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 Misleading Introduction to the Issue on Facebook Share Misleading Introduction to the Issue on Twitter Share Misleading Introduction to the Issue on Linkedin Email Misleading Introduction to the Issue link

    Misleading Introduction to the Issue

    by Neighborhoods Not Profits, almost 4 years ago
    I find the introduction to this issue to be misleading at best. I will attempt to point out some of the misleading information below:

    1. The State of Connecticut may not regulate short-term rentals, but state statutes do define them and tax them with the same occupancy tax charged to other transient lodging such as hotel and bed & breakfast establishments. The state does not regulate land use but it does regulate zoning by those municipalities that adopt the state zoning laws addressed in Title 8, Chapter 124 of the state statutes.

    2. Zoning regulates LAND USE. Groton has 3... Continue reading

    I find the introduction to this issue to be misleading at best. I will attempt to point out some of the misleading information below:

    1. The State of Connecticut may not regulate short-term rentals, but state statutes do define them and tax them with the same occupancy tax charged to other transient lodging such as hotel and bed & breakfast establishments. The state does not regulate land use but it does regulate zoning by those municipalities that adopt the state zoning laws addressed in Title 8, Chapter 124 of the state statutes.

    2. Zoning regulates LAND USE. Groton has 3 categories of residential land use in its zoning regulations. Residential living is one. Residential LODGING is another. Residential Health/Institutional is the 3rd. A change in use from residential living to residential LODGING (i.e. short-term rental) is a change in use.

    3. Groton does not need to regulate short-term rentals. It can merely follow its current zoning laws. Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) are not listed in the Table of Permitted Uses. The regulations state that a Use not listed is NOT a Permitted Use. This is what the Noank Zoning Commission decided after studying this issue for 2 years. Why is Groton different?

    4. The Town Council in developing and passing an ordinance decides who/what/when the ordinance will be enforced. It is presumptuous to think that the police will be required to enforce such an ordinance. This is a Town Council decision subject to approval by the RTM. The Town Manager in his role as Chief Executive Office will ultimately have the responsibility to assign enforcement responsibilities.

    5, Zoning regulations and speculation about what use is "grandfathered" is a complex legal issue best left to the zoning gurus and the courts. I don't feel it is an appropriate discussion for this forum. Whatever your attorney opinion may be, I have no doubt I can find counsel with a different opinion. Ledyard adopted new zoning regulations after 2 years of trying to regulate STRs through an ordinance. Well-written zoning regulations can avoid any "grandfathering" claim. George Washington did not sleep at an Airbnb!

    6. Seriously, what is "local wealth-creation"? Zoning should not be concerned with the economic implications of its actions. We can make this a "social justice" issue if you'd like. What about providing available and affordable housing for the people who actually want to live in Groton?

    In my opinion, this is a disingenuous, poorly constructed introduction to the complex issue before the Town. You can do better!


  • Share Ban STRs on Facebook Share Ban STRs on Twitter Share Ban STRs on Linkedin Email Ban STRs link

    Ban STRs

    by Mike Sarasin, almost 4 years ago
    Short term rentals are not an allowed use in residential zones. Boutique hotels do not belong in our neighborhood. I feel sorry for my neighbors who now live next to hotels. Big companies such as Airbnb, Marriot and others are killing our neighborhoods. Homeowners are fighting back to preserve the the character of a neighborhood. It’s not a neighborhood without neighbors.
    Short term rentals are not an allowed use in residential zones. Boutique hotels do not belong in our neighborhood. I feel sorry for my neighbors who now live next to hotels. Big companies such as Airbnb, Marriot and others are killing our neighborhoods. Homeowners are fighting back to preserve the the character of a neighborhood. It’s not a neighborhood without neighbors.
  • Share Good Management is All You Need for Safe Short Term Rentals on Facebook Share Good Management is All You Need for Safe Short Term Rentals on Twitter Share Good Management is All You Need for Safe Short Term Rentals on Linkedin Email Good Management is All You Need for Safe Short Term Rentals link

    Good Management is All You Need for Safe Short Term Rentals

    by Only Natural, almost 4 years ago

    We rented our family home in Mystic for nearly 10 years using VRBO and HomeAway for advertising and scheduling. We had a responsible property manager and only a few complaints from neighbors over the years. One neighbor (not next door) complained because she didn't like the idea of "strangers" living in her neighborhood. This neighbor was the source of the other complaints, too.

    I'm concerned that the liberties afforded to property owners will be impinged upon with the proposed added restrictions. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is embodied in our Constitution. Be careful not to violate basic rights... Continue reading

    We rented our family home in Mystic for nearly 10 years using VRBO and HomeAway for advertising and scheduling. We had a responsible property manager and only a few complaints from neighbors over the years. One neighbor (not next door) complained because she didn't like the idea of "strangers" living in her neighborhood. This neighbor was the source of the other complaints, too.

    I'm concerned that the liberties afforded to property owners will be impinged upon with the proposed added restrictions. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is embodied in our Constitution. Be careful not to violate basic rights of U.S. citizens.

    The issues that had been raised by vocal members of our community should have been relieved by Law Enforcement and/or Zoning Officials. Our current Zoning Regulations offer relief for parking issues and noise after a certain hour at night. Remember, Groton Long Point has its own Zoning Regulations. The even have a law that restricts the use of outdoor machinery before 7:00 am.

    I wish I had volunteered to assist with the development of any changes to of Zoning Regulations. Maybe this ordinance will be vetoed either by the power of the RTM or by referendum.

    https://www.perfectstayz.com/vacation-rental/103645

  • Share Sharing our historic home on Facebook Share Sharing our historic home on Twitter Share Sharing our historic home on Linkedin Email Sharing our historic home link

    Sharing our historic home

    by VanessaG, almost 4 years ago
    We own a home built around 1750. We list our guest bedroom and bathroom on AirBnB and host visitors at our home regularly. All accommodation taxes are paid by AirBnB. We do not rent out our entire home, we have strict house rules, and we are present during guest stays. We have plenty of off street parking on our property and we are committed to making sure our guests do not disturb our neighborhood in any way. AirBnB CAN be an asset to the community if managed properly. And I believe that owning a home to rent out that you... Continue reading
    We own a home built around 1750. We list our guest bedroom and bathroom on AirBnB and host visitors at our home regularly. All accommodation taxes are paid by AirBnB. We do not rent out our entire home, we have strict house rules, and we are present during guest stays. We have plenty of off street parking on our property and we are committed to making sure our guests do not disturb our neighborhood in any way. AirBnB CAN be an asset to the community if managed properly. And I believe that owning a home to rent out that you do not reside in more than half the year should be taxed at a higher rate than residences. Setting up a full-time AirBnB in your investment property in a residential neighborhood is not appropriate.
Page last updated: 11 Apr 2024, 08:06 AM