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.

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Misleading Introduction to the Issue

by Neighborhoods Not Profits, almost 2 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
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Ban STRs

by Mike Sarasin, almost 2 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.
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Good Management is All You Need for Safe Short Term Rentals

by Only Natural, almost 2 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
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Sharing our historic home

by VanessaG, almost 2 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