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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Connecticut
  6. ·
  7. Bridgeport

Bridgeport

Strict
ConnecticutUpdated Feb 10, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 7, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Bridgeport requires short-term rentals to be registered and licensed, with specific occupancy limits and a combined 21% tax rate as of 2026.

Restriction level

Severity 76
Classification
Strict
76
Severity

Why this classification

  • Primary residence required
  • Owner-occupied required
  • Standard permit fee: $200
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap

In plain English

What this means for you

If you rent your home for less than 30 days in Bridgeport, you must obtain a 3-year zoning permit and an annual operating license. Stays are limited to 6 adults plus children, and owners in residential zones must live on-site for at least 185 days a year. You must also carry $1 million in liability insurance and display your permit number on all listing sites.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceRequired
Total tax rate0.2%
Permit fee$200
Processing time2-4 weeks
Max fine$2,000

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Combined tax rate is very high at 21% (15% State + 6% City).
  2. 2STRs are strictly prohibited on properties that also have an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
  3. 3Residential zones require the owner to live on-site for at least 185 days per year.
  4. 4Type B rentals (events) require a Special Permit under Zoning Section 11.50.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility7 rules
  • Bridgeport requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Must maintain owner occupancy for at least 185 days annually in 'conditional use' residential neighborhoods.
  • Bridgeport allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Multi-unit (up to 4 units).
Requirements12 rules
  • Bridgeport: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
  • Bridgeport: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
  • Bridgeport STR warning: STRs are strictly prohibited on properties that also have an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
Application process8 rules
  • Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Bridgeport: Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility - Confirm if your property is in a Tourism Zone (unrestricted) or a Residential Zone (requires owner occupancy). Ensure no ADUs are on site. Estimated time: 1-3 days. More info: https://bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/zoning-department Step 2: Obtain State Tax Permit - Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) for a Sales and Use Tax permit if revenue exceeds $1,000. Documents needed: Business ID, Owner Info. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 100. More info: https://myconnect.drs.ct.gov/ Step 3: Obtain Zoning Permit - Apply for a zoning permit through the Zoning Department. This permit is valid for 3 years. Documents needed: Floor plans, Proof of ownership, Certificate of occupancy. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 200. More info: https://bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/zoning-department Step 4: Apply for STR Operating License - Submit the annual operating license application to the Building Department's STR Compliance Division. Documents needed: Proof of $1M liability insurance, Safety certificates, Zoning permit number. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 200. More info: https://bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/building-department
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Bridgeport charges a registration fee of $200 (annual).
Taxes3 rules
  • Bridgeport: Combined tax rate is very high at 21% (15% State + 6% City).
  • Bridgeport charges a Bridgeport Occupancy Tax of 0.06%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect both state and local taxes directly.
  • Connecticut has a state sales tax of 0.15% that applies to STR rentals.
Limits & restrictions4 rules
  • Bridgeport enforces quiet hours: Check local noise ordinance 15.12.
  • Bridgeport occupancy calculation: 6 adults plus their dependent children. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Bridgeport limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
  • Bridgeport limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: 6 adults plus their dependent children
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Bridgeport requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Certificate of Fire Safety, Building Code Compliance Certificate.
Penalties2 rules
  • Bridgeport enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $2,000 fine. Third offense: Potential permit revocation. Maximum fine: 2000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
  • Bridgeport: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Bridgeport: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Bridgeport exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and Breakfast Inn, Hotels/Motels.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Bridgeport

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Confirm if your property is in a Tourism Zone (unrestricted) or a Residential Zone (requires owner occupancy). Ensure no ADUs are on site.

1-3 daysFree
Official resource
Step 2

Obtain State Tax Permit

Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) for a Sales and Use Tax permit if revenue exceeds $1,000.

1 week$100
Documents needed
  • Business ID
  • Owner Info
Official resource
Step 3

Obtain Zoning Permit

Apply for a zoning permit through the Zoning Department. This permit is valid for 3 years.

2-4 weeks$200
Documents needed
  • Floor plans
  • Proof of ownership
  • Certificate of occupancy
Official resource
Step 4

Apply for STR Operating License

Submit the annual operating license application to the Building Department's STR Compliance Division.

1-2 weeks$200
Documents needed
  • Proof of $1M liability insurance
  • Safety certificates
  • Zoning permit number
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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