons helped us paint the exterior of our other home- what a learning experience for all of us, and we all felt proud of working together and providing a special little house for visitors to call their home-away-from-home.

    We are not a corporation or outside investors. We are a local Mystic family who opens up our home to guests just like we’ve done for years and years- even before we bought our second home. Most importantly, we would like to work with our neighbors because we care about them, and we care about Mystic!

    Warmly,

    Debbie Bied






  • Share Keep Mystic Friendly on Facebook Share Keep Mystic Friendly on Twitter Share Keep Mystic Friendly on Linkedin Email Keep Mystic Friendly link

    Keep Mystic Friendly

    by Brianna V, almost 4 years ago
    I used to live here. I now visit her regularly. It's simply not economical to have to book a place for 30+ days. Very few people can afford that. In addition, most people can't take the time off for that kind of vacation. Most people renting an Air BNB are solid, good people looking for a relaxing vacation. By stipulating an extended stay, you will definitely hurt the economy and get a bad rap in the tourist world. Don't make Mystic and surrounding areas unattainable and unwelcoming to middle class families. Your own economy and reputation will suffer.
    I used to live here. I now visit her regularly. It's simply not economical to have to book a place for 30+ days. Very few people can afford that. In addition, most people can't take the time off for that kind of vacation. Most people renting an Air BNB are solid, good people looking for a relaxing vacation. By stipulating an extended stay, you will definitely hurt the economy and get a bad rap in the tourist world. Don't make Mystic and surrounding areas unattainable and unwelcoming to middle class families. Your own economy and reputation will suffer.
  • Share Mystic Delight on Facebook Share Mystic Delight on Twitter Share Mystic Delight on Linkedin Email Mystic Delight link

    Mystic Delight

    by Kob, almost 4 years ago

    I love visiting mystic and the ability to stay at Bnb’s and short term home rentals. It’s a great place for family and friends to meet up. So much to visit and things to do.

    I love visiting mystic and the ability to stay at Bnb’s and short term home rentals. It’s a great place for family and friends to meet up. So much to visit and things to do.

  • Share You can not choose your neighbor on Facebook Share You can not choose your neighbor on Twitter Share You can not choose your neighbor on Linkedin Email You can not choose your neighbor link

    You can not choose your neighbor

    by MHA Member, almost 4 years ago

    Please visit the https://mystichostsassociation.com/ for information and facts regarding the positives short-term rentals provide for our community.


    While I empathize with our neighbors who are unhappy living next to short-term rentals, I think it is important to remember you can not choose your neighbor. My neighbor is an abandoned house, no one checks on it or cares for it, it is overgrown and disheveled. I take pride in my short-term rentals. I speak with neighbors constantly, they even perform work at my homes. I communicate clear directions and rules to all guests who stay at my home and have never... Continue reading

    Please visit the https://mystichostsassociation.com/ for information and facts regarding the positives short-term rentals provide for our community.


    While I empathize with our neighbors who are unhappy living next to short-term rentals, I think it is important to remember you can not choose your neighbor. My neighbor is an abandoned house, no one checks on it or cares for it, it is overgrown and disheveled. I take pride in my short-term rentals. I speak with neighbors constantly, they even perform work at my homes. I communicate clear directions and rules to all guests who stay at my home and have never had an issue. I have parking for my guests, a clean and safe environment for families to enjoy their stay in our town.


    I think we need to ask ourselves if this is a short-term rental problem or an issue with a few short-term rentals in the area. There is a big difference there. Taking away income from families who have relied on this for so many years would be detrimental to them, as well as the business in the area who rely on tourists.

  • Share Magical Memories all Nutmeggers Should Experience! on Facebook Share Magical Memories all Nutmeggers Should Experience! on Twitter Share Magical Memories all Nutmeggers Should Experience! on Linkedin Email Magical Memories all Nutmeggers Should Experience! link

    Magical Memories all Nutmeggers Should Experience!

    by Amelio14, almost 4 years ago
    A few years ago, my husband and I decided to take a long weekend trip to Mystic. I had never been more proud than that weekend to claim living in our little New England state! The following year we returned and stayed longer bringing along our two children and our dog. It is a new tradition tat our family would be incredibly sad to lose should regulation prohibit short rentals.


    My family treats the home we rent and the town as our own during our stay. Many short term renters do which can be attested to by the follow up... Continue reading

    A few years ago, my husband and I decided to take a long weekend trip to Mystic. I had never been more proud than that weekend to claim living in our little New England state! The following year we returned and stayed longer bringing along our two children and our dog. It is a new tradition tat our family would be incredibly sad to lose should regulation prohibit short rentals.


    My family treats the home we rent and the town as our own during our stay. Many short term renters do which can be attested to by the follow up from the owners and return of deposit. It would be a shame for our amazing state to make it near to impossible for many other Nutmeggers to enjoy this magical town. Please don’t let the actions of a few ruin it for the rest of us.

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    Survey questions

    by Sue Z, almost 4 years ago
    The survey questions as constructed will miss inform/miss guide in that they leave no room for nuance nor does the public get to start first with an agreed definition of STR. (Owner occupied, not owner occupied? how short is short? Etc). Nor should the weighty questions be leading questions. Love, hate?. Pls consider better questions to get a better pulse.


    Non owner/prime residence occupied houses in residentially zoned districts are not currently permitted for commercial hotelling/tourism type uses. Because it is now easy, and demand keeps growing for these units, to the point where non resident owners, corporations are buying... Continue reading

    The survey questions as constructed will miss inform/miss guide in that they leave no room for nuance nor does the public get to start first with an agreed definition of STR. (Owner occupied, not owner occupied? how short is short? Etc). Nor should the weighty questions be leading questions. Love, hate?. Pls consider better questions to get a better pulse.


    Non owner/prime residence occupied houses in residentially zoned districts are not currently permitted for commercial hotelling/tourism type uses. Because it is now easy, and demand keeps growing for these units, to the point where non resident owners, corporations are buying up houses for this hoteling purposes the town needs to firmly state they are not permitted under current zoning.

    We can then take a measured, benchmarking approach to propose/design regulations to permit and regulate owner occupied strs.





  • Share Explosives going off at 1am! on Facebook Share Explosives going off at 1am! on Twitter Share Explosives going off at 1am! on Linkedin Email Explosives going off at 1am! link

    Explosives going off at 1am!

    by Fieldcrest Resident, almost 4 years ago
    We have been residents of Fieldcrest for 33 years now and recently a newer neighbor decided to begin renting their property out as an STR. This past Saturday night we were woken up to a HUGE explosion and the entire backyard lighting up at 1am! This was followed by two more explosions. These were not your typical fireworks, M80's, etc., these were EXPLOSIONS! Four police cars showed up shining flashlights in the house and knocking on the door - only to be ignored. After appx. 40 mins. the police left. The renters were then seen walking around inside w/cell phone... Continue reading
    We have been residents of Fieldcrest for 33 years now and recently a newer neighbor decided to begin renting their property out as an STR. This past Saturday night we were woken up to a HUGE explosion and the entire backyard lighting up at 1am! This was followed by two more explosions. These were not your typical fireworks, M80's, etc., these were EXPLOSIONS! Four police cars showed up shining flashlights in the house and knocking on the door - only to be ignored. After appx. 40 mins. the police left. The renters were then seen walking around inside w/cell phone flashlights on. The group of men (5 cars worth), left the home by 9:30am Sunday morning. Last month, renters at the same property, were drunk, loud and obnoxious. There are families living here w/young children! PLEASE, do not allow STRs in residential neighborhoods! These renters have no consideration for the peace and security of our neighborhood! Until STRs are banned in residential neighborhoods, at least hold the homeowners accountable and impose a HEAVY FINE ON THEM for all incidents that occur!
  • Share My wife’s birthday on Facebook Share My wife’s birthday on Twitter Share My wife’s birthday on Linkedin Email My wife’s birthday link

    My wife’s birthday

    by Jkaya, almost 4 years ago
    My wife and stayed at an Airbnb in Groton CT and it was great. The Airbnb was great and the community was great as well. I rather stay at an Airbnb then an Hotel because of the comfort of feeling like your at home is what I look forward to. I hope the town of Groton as well as other town continue to all Airbnb because that how my wife and I like to travel.


    Thank you

    My wife and stayed at an Airbnb in Groton CT and it was great. The Airbnb was great and the community was great as well. I rather stay at an Airbnb then an Hotel because of the comfort of feeling like your at home is what I look forward to. I hope the town of Groton as well as other town continue to all Airbnb because that how my wife and I like to travel.


    Thank you

  • Share Noank is a better place since we enforced the regulations that do not allow STR's... on Facebook Share Noank is a better place since we enforced the regulations that do not allow STR's... on Twitter Share Noank is a better place since we enforced the regulations that do not allow STR's... on Linkedin Email Noank is a better place since we enforced the regulations that do not allow STR's... link

    Noank is a better place since we enforced the regulations that do not allow STR's...

    by Mary, almost 4 years ago

    Since STR's are no longer allowed to function in Noank Fire District, the Village has returned to its normal quietness. No more speeding SUV's at 2-4am coming home from the Casino's, less dog poop bags left on the street, less garbage tossed out the windows and less cars speeding through the Village while ignoring speed limits and STOP signs. I am all in favor of STR's in Commercial Zones , but they do not belong in Residentially Zoned neighborhoods. Residential neighborhoods and zoning by design, are supposed to protect and preserve communities where people live year round or even part-time... Continue reading

    Since STR's are no longer allowed to function in Noank Fire District, the Village has returned to its normal quietness. No more speeding SUV's at 2-4am coming home from the Casino's, less dog poop bags left on the street, less garbage tossed out the windows and less cars speeding through the Village while ignoring speed limits and STOP signs. I am all in favor of STR's in Commercial Zones , but they do not belong in Residentially Zoned neighborhoods. Residential neighborhoods and zoning by design, are supposed to protect and preserve communities where people live year round or even part-time. They were not designed to include Hotels and revolving door guests and that is exactly what STR's function as. Our streets , in neighborhoods like Mystic, Noank, Groton and Groton City are mostly narrow, tight, winding roads that don't allow for a lot of parking. When the locals are forsaken there is no longer community.

    I believe that STR's add nothing to our community except for headaches and huge profits in the pockets of those that buy these homes for the sole purpose of using them as STR's. You cannot find a long-term rental in Mystic anymore and it is time we put a stop to this business of STR's. We owe it to all of our large employers in Groton, like EB, the Navy, L+M, our Schools etc to protect and provide a solid healthy housing market for those that want to live and work here. That is who Groton needs to protect....we the people who do live here and not Tourists. They already have plenty of places to stay.




  • Share There Is NO BALANCE, Ban STRs Before EVERYTHING in Historic Mystic is Motels on Facebook Share There Is NO BALANCE, Ban STRs Before EVERYTHING in Historic Mystic is Motels on Twitter Share There Is NO BALANCE, Ban STRs Before EVERYTHING in Historic Mystic is Motels on Linkedin Email There Is NO BALANCE, Ban STRs Before EVERYTHING in Historic Mystic is Motels link

    There Is NO BALANCE, Ban STRs Before EVERYTHING in Historic Mystic is Motels

    by Jeff year around resident Mystic Historic District, almost 4 years ago

    In 2016, the number of hosts, properties, and revenue generated on Airbnb expanded worldwide at an exponential rate. Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s co-founderand CEO, recently tweeted that Airbnb hosted more than 2 million guests around the world on New Year’s Eve 2016. That is roughly double the amount hosted in 2015 (1.1 million) and four times the number from 2014 (540,000). The company is now reportedly valued at $30 billion and has over 3 million listings worldwide.

    Hosts renting out entire-home units earned 81% of the revenue on Airbnb in the U.S.

    Revenue growth for entire-home properties increased by an... Continue reading

    In 2016, the number of hosts, properties, and revenue generated on Airbnb expanded worldwide at an exponential rate. Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s co-founderand CEO, recently tweeted that Airbnb hosted more than 2 million guests around the world on New Year’s Eve 2016. That is roughly double the amount hosted in 2015 (1.1 million) and four times the number from 2014 (540,000). The company is now reportedly valued at $30 billion and has over 3 million listings worldwide.

    Hosts renting out entire-home units earned 81% of the revenue on Airbnb in the U.S.

    Revenue growth for entire-home properties increased by an average of 76% in the 13 markets studied. Nashville (+283%) was the fastest growing market followed by Oahu (+187%) and New Orleans (+144%). San Francisco (+57%) and New York (+39%) were the slowest growing markets

    In the U.S., hosts renting out two or more entirehome units generated over $1.8 billion in revenue in 2016. In the 13 markets highlighted, revenue reached $700 million

    Revenue generated year-over-year by Airbnb hosts almost doubled in 2016. Within this group, hosts with multiple units increased their share of that revenue. In isolating just hosts renting entire-home units, those with two or more units accounted for nearly 40% of the revenue on Airbnb in the U.S. In the top 13 markets studied, the share captured by multi-unit hosts increased in almost every case; often by close to 10%. The exceptions were New York and San Francisco, where the share of revenue declined by 7.1% in New York and 4.6% in San Francisco. The revenue from entire-home hosts that operate multiple units in the 13 cities studied represents a disproportionately large percentage of the national total. As such, we consider them to be a key driver of Airbnb growth.

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