Overview: STR Status in Milford, CT

Short-term rentals are currently allowed in Milford, Connecticut, but there are no city-specific regulations or restrictions in place as of 2025. Based on analysis of Milford's current zoning regulations and Connecticut state survey data, Milford falls into the category of municipalities that have not enacted specific STR oversight. This creates a permissive environment for STR operators, though investors must still comply with all applicable state laws, building codes, and general zoning requirements.

According to a 2025 survey of Connecticut municipalities, approximately 77 towns reported having no restrictions on short-term rentals, and Milford appears to be among this group based on the current zoning code analysis.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Milford, CT

Since Milford lacks specific STR ordinances, operators must work within the existing framework of general zoning regulations and state requirements:

Step 1: Zoning Compliance

• Verify your property's zoning designation using Milford's zoning map and regulations
• Confirm STR use is permitted in your zoning district as a residential use
• Review district-specific requirements for minimum dwelling sizes, lot coverage, and other residential standards
• Ensure compliance with Article III, Section 3.1 for One-Family Residential Districts if operating in R-A, R-30, R-18, R-12.5, R-10, R-7.5, or R-5 zones

Step 2: Building and Safety Compliance

• Obtain all necessary building permits for any property modifications
• Meet housing standards including minimum floor area requirements (625 sq ft ground floor, 900 sq ft total minimum in residential districts)
• Install required safety equipment: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers
• Pass all required inspections including electrical, plumbing, and building safety

Step 3: Business Registration

• Register business with Connecticut Secretary of State if operating as formal business entity
• Obtain federal EIN for tax purposes
• Secure general liability insurance appropriate for hospitality operations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

Current Status: No specific STR permit or license required in Milford

However, general requirements include:

• Zoning Compliance Certificate from Milford Planning and Zoning Office
• Building Permits for any renovations or modifications
• Certificate of Occupancy if changes were made to property
• Business Registration if operating as commercial entity

State-Level Requirements

• Connecticut Room Occupancy Tax Registration (15% tax rate on STR rentals)
• Sales Tax Registration with Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
• Business Entity Registration if operating as LLC, corporation, etc.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance if employing others

Safety and Building Standards

All properties must comply with:

• Connecticut Fire Safety Code
• State Building Code
• Local Health Department requirements
• Americans with Disabilities Act requirements if applicable

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Milford

No specific STR regulations currently exist. Property owners operate under:

• General residential use provisions in applicable zoning districts
• Standard building and housing codes
• Noise ordinances and general nuisance regulations
• Parking requirements under Section 5.1 of zoning regulations

New Haven County

No additional county-level STR regulations identified for New Haven County where Milford is located.

State of Connecticut

State-Level Framework:

• 15% room occupancy tax applies to all STRs
• No statewide registration requirement currently in effect
• Proposed legislation (2025 HB-07238) would require annual registration with Department of Revenue Services but has not passed
• Local zoning authority remains primary regulatory mechanism
• Connecticut Supreme Court ruling (Wihbey v. Zoning Board of Appeals) established precedent for grandfathered STR operations in zoning uncertainty situations

Connecticut General Statutes applicable to rental properties:

• CGS Section 8-2: Municipal zoning authority
• State Fire Safety Code requirements
• Connecticut Fair Housing Act compliance

Contact Information

City of Milford - Planning and Zoning Department

Planning and Zoning Board

• Phone: (203) 783-3245
• Fax: (203) 783-3303
• Address: Milford City Hall, 70 River Street, Milford, CT 06460
• Website: www.ci.milford.ct.us
• Zoning Enforcement Officer: Stephen H. Harris, C.Z.E.O.
• Director of Permitting and Land Use: Joseph D. Griffith, A.I.A.
• City Planner: David B. Sulkis, AICP

State of Connecticut - Regulatory Agencies

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services

• Phone: (860) 297-5969
• Website: portal.ct.gov/drs

Connecticut Secretary of State - Business Division

• Phone: (860) 509-6000
• Website: portal.ct.gov/sots

Links to Source Pages

City of Milford

• Main City Website: www.ci.milford.ct.us/
• Zoning Regulations PDF: www.ci.milford.ct.us/sites/milfordct/files/uploads/zoning_2018.pdf
• Planning and Zoning Department: www.ci.milford.ct.us/content/3088/default.aspx

State of Connecticut

• Proposed STR Registration Bill: www.cga.ct.gov/2025/TOB/H/PDF/2025HB-07238-R00-HB.PDF
• Department of Revenue Services: portal.ct.gov/drs

News and Analysis

• Connecticut STR Survey Article: www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-short-term-rentals-regulations-airbnb-vrbo-20229937.php

Reference Material (New Milford Example)

• New Milford STR Guidelines: www.newmilford.org/filestorage/7526/35379/53277/Town_of_New_MIlford_CT_Guidelines_for_Short_Term_Rentals_033025.pdf
• New Milford STR Information Page: www.newmilford.org/content/3090/53280/default.aspx

Important Note for Investors: While Milford currently lacks specific STR regulations, the landscape is evolving. Several Connecticut municipalities are considering or have implemented STR ordinances. Investors should monitor local government meetings and state legislation, as requirements may change. The permissive environment in Milford provides opportunities but also carries regulatory uncertainty that could change rapidly as municipal attitudes toward STRs evolve.