Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in North Stonington?

Yes. Short-term rentals (rentals of 30 days or fewer for compensation) are allowed in North Stonington, Connecticut. As of 2024–2025, the town does not have a local ordinance or zoning regulation that expressly regulates or prohibits short‑term rentals. The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) survey of regional municipalities (October 2023) lists North Stonington as “Yes” (allowed) and “No” (no local STR regulation), indicating STRs may operate under standard residential zoning without town‑specific licensure or operational requirements. Connecticut General Statutes do not preempt STRs at the municipal level, and the state has no STR‑specific enabling legislation (outside of room occupancy tax rules).

Note: North Stonington and the Town of Stonington are separate municipalities; ordinances in Stonington Town or Stonington Borough do not apply to North Stonington.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Confirm zoning compliance

• Treat the STR as a residential use (e.g., single‑family dwelling). Confirm the property’s zoning district permits residential use and that any occupancy, accessory structure, parking, or setbacks meet the zoning standards. Unlike Stonington, North Stonington’s STRs are not subject to a special permit or licensing regime; however, they must comply with underlying residential zoning (e.g., principal use, building standards, parking, and occupancy).

Step 2: Property readiness and safety

• Ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors consistent with state building/fire code requirements (good practice even if not mandated locally for STRs).
• Verify maximum occupancy in line with life-safety standards; avoid overcrowding.
• Provide renters with clear house rules for noise, parking, trash, and neighbor courtesy.

Step 3: State tax registration and compliance

• Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) for a tax registration number if you (the host) collect charges. Collect the 15% room occupancy tax from guests and file returns per DRS requirements. Note: If you list solely through a marketplace (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) that collects and remits the tax on your behalf, you may not need to register and collect yourself, but confirm your specific arrangement.

Step 4: Listings and disclosures

• Include the property address, occupancy limits, contact information, and any house rules. Clearly state check‑in/check‑out times, parking arrangements, and quiet hours.

Step 5: Ongoing operations

• Monitor compliance with noise, parking, and trash rules. Be responsive to neighbor concerns. While North Stonington does not have a 24/7 hotline or designated local STR contact requirement, proactive community engagement reduces risk of complaints and zoning enforcement actions.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-level requirements

• Connecticut room occupancy tax (15%): Hosts who collect charges must obtain a DRS tax registration number and file/pay occupancy taxes. If using a marketplace that remits the tax for all listings, you may be exempt from direct registration.
  • Contact: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
  • Phone: 860‑297‑5969 (main)
  • Website: portal.ct.gov/DRS

Local requirements (North Stonington)

• No STR‑specific permit, license, or registration is currently required in North Stonington.
• Zoning compliance is required for the underlying residential use and any accessory uses or structures.
• Municipal contact for zoning questions (and building permits): North Stonington Land Use Office/Building Department.
  • Phone: 860‑376‑0818
  • Website: www.northstonington.us

Good‑practice operational guidelines

• Maximum occupancy: Establish and enforce reasonable occupancy consistent with life‑safety standards.
• Safety equipment: Maintain functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Guest information packet: Provide emergency contacts, hospital/urgent care directions, evacuation info, noise/parking/trash rules, and a statement encouraging renters to respect neighbors.
• Local responsiveness: Provide a local contact (owner or agent) and commit to rapid response for issues.

Specific Regulations: North Stonington, County (New London), and State

North Stonington

• STRs are allowed under residential zoning. There is no local STR licensing, registration, fee, or operational ordinance. Hosts must comply with general zoning and building/fire codes.

County context (New London County)

• County‑level STR regulations are uncommon; STR regulation is typically municipal. Other towns in the region have adopted varying approaches (e.g., Stonington Borough requires permits; other towns use zoning or have no action), but these do not apply to North Stonington.

State of Connecticut

• No state‑level STR licensing/operational rules; municipalities retain authority to regulate STRs if they choose to do so.
• Room occupancy tax: 15% tax applies to STRs, with marketplaces required to collect and remit. Hosts collecting charges must register with DRS and file/pay as required. The state defines short‑term rental as 30 days or fewer for furnished residences/housing not classified as a hotel/motel or bed‑and‑breakfast.
• Municipal authority to regulate: In 2024, legislation was enacted that gives Connecticut towns explicit authority to regulate STRs (e.g., licensing, operations, consultant assistance). As of the latest available sources, North Stonington has not adopted local STR regulations under this new authority.

Important legal cases

• Wihbey v. Zoning Board of Appeals (Appellate Court, March 28, 2023): The court recognized short‑term rentals as a protected nonconforming use where zoning regulations do not impose a minimum occupancy duration. This informs the default position that STRs may be allowed in residential districts absent express prohibition.

Contact Information (Local Authority)

• North Stonington Land Use Office/Building Department

  • Phone: 860‑376‑0818
  • Website: www.northstonington.us

• Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (State taxes)

  • Phone: 860‑297‑5969
  • Website: portal.ct.gov/DRS

Links to Source Pages

• SCCOG: Short‑Term Rental Regulation in Connecticut (October 2023) — Local regulation survey; state context; case law summary: secogct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ShortTermRentalRegulationinConnecticutOctober-2023.pdf

• Avalara MyLodgeTax blog (Sep 3, 2024): New Connecticut law giving towns authority to regulate STRs; occupancy tax reminder; definitions: www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2024/09/new-connecticut-law-gives-towns-authority-to-regulate-short-term-rentals.html

• Town of North Stonington official website (contacts, land use/zoning info): www.northstonington.us

Notes

• As of the latest sources, no North Stonington STR ordinance or zoning regulation is in effect; the town allows STRs under residential zoning without local licensing. Monitor town communications for any future adopted rules.
• Stonington Town/Borough STR rules (ordinances/zoning) do not apply in North Stonington.