Groton Zoning Commission Receives Feedback On Short-Term Rentals
GROTON, CT — Municipalities around the country are attempting to find ways to regulate the ever-growing popularity of short-term rental properties through sites like VRBO and Airbnb. The Town of Groton is among them and took feedback from residents on how to shape an amendment.
The town does not currently regulate short-term rentals.
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Consideration of a public hearing for an amendment on short-term rentals appeared on the Planning & Zoning Commission’s meeting agenda Feb. 27.
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In the January public hearing, residents generally favored allowing and regulating short-term rentals in all residential zones, according to the meeting packet.
Residents had specific concerns, including:
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Public hearing feedback also included defining both short-term rental and primary residence.
The meeting packet also includes a draft version of the amendment, which defines a short-term rental as: “The use of a furnished legal dwelling unit, in whole or in part, providing transient lodging to the general public, for compensation, for a period of 30 days or less.”
It also includes regulations for how many short-term rentals will be allowed in specific zones.
The town also received legal advice stating that before passing any amendment, it should wait for the outcome of Wihbey v. Pine Orchard Association, a case pending before the Connecticut Supreme Court. It’s expected the case will provide guidance on how short-term rentals should be characterized.
More information on short-term rentals in Groton is available at the town’s website.
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