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Home My WebLink About23-16P Ivanov Text AmendmentIn South Windsor, Connecticut, short-term rentals are allowed with a permit. The following regulations apply to both new and current operators, with a grandfathering provision for existing operators: 1.Short-term rental is a type of accommodation where a property owner or a rental operator rents out a furnished property, such as a house, apartment, or a room, to guests for a temporary stay. Short-term rentals are typically booked for a period of less than 30 days and are often used by travelers, tourists, and business professionals who need a temporary furnished place to stay. Short-term rentals can be found through various online platforms and are known by different names, such as vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and homestays. Here is a list of popular platforms: Airbnb, Vrbo (formerly known as HomeAway), Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, FlipKey, Homestay, Agoda. Traveloka, Roomorama. 2.A permit must be obtained from the South Windsor Planning Department before engaging in short-term rentals. 3.The permit holder must provide a contact person or a management company available to respond to complaints and emergencies 24/7. 4.The permit holder must adhere to all applicable safety, health, and zoning regulations. 5.The permit holder must provide a copy of the permit number in all advertisements and listings. 6.The permit holder must collect and pay all applicable taxes and fees, such as occupancy taxes in accordance with local laws and regulations. 7.The permit holder must maintain adequate liability insurance coverage for the rental property. 8.Existing operators who were renting out their property prior to the effective date of this regulation are grandfathered in and allowed to continue their short-term rental operations for up to two years without a permit. After that time, they must obtain a permit to continue operating. 9.The permit may be suspended or revoked for violation of any of these regulations. By following these regulations, property owners can participate in the short-term rental market in South Windsor while ensuring that their rentals are safe, legal, and respectful of the community. PLANNING DEPARMENT IN-HOUSE REFERRAL FORM DATE: 4-25-23 TO: Michael Maniscalco, Walter Summers, Jeff Doolittle, Molly Keays, Melissa Pierce, Kevin Cooney, Tony Manfre, John Caldwell, Andrea Confrancesco, Vincent Stetson, David Gesualdi, Marc Melanson FROM: Michele Lipe, AICP, Director of Planning The Planning & Engineering Departments have received plans for the following projects: Appl 23-16P Ivanov Zoning Text Amendment Location: Site Plan Subdivision No. Acres Zone Residential zones Industrial Commercial Residential No. Lots/Units Water: Public Private Well Sewerage: Public Septic System Text amendment to allow for short term rentals in residential zones Project Description: Future Town-owned property involved? Yes No new street(s) new detention area new open space/recreation area active passive Planning Department notes: Proposed language attached Please comment by 5-9-23 and return to the Planning Department. CAPITOL REGIONCOUNCILOFGOVERNMENTS Working together for a better region. ZONING REFERRAL FORM BY LAW,THE ZONING COMMISSION SHALL GIVE WRI‘l—I'EN NOTICE OF ITS PROPOSAL TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS NOT LATER THAN THIRTY DAYS BEFORE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD IN RELATION TO THE SUBJECT SUBDIVISION. NOTICE SHALL BE MADE BY CERTIFIED MAIL,RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED OR BY EMAILTO zoningref@crcog.org. CRCOG~2017 Andover /Avon/Berlin I Bloomheld /Bolton /Canton I Columbia /Coventry i East Granby/East Hartford /East Windsor!Ellington /Enfield /Farmington Glastonbury /Granby/Hartford /Hebron i Manchester/Mansfield /Marlborough /New Britain /Newington i Plainville/Rocky Hill I Simsbury /Somers South Windsor /Southington /Stafford /Sufheld /Tolland /Vernon l West Hartford iWethersfIeld l Willington I Windsor I Windsor Locks A voluntary Council of Governments formed to initiate and implement regional programs of benefit to the towns and the region FOR:NOTIFICATION OF REFERRALS BY ZONING COMMISSIONS Please fill in,save a copy for your records and send with appropriate attachments by certified mail or electronically to: zoningrefQcrcog.org FROM:D Zoning Commission &Planning and Zoning Commission DCity or Town Council (acting as Zoning Commission) _r_ Municipality:South Windsor T0:Capitoi Region Council of Governments Policy Development &Planning Department 241 Main Street,Hartford,CT 06106 Date of Referral:4/25/23 Pursuant to the provisions ofSection 8-3b of the General Statutes of Connecticut,as amended,the fol/owing proposed zoning amendment is referred to the Capitol Region Council of Governmentsfor comment: NATURE OF PROPOSED CHANGE: D Adoption of amendment of ZONING MAP for any area within 500 feet of another Capitol Region Municipality. Attach map showing proposed change. g Adoption or amendment of ZONING REGULATIONS applying to any zone within 500 feet of another Capitol Region Municipality. Attach copy of proposed change in regulations. THE CHANGE WAS REQUESTED BY:D Municipal Agency:g Petition DATE PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR:6/27/23 MATERIAL SUBMITTED HEREWITH: E Regulation Changes D Map of Change D Supporting Statements D Public Notice D Other (Specify): HAS THIS REFERRAL BEEN SUBMI‘l‘TED PREVIOUSLY E]YES &NO.lF YES,ON WHAT DATE: TO CRCOG? Name: Title: Address: Phone: Email: ilichele M.Lipe,AICP tirector fo Planning ‘540 Sullivan Ave outh Windsor,CT 06074 860)544-2511,ext 2252 1ichele.Iipe@southwindsor CAPITOL REGIUNCOUNCILOFGOVERNMENTS 241 Main sneer/Hartrord/Connecticut/061oe Walking mgerhsr for a halter region Phone (360)522-2217/Fax (s50)724—1274 www.crcog.org May 31,2023 To:SOUTH WINDSOR PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REPORT ON ZONING REFERRAL Z—2023—66:Proposed zoning amendment regarding short-term rental regulations COMMISSIONERS:Receipt is acknowledged of the above-mentioned referral.Notice Of this proposalwastransmittedtothePolicyandPlanningDivisionoftheCapitolRegionCouncilofGovernmentsundertheprovisionsofSection8—31)ofthe Connecticut General Statutes,as amended. COMMENT:The staff ofthe Regional Planning Commission ofthe Capitol Region Council ofGovernmentshasreviewedthiszoningreferralandfindsnoapparentconflictwithregionalplans and policies or the concerns Ofneighboring towns. The public hearing date has been scheduled for 6/27/2023 In accordance with our procedures this letter will constitute final CRCOG action on this referral. Questions conceming this referral should be directed to Jacob Knowlton. DISTRIBUTION:Planner:Hartford,Windsor,East Windsor,Ellington,Vernon,Manchester,EastHartford Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Bartiss—Earley,Chairman Regional Planning Commission William Rice,Vice Chairman Regional Planning Commission , Jacob Knowlton Community Development Planner Andover /Avon /Berlin l Bloomneld /Bolton /Canton l Columbia]Coventry I East Granby I East Hartford l East Wmdsor/Ellington /Enfield l Farmington/Glastonbury I Granby Hartford l Hebron /Manchester I Mansneld I Marlborough l New Britain /Newington /Plainvllle I Rocky Hill I Simsbury I Somers /SouthVWndsor/Southington I Stafford I Suffield /Tolland I Vernon I west Hardord l Wethersneld I vwuington IVWndsor I \Mndsor Locks A voluntary Council of Govemments formed to initiate and implement regional programs of benefit to the towns and the region t' §3i$§§§§i$§f§§§tSCCOG Short Term Rental Regulation in Connecticut Prepared by Justin LaFountain,AICP,CZEO,Planner ii September,2019 (Updated December,2021) Short term rentals (STRS),known colloquially bytheir brand names such as ’Airbnbs’and ’VRBOs,’ are currently a growing segment ofthe travel market.Locally,Connecticut has seen a significant increase in the number of hosts of STRs in recent years.According to the Hartford Business Journal,Airbnb alone had nearly 6,000 hosts in Connecticut between Memorial Day and Labor Day of 2019,hosting approximately 93,300 guest stays in that period,20,400 of which were in New London County.1 Nationwide,the STR market experienced a major decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.While the number of active listings on Airbnb increased in 2020 by 2.6%from 2019 to 2020,the number of bookings severely dropped,from 4255 million nights and experiences booked in 2019 to 24207 million nights and experiences booked in 2020.2 Bookings have since rebounded somewhat,with 13%more nights booked in the first quarter of 2021 than the same period in 2020.3 While people of all ages utilize STRs,the accelerating popularity of such rentals is fueled by younger travelers,According to Conde Naste Traveler,seven in ten millennial business travelers express interest in staying in short term,locally hosted rentals.4 The continuing growth of the Short Term Rental market segment presents distinct challenges and opportunities for municipalities,especially in the tourism-rich southeastern Connecticut region. Short Term Rental Challenges Common concerns about the operation of Short Term Rentals include disruptions to residential neighborhoods,safety issues,and the loss of available housing.Some residents and local governments are concerned that the character of residential neighborhoods will change dramatically with the spread of STRs,due to an increase in traffic and parking issues.Noise concerns are also common,and neighbors worry that STRs will be used as party houses that require frequent police intervention.There are also wider concerns that STRs may not be safe for visitors if renters are housed in areas that would not otherwise be suitable for short-term overnight habitation,especially since STRs are not built or inspected in the same way as officially designated motels and hotels.Particularly in areas with housing shortages,there are worries that STRs will further decrease the number of housing units available for permanent residents. 'Hartford Business Journal.“Airbnb:CT Ilosts Eam Record S27M in Summer Rentals."September 2019. https://vwvw.hanfordbusinesscom/anicle/airbnb-ct-hosts-eam-record-27m-in-summeprentals2AllTheRoomsAnalytics.“Airbnb &Vacation Rental Statistics [2021].“April 202 l. https://www.alltheroomscom/analytics/airbnb-statistics/3 Yahoo!Finance.“Airbnb revenue climbed 5%to S887M.beating expectations.”May l3.2021. https://www.vahoo.com/now/airbnb-q-1 -2021 -travel-recoverv-20 l644244.html"Condc Naste Traveler.“What i\'1illennials Can Teach Us About Business Travel."March 2017. https://\vww4cntraveler.eom/story/whatvn-iillennials-can-teach-us-about—business—travel Benefits of Short Term Rentals for Municipalities Short Term Rentals can provide economic benefits to communities that successfuHy regulate them.By permitting STRs,communities that have little traditional lodging can open themselves up to tourism dollars that would not otherwise be available.Municipalities that do have traditional lodging stand to gain from visitors who are looking for more personalized travel experiences,Permanent residents who host short term renters can supplementtheir income and consequently be in a better financial position to maintain and improve their home.Between :-iMemorial Day and Labor Day in 2019,Airbnb hosts in Connecticut earned a collective $27 million, a 30.4%increase from the same timeframe in 20l8.5 Ordinances or regulations can be used to minimize negative impacts of STRs,which could make the benefits outweigh the risks.The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania notes that “governments that look ahead and adapt to these developments [short term rentals]will derive substantial benefits for their economies and their communities/’5 Current Short Term Rental Regulations and Laws in the past,short term rentals were largely unregulated by their parent companies,relying on hosts to self—certify that they comply with local regulations.However,in response to the pandemic,Airbnb created rules in 2020 which banned [party houses,’defined as homes being rented to more than 16 people.in 2021,Airbnb partnered with VRBO to create the ”Community 5 Hartford Business .loumzll.“Airbnb:CT llosls Earn Record $27M in Summer Renials.”Scpicmbcr 2019. https://www,hartfordbusiness.com/article/airbnb-ct-hosts-eam-record-27m-in—summer-rentals5TheWhartonSchooloflhcUniversityofPennsylvania.“I low the Sharing Economy Is Transforming the Short—term Rental indusiry.”Fcbnmry 2019.https://knowledee.wharton.upenn.edu/article/short-temi-rentais-the-iransfomiation-in-real-estate-and— travel-set—to-check-in/ 2 sl 'l-f‘. Other great vacation rentals in Lebanon *43$(Km *5.0 (3i *J.B2 (25)*4.E5 L55) PrNa‘ie mom -Columbia Private room -Wlnul’iam Entire cabin -Windham Entire cottage -Leuanan Waterfront B&B for Naiule Lovers Gues‘t ..Comenlently located ‘l bedfDDml Secluded Cabin on Golden Pond Ga Jump in the Lake! sis-i /night $35 l nigh!sin /night 5‘07 /night *Age ('5)*4 63 (E‘*J S3 l”)*.1 67 (Z) Private room -Colcheiter Entire residential home Lebanon Fami Stay-Bozrah Entire rental Unit n Windham The Johnston Room at 1 he O'Connell Ho...NEW!Pet-Friendly Lebanon House \'//La...SIX PaCa Farm Apartment an smaii farm sizs /night sisa /night $180 /night s60 /night iiii A search for short term rentals in Lebanon,CT reveals numerous houses,apartments,and other accommodations in and around the town,shown in this screenshot from htt s:www.airbnb.com /ebanan-ct 5ta s.Screenshot taken on December 9,2021. Integrity Program,”with the further intent of eliminating party houses by sharing information regarding problem rentais with competing rentai sites. The State of Connecticut currentiy has no legislation in place regulating short term rentals statewide,other than charging a room occupancy tax rate of 15%.7 The State Legislature may introduce relevant bills in future sessions,but it is currently left to individual municipalities to decide how best to regulate (0r not regulate)these types of rentals.Local governments therefore have the opportunity to tailor STR laws to their unique community concerns and goals.There are generally three options municipalities utilize to address STRs:regulation through zoning, regulation through municipal ordinances,or by maintaining the status quo without establishing any new STR-specific regulations.Each ofthese options presents distinct benefits and challenges, which are outlined briefly below. Short Term Rental Regulation via Zoning Regulations Several municipalities in Connecticut have chosen to regulate short term rentals through their local zoning codes (e.g.Section 3‘0 of the Hartford Zoning Regulations).Zoning regulations can allow STRs in certain zones only,and can also enable the Planning and/or Zoning Commission to review site plans for the proposed use to ensure adequate parking and other site improvements are in place.Approvals through zoning run with the land,and are valid unless and until the permitted use is expressly discontinued/abandoned bythe property owner (which rarely occurs). Other characteristics of zoning also limit zoning‘s ability to effectively manage STRs: o Zoning regulations are enforced by local zoning enforcement officers,who routinely work at most a Monday-Friday schedule,and are rarelyavailable at night,when most noise and parking complaints occur. o ln some cases,properties have been rented out as STRs by owners for decades.Any STRs lawfully established prior to the adoption of restrictive zoning regulations would be considered legal non-conforming uses,and therefore would not be required to comply with the new regulations. Short Term Rental Regulation via Municipal Ordinance The legislative body of a municipality can choose to adopt an ordinance pertaining to STRs,which could require an owner/operator to obtain a license and abide by certain rules.Locally,Ledyard and Bozrah have adopted ordinances to regulate STRs.This process has several distinct advantages over zoning.Complaints can be addressed by local law enforcement,able to respond on nights and weekends.Additionally,ordinances can require periodic license renewals,and a new license would be required for subsequent property owners.This would eliminate anylgrandfathering’issues that may arise through zoning.However,local Planning and/or Zoning Commissions would not be involved in approving site plans. 7 CT Dcpl.ol‘Rcvcnuc Services.Policy Slulcmenl:Room Occupancy Tax on Short-Tenn Rentals.2017.https://porta1.ci.g0v/— /media/DRS/Publications/pubsps/ZOI7/PS20173pdf.pdf71a=cn Maintaining Status Quo Some municipalities have chosen,at least temporarily,not to update reguiations or ordinances and instead to regulate STRs as traditional bed and breakfasts or boarding houses.in some cases, this requires speciai permit or site plan approval from the Planning and/or Zoning Commissions Other municipalities have chosen not to regulate STRs,continuing a tradition of allowing unregulated short term rentals.Still others have taken the position that STRs are prohibited,as they are not eXpressly permitted in their zoning regulations.These solutions all come with challenges and benefits.While it is easier not to create any new standards for STRs,current reguiations and standards rareiy address potentiai land use conflicts unique to short term rentais. STRs do not neatly fit into definitions of bed and breakfasts or boarding houses,so new regulation is likely warranted.Additionally,if the growth in the STR market continues,municipalities would most likely want to have some safeguards in place to ensure smooth operation. Regulation and Enforcement Options If a municipality chooses to move forward with zoning regulations or an ordinance for Short Term Rentals,it is important to consider what the ultimate goal of STR regulation is in the municipality. Regulations attempting to prohibit (or nearly prohibit)STRs would likely be very different from those that seek to establish rules for safe and inoffensive operation. If the goal of a municipality is not to prohibit,but rather control STRs,a few strategies are available.Several examples of ways to regulate STRs are listed below: o Only allow STRs in certain areas of town; o Require a minimum separation distance between STRs; o Limit the number of STRs town-wide; o Allow STRs only in an owner’s primary residence (proof of residence could be obtained via vehicle or voter registration,or by another suitable method); c Place limitations on the number of nights that can be rented; o Limit the number of guests that can stay at any given time; 0 Require adequate off-street parking. lf using an ordinance approach,municipalities should ensure that each STR is registered with the town.The registration should designate a 24/7 point of contact who can address any issues quickly.lfSTRs are regulated by zoning,hosts should be required to file an application for a zoning permit or special permit with the municipality,as well as provide point-of-contact information. Ordinances should provide for adequate and efficient means ofenforcement,and should include means to revoke a STR permit if its owner does not comply with municipal requirements. Municipalities may also consider contracting out registration and enforcement responsibilities to a third—party vendor.Several of these companies currently exist to relieve the burden of town staff monitoring STRs.These companies search online databases for advertised STRs,and maintain online portals for registration.The third~party companies can also accept complaints and correspond with hosts to address issues.Use of a third-party vendor is likely best suited for larger towns and cities where a significant number of STRs exist. OFFICE OFLEGISLATIVERESEARCH £9xemforL’3'ResearChReportL Regulating Airbnb Rentals through Zoning in Connecticut By:Julia Singer BansaL Associate Analyst September 28,2018 i 2018—R—0200 Issue In the context of zoning regulations,do Airbnb rentals differ from traditional bed and breakfasts? Provide examples of how Connecticut municipalities are regulating Airbnb rentals. Summary Airbnb is a platform that allows property owners to rent out rooms,suites,or entire dwellings, generally on a short-term basis (i.e.,for fewer than 3O days).According to slides from a 2017 Connecticut Bar Association presentation,municipalities across the country use a variety of techniques to control Airbnb rentals,including: durational caps on rentals; caps on the number of days property may be rented during the year; density controls; special permit requirements; parking requirements; neighbor notification; owner-occupancy requirements;and distinguishing between single-family,multifamily,and mixed~use neighborhoods (Id.at slide 69). OOmhUJMNmH-- To research how Airbnb rentals are regulated in Connecticut,we reviewed information available through the Connecticut Planning Professionals listserv,a UConn—managed discussion forum for land use professionals.We also directly contacted certain municipalities for more information. www.cga.ct.gov/olr Connecticut General Assembly (860)240-8400 O‘ILRequest@cga.ct.gov Stephanie Office of A. Legislative D'Ambrose, Research Director Legislative Office Room Building 5300 ‘x We identified only one Connecticut municipality,Hartford,that adopted a zoning reguiation specificaliy regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb rentals.We provide a summary of the city’s regulation below. In other municipalities,hosted Airbnb rentals are often treated like bed and breakfasts (e.g., Canton,Kent,Newington,and Woodstock)or boarding houses (e.g.,Canton and Kent).We found that zoning regulations generally did not address unhosted rentals (i.e.,renting an entire property to guests);(but Hartford’s regulation applies to hosted and unhosted rentals).Below,in Table 1,we provide (l)six examples of how zoning regulations apply to Airbnb rentals in Connecticut municipalities and (2)the municipality’s definition of bed and breakfast,if one exists. Hartford’s Short-Term Rental Regulation Hartford's short-term rental regulation requires operators to obtain a zoning permit before offering short-term rentals and establishes limitations related to (1)rental frequency and rental length,(2) owner-occupancy,(3)maximum number of guests,and (4)rentals that become a nuisance to neighbors.The regulation defines short—term rentals as “[t]he temporary rental of part or all of a property to any temporary renters for no more than 21 cumulative days during any 6 month period, with no property being used for such temporary rental more than 3 times during any 6 month period." Under the regulation,no more than four adults,in addition to related minor children,may use a single dwelling unit as a short-term rental at the same time.The regulation sets minimum usable floor area requirements of 7O square feet for one person and 50 square feet for each additional person,including children age one or older.The property owner must host any short—term rentals operated on a lot with only a single-family home or in a single-family home district. The regulation specifies that short-term rental operators must obtain a zoning permit from the city; permits are valid for three years.A special permit from the zoning commission is required if an operator seeks to exceed the regulation's default frequency and cumulative rental period limits. The city's zoning administrator may revoke a zoning permit or special permit if he or she learns that the rental has become a nuisance to neighbors (Hartford Zoning Regs §3.5.1(E)). 2018—R—0200 September 28,2018 Page 2 of 4 Regulation of Airbnb Rentals in Select Municipalities Table 1:Select Municipalities’Demition of "Bed and Breakfast"and Regulation of Airbnb Rentals 2018-R-0200 September 28,2018 Page 3 of 4 Bed and Breakfast,as DefTned in Zoning Regulations Regulation ofAirbnb RentalsCantonOvernightaccommodationsandamorningmealInadwellingunit(B &B)provided to transients forcompensation"(two types:minor and major)Re s 2.2 According to the Planning andCommunityDevelopmentDepartment,Airbnb rentals generally are regulatedasbedandbreakfastsorboardinghousesMinor(permitted as of right in residential zones):ownerlivesonthelot;limited to threeguests;rented rooms A boarding house is permitted withmustbeaccessedfromwithinthestructure;structure the zoning commission‘s site plan andmustmeetlotareaanddimensionalrequirementsforspecialpermitapprovalinresidentialthedistrict;rented rooms cannot have cooking facilities districts;defined as ”[a]n ownerRegs§3.3.B occupied dwelling that provides fortherentingofroomsorboardtonotMajor(permitted with zoning commission’s site plan more than three (3)paying guests,and special permit approval):operator lives on the lot;structure must meet lot area and dimensional other than members of the owner’s requirements forthe district;rented rooms cannot have family"Re s 2.2cookingfacilities;adequate water and sewagedisposal;compatible with the character of thesurroundingarea;complies with any parking screening Bed and breakfasts require a zoningenforcementofficial-issued permitrequirements;structure is approved by Fire Marshal and zoning commission’s site planandBuildingOfficial;may provide other services (e.g.,banquet facilities,massages,restaurant)Regs §3.3.D approval in business and industrialdistrictsRes4.l.B.5 Hartford “A facility providing temporary lodging to the general public Airbnb rentals are generally regulatedconsistingofnomorethan6sleepingroomswithdailyunderthecity’s short-term rentalroomcleaningservices,without in-room kitchen facilities,provision,summarized aboveineitheranowner-occupied principal structure or in a principal structure on the same lot of an owner-occupiedaccessorystructure"Regs §3.3.118 Among other requirements,a bed and breakfast must belocatedinastructurethatisatleast75yearsold,servebreakfast,and give guests access to guestrooms via acommonspace,not a separate exterior entrancew Faimeld None Regulations allow property owners inmostresidentialdistrictstotakeonuptotwoboarders,but lease periodmustbeatleast3Odays(in oneresidentialdistrict,a special permit isrequiredbeforeboarderscanbetakenon)Regs §§3l.2.19 5.1.2 10.4 11.1.2 Table 1 (continued) JSB:cmg 2018-R»0200 September 28,2018 Page 4 of4 Bed and Breakfast,as Defined in Zoning Regulations Regulation ofAirbnb Rentals Kent “A singlefamily dwelling in which the owner resides and in which sleeping accommodations and breakfast (but no According to the Land Use Department,Airbnb rentais are not other meals)may be provided to guests for compensation" Re s 2200 regulated if they are unhosted rentals; if the rental is hosted and breakfast is served,a special permit for a bed and Depending on the zone,bed and breakfasts may have a breakfast is required;a special permitmaximum0fthreetosixguestrooms;sanitarian or sewer for a boarding house is required for commission must certify that water and sewerage systems other hosted rentals are adequate;screening may be required to create a buffer from neighboring uses A boarding house is “[a]single-family Regs §6300 dwelling in which the owner resides and in which rooms may be let and board may be furnished to not more than six individuals in addition to the owner's family" Re s 2200 Newington None According to the Town Planner's Office,neither bed and breakfasts nor Airbnb rentals are permitted in residential zones Woodstock “[A]dwelling,in which lodging and meals are offered or provided for compensation to one to twelve persons for limited periods of time not exceeding 3O consecutive days; the owner shall live on the property"Regs Art.ll,Definitions According to the Town Zoning Office, Airbnb rentals are considered to be bed and breakfasts and thus must obtain a zoning (home occupation) permit Requirements for home occupations include:(1)no more than half of the finished floor area of a dwelling unit may be used for the occupation and (2)the occupation is incidental and secondary to the residential use of the lot Regs Art.Vl §E Ivanov Appl 23-16P Public Hearing 5-23-23 Planning Department Report 1. Request for a zoning text amendment to add a definition for short term rentals and define criteria for such rentals in all residential zones 2. The applicant’s proposal would allow short term by obtaining a permit in the Planning Department. The proposal defines a short term rental as “a type of accommodation where a property owner or a rental operator rents out a furnished property, such as a house, apartment, or a room, to guests for a temporary stay. Short-term rentals are typically booked for a period of less than 30 days and are often used by travelers, tourists, and business professionals who need a temporary furnished place to stay. 3. The applicant has provided a number of review criteria to be included in reviewing a short-term rental permit. His proposal is suggesting this be done as a zoning permit handled at the staff level. He has also suggested existing operators be allowed to be grandfathered. 4. Currently our zoning regulations have provision for Bed and Breakfast facilities in residential zones by Special Exception. We have no other provisions for short rentals. 5. In researching short term rental regulations, I found some fairly current information that addresses some of the benefits and concerns with short term rentals and also some different ways that communities have regulated (or not) these types of uses in CT. 6. The proposed regulations would need some editing to fit into our regulations – but first the Commission should decide if they want to allow such use. If so, what types of properties would be included (e.g. rooms, accessory apartment, houses), what zones and any specific review criteria and the process for permitting. 7. The current Town Plan of Conservation and Development under the Residential section encourages flexibility in meeting emerging housing needs and updates to the zoning regulations that are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The housing section also talks about protecting established neighborhoods. 8. The Capitol Region Council of Governments has been sent this amendment for review however a report will not be issued until May 30 – so I would request the hearing stay open until Jun 13 to receive that report. If this application is approved, in addition to clarifying the definition of a shot term rental, Table 4.1.1A should be modified to reflect the decision of how short-term rentals will be 1 regulated – whether by allowed by Special Exception, site plan or zoning permit and develop review criteria. 2 CERTIFIED MAIL 7022 2410 0000 6508 5569 June 16, 2023 Vasily Ivanov 200 Bridge Street Suffield, CT 06078 Re: Appl. 23-16P, Ivanov Text Amendment. Dear Mr. Ivanov: We regret to advise you that on June 13, 2023, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny the above-referenced application for a Zoning Text Amendment for short term rentals in all residential zones. Sincerely, Bart Pacekonis, Chairman PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION BP/ml cc: Town Engineer Chief Building Official Assessor Superintendent of Pollution Control Fire Marshall