VRMA Administrator
As officials consider an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals (STRs) in Madison, Conn., debate continues among residents. Since at least 2021, a group of residents has been petitioning the town to ban property rentals of fewer than 30 days in residential districts. The group has submitted a letter arguing that STRs are, in fact, already disallowed under Madison’s zoning regulations. The letter contends the regulations do not mention STRs as a permitted use in residence districts, except in the form of registered bed-and-breakfasts, which require zoning permits and face strict requirements. At a Planning & Zoning meeting in September 2021, then-Interim Town Planner John Guszkowski disagreed that the regulations’ lack of acknowledgement of STRs meant they were prohibited. He said it was unenforceable “from a zoning standpoint” to check leases, also indicating the commission decided STRs would be best dealt with through an ordinance passed by the Board of Selectmen. The issue has since come up at several Board meetings, with residents speaking both for and against STRs.
New Haven Register (01/07/23) Meghan Friedmann
