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

Groton

Strict
ConnecticutUpdated Apr 15, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

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

Verified Feb 9, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

The Town of Groton requires a zoning permit or special permit for all short-term rentals and prohibits them in single-family residential zones.

Restriction level

Severity 88
Classification
Strict
88
Severity

Why this classification

  • Primary residence required
  • Owner-occupied required
  • Standard permit fee: $250
  • Limited to 1 property per owner
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • No night cap

In plain English

What this means for you

Short-term rentals (stays of 30 days or less) are regulated via the town's zoning code as of May 2024. In most residential areas where they are allowed, the owner must live on-site as their primary residence, and a special permit involving a public hearing is required. Rentals are completely banned in single-unit residential, industrial, and working waterfront zones.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceRequired
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$250
Processing time4-8 weeks

5 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1STRs are completely BANNED in single-family residential (R-1 equivalent) zones.
  2. 2Most residential STRs require a 'Special Permit' which involves a public hearing and neighbor notification.
  3. 3Owner-occupancy is strictly required in residential zones; you cannot run a non-hosted STR in those areas.
  4. 4Parking is strictly enforced at 1 off-street space per bedroom.
  5. 5Rules do not apply to properties within the City of Groton subdivision limits.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility8 rules
  • Groton requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Owner must have their primary residence on-site for STRs in residential zones.
  • Groton: Owner-occupancy is strictly required in residential zones; you cannot run a non-hosted STR in those areas.
  • Groton: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Requirements13 rules
  • Groton: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
  • Groton STR warning: Parking is strictly enforced at 1 off-street space per bedroom.
Application process9 rules
  • Groton: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Site Plan, Floor Plans, Proof of Primary Residence, Proof of Insurance, Parking Plan.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Groton charges a registration fee of $250 (one_time).
Taxes1 rule
  • Groton charges a Connecticut Room Occupancy Tax of 0.15%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the 15% state tax directly.
Limits & restrictions5 rules
  • Groton limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2
  • Groton limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
  • Groton enforces quiet hours: 10pm - 7am.
  • Groton: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
  • Groton occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Groton requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual fire marshal inspection of detectors, Compliance with building and electrical codes, Outdoor lighting standards.
Penalties2 rules
  • Groton: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Groton enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 fine. Second offense: $250 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: Varies by zoning violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Exemptions3 rules
  • Groton: Rules do not apply to properties within the City of Groton subdivision limits.
  • Groton exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts registered under separate codes, Existing STRs grandfathered from zoning (but not future ones).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Groton

0/5
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Consult the Groton Zoning Map to ensure your property is not in a prohibited Single-Unit Residential zone and confirm primary residency status.

1-2 daysFree
Official resource
Step 2

Register for CT Tax ID

Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) to collect and remit the 15% Room Occupancy Tax.

1 weekFree
Documents needed
  • Federal Employer ID or SSN
Official resource
Step 3

Create CSS Portal Account

Register an account on the Town of Groton Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal for online permitting.

1 dayFree
Official resource
Step 4

Submit Permit Application

Submit either a Site Plan application (Commercial) or a Special Permit application (Residential) through the portal. Residential permits require a public hearing.

4-8 weeks$250
Documents needed
  • Site Plan
  • Parking Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Proof of Insurance
Official resource
Step 5

Schedule Fire Inspection

Schedule an inspection with the local Fire Marshal to verify smoke and CO detector compliance.

1-2 weeks$50
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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