STR Regulations in Stonington, CT: Comprehensive Investor Guide

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Stonington, CT?

EXPLICIT ANSWER: Yes, short-term rentals are currently allowed in Stonington, CT, but the town does NOT currently have specific regulations in place for them.

The evidence shows that:

• The Town of Stonington currently does not regulate short-term rentals through specific ordinances or zoning regulations
• STR properties must comply with existing Zoning Regulations and Town Ordinances like any other property
• A proposed STR ordinance was defeated by voters in March 2023
• While there is a document that appears to be a finalized STR ordinance (final.pdf), the town's official website and recent regional reports indicate no active STR-specific regulations are currently in effect

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

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property zoning allows for residential use and STR operations
2. Obtain Required State Permits: Register for Connecticut room occupancy tax collection (15% rate)
3. Secure Business Insurance: Obtain comprehensive liability coverage suitable for rental operations
4. Prepare Property: Ensure compliance with all building, fire, and safety codes
5. Create Compliance Documentation: Develop safety information, emergency procedures, and local contact protocols
6. Register with State Tax System: Enroll with Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for room tax collection

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (As of 2024):

Municipal Level - None Required

• No local registration or permits currently required
• No annual fees or municipal licenses needed

State Level Requirements:

• Room Occupancy Tax Registration: 15% tax rate on all rentals
• Business Registration: Standard business registration if operating as formal business entity

Recommended Documentation:

• Property insurance policies
• Safety equipment compliance certificates
• Emergency contact information and procedures
• Local ordinances compliance checklist

Potential Future Requirements:

If the defeated ordinance were to be re-introduced, it would require:

• Annual municipal registration
• $250 annual permit fee
• 24/7 local contact designation
• Safety inspection compliance
• Fire marshal occupancy verification

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Regulatory Status

Town of Stonington:

• No specific STR regulations currently in effect
• Properties must comply with standard Zoning Regulations
• Standard Town Ordinances apply (noise, parking, etc.)
• Building and Fire Code requirements remain in effect

New London County:

• No county-level STR regulations
• County follows state and municipal guidelines

State of Connecticut:

• Room Occupancy Tax: 15% tax rate applies to all STRs
• Tax Collection Requirement: Platforms like Airbnb/VRBO must collect and remit taxes
• No Statewide STR Legislation: Connecticut has no comprehensive STR laws
• Limited State Oversight: Only tax collection requirements currently enforced

Safety and Building Requirements:

• Standard building code compliance required
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements apply
• Fire safety regulations enforced through existing channels
• Occupancy limits based on building code standards

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts:

Town of Stonington Department of Planning & Land Use

• Address: 152 Elm Street, Stonington, CT 06378
• Phone: 860-535-5095
• Website: www.stonington-ct.gov
• Responsible for: Zoning compliance, building permits, general land use inquiries

Town of Stonington First Selectman's Office

• Phone: 860-535-5095
• Responsible for: Municipal ordinances, general town administration

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services

• Phone: 860-297-5969
• Website: portal.ct.gov/drs
• Responsible for: Room occupancy tax registration and collection

Fire Marshal's Office

• Contact through: Stonington Emergency Services
• Responsible for: Fire safety inspections, occupancy limits

Source Links

Primary Sources:

1. STR Ordinance Document (Attempted): www.stonington-ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3851/f/news/str_ordinance_final.pdf
2. Official Town STR Information: www.stonington-ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3851/f/pages/strs.pdf
3. Regional STR Report: secogct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ShortTermRentalRegulationinConnecticutOctober-2023.pdf

Key Takeaways for STR Investors

1. Current Status: Stonington operates as a "laissez-faire" STR market with minimal regulation
2. No Barriers: No registration fees, permit requirements, or occupancy caps currently in place
3. State Tax Obligation: 15% room occupancy tax applies and must be collected/remitted
4. Future Uncertainty: Municipal regulations may be re-introduced following the defeated 2023 ordinance
5. Standard Compliance: Must follow all existing building, zoning, and municipal ordinances
6. Market Opportunity: Limited regulation creates relatively unrestricted operating environment

Important Note: The contradiction between the finalized ordinance document and the current official town position suggests investors should verify current status with town officials before making investment decisions. The regulatory environment could change rapidly if new ordinances are proposed and passed.