Short Term Rentals in Groton

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!

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.

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!

Do you have a story about short term rentals in Groton?

This is a place to provide open feedback on the topic of Short Term rentals that can be viewed by all.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Share STRs Will Say Anything for A Buck With No Consideration for the Neighborhoods they destroy on Facebook Share STRs Will Say Anything for A Buck With No Consideration for the Neighborhoods they destroy on Twitter Share STRs Will Say Anything for A Buck With No Consideration for the Neighborhoods they destroy on Linkedin Email STRs Will Say Anything for A Buck With No Consideration for the Neighborhoods they destroy link

STRs Will Say Anything for A Buck With No Consideration for the Neighborhoods they destroy

by Jeff year around resident Mystic Historic District, almost 2 years ago

Airbnbs Misleading Data
LIZ KRUEGER February 10, 2016 ISSUE: ILLEGAL HOTELS AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New York – State Senator Liz Krueger released the following statement today in reaction to two reports about Airbnb. The first report, written by independent watchdogs, reveals that the company created a misleading set of numbers, removing over 1,000 listings in a one-time purge before allowing reporters and officials limited access to their data in November.
The second report, paid for by Airbnb and produced with full access to the companys data, relates to Airbnbs claims about its impact on the hospitality industry: Its an outrage to... Continue reading
Share If your neighbor is renting an STR they are BREAKING THE LAW on Facebook Share If your neighbor is renting an STR they are BREAKING THE LAW on Twitter Share If your neighbor is renting an STR they are BREAKING THE LAW on Linkedin Email If your neighbor is renting an STR they are BREAKING THE LAW link

If your neighbor is renting an STR they are BREAKING THE LAW

by Jeff year around resident Mystic Historic District, almost 2 years ago

New York Daily News
ALBANY — Airbnb hosts and their neighbors are about to get an education in New York’s new law cracking down on the advertising of illegal short-term rentals. Share Better, an anti-Airbnb coalition that includes politicians and the hotel industry, is launching a new ad campaign and website Tuesday warning about the new law and the costs of violating it. Ads will also encourage neighbors who suspect illegal rentals in their building to alert the city.
“We need people to know the consequences of illegally renting their units,” said Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), who sponsored the anti-Airbnb... Continue reading
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Sharing is Caring

by glitzgrl, almost 2 years ago

I’ve used short term rentals for various vacations, business trips and the occasional weekend “getaway.” I’ve always been impressed by the places I’ve stayed in. Most if not all short term rentals have guidelines, policies and procedures you sign at time of booking. The beauty of this is that at the end of your stay, you “grade” the homeowner and they “grade” you. If you don’t follow the rules, you’ll most likely receive a bad “grade” that limits your renting ability in the future. Why not share all the beauty that your home has to those who need a break... Continue reading
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We Welcome Visitors !!!

by Paul B. , almost 2 years ago

My wife and I have lived in Mystic for over thirty years. We I love to share our historic home with visitors from near and far. Most are multi-generational families or groups of long term friends getting together for a joyful reunion. We have hosted guests for weddings, birthdays, and even funerals. Our guests leave messages in our guest book noting their appreciation for the memories that will remain with them forever. If you have not hosted these guests in may be difficult to understand the gratitude they have for being share our home with them. We perform a hospitality... Continue reading
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Times are Changing

by Will Goetz, almost 2 years ago

“Come gather round people, wherever you roam, and admit that the waters around you have grown” - Bob Dylan
I live on Pearl Street, in the neighborhood near downtown Mystic. My wife and I moved here five years ago to be close to family and to the ocean. We also really liked the ability to walk to great restaurants and nightlife. While I’m relatively new as a resident, my connections to the area go back more than half a century.
As I read the accounts of my friends and neighbors on this page, I’m struck that this debate is really... Continue reading
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Sharing our Beautiful Town and Keeping it Vibrant

by James, almost 2 years ago

Renting out an STR takes a lot of active management but it is also rewarding from a human perspective. We love Mystic and we love sharing that with visitors through our home. We do it because it is an important line-item in our family budget, allowing me to step away from my 8 to 6 job and become the more flexible parent, driving our kids to school and activities. But we also do it because we like enabling families and friends to enjoy the area and each other in a beautiful setting. In one very thoughtful review, a guest revealed... Continue reading
Share Rentals - what's the difference 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day on Facebook Share Rentals - what's the difference 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day on Twitter Share Rentals - what's the difference 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day on Linkedin Email Rentals - what's the difference 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day link

Rentals - what's the difference 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day

by Tom Olson, almost 2 years ago

The Town of Groton Zoning Regulations are silent on any length of rental - so does that make any length of a rental of a residence a prohibited activity? Lets be realistic, and recognize that rentals for various durations have been and should continue to be a right of the property owner - and trying to enforce a ban on short term rentals is just not reasonable.
Share Take the time to hear from Groton STR owners on Facebook Share Take the time to hear from Groton STR owners on Twitter Share Take the time to hear from Groton STR owners on Linkedin Email Take the time to hear from Groton STR owners link

Take the time to hear from Groton STR owners

by Tyler Hespeler, almost 2 years ago

I am a member of the Mystic Hosts Association. Please check out our website at www.mystic-hosts.com Unfortunately, there is a stigma and a lot of misinformation going around about STRs causing noise and problems in Groton. No one should be living next to a “party house” or be a neighbor of a house that has 15 people being stuffed into a 3-bedroom home. The overwhelming majority of STR hosts in this area are local, have been around for a long time, and are very professional in how we keep our homes and vet our guests. These listing platforms make it... Continue reading
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The Real Truth about Short Term Rentals

by brucemcd, almost 2 years ago

Short Term Rentals are really simple. It is a profit making business that eliminates existing housing stock that a real neighbor might buy and occupy. I don't care whether they are well run or not. It's all about community. They steal our housing for profit and steal the prospect of a neighbor who has a real interest in the community, because they live here. Would you rather live next to a permanent neighbor or a constantly changing transient? That means people who rent their downstairs or a room are the only exception, because they are permanent residents.
The Groton P... Continue reading
Share Other cities have BANNED short term rentals (STRs). We are not alone, but Mystic is falling behind on Facebook Share Other cities have BANNED short term rentals (STRs). We are not alone, but Mystic is falling behind on Twitter Share Other cities have BANNED short term rentals (STRs). We are not alone, but Mystic is falling behind on Linkedin Email Other cities have BANNED short term rentals (STRs). We are not alone, but Mystic is falling behind link

Other cities have BANNED short term rentals (STRs). We are not alone, but Mystic is falling behind

by Jeff year around resident Mystic Historic District, almost 2 years ago

Everyone is banning them for good reason, they destroy residental neighborhoods by turning them into "motels," commercial entities, for INVESTORS and LLCs to rent for a day or week to a dozen rich adults from MA, NY, NJ, like FRESHMEN ON SPRING BREAK to reak havock. If it is a LLC or the owner doesnt live there then IT AIN'T A RESIDENCE and is illegal in the court of comon sense. STRs displace opportunities where new hires to businesses in Groton can live and rent on an annual basis. The room next door in a hotel AINT A NEIGHBOR. STRs... Continue reading