What should Bridgeport hosts know about combined tax rate is very?

Combined tax rate is very high at 21% (15% State + 6% City).

What should Bridgeport hosts know about strs are strictly prohibited on?

STRs are strictly prohibited on properties that also have an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Bridgeport?

Residential zones require the owner to live on-site for at least 185 days per year.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Bridgeport?

Type B rentals (events) require a Special Permit under Zoning Section 11.50.

Bridgeport

Strict

STRs Allowed

ConnecticutLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

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

⛔

Strict

Score: 76 (lenient)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$2,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•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).

Requirements(12)

•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 Process(8)

•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 & Costs(1)

•Bridgeport charges a registration fee of $200 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•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 & Restrictions(4)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(2)

•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.

Exemptions(2)

•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.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other Connecticut Markets

Danbury

Connecticut

Permissive

Danbury does not have specific short-term rental (STR) ordinances or licensing requirements, though operators must comply with the 15% state room occupancy tax.

0.1% total tax

Stamford

Connecticut

Prohibited

Stamford does not have a single 'STR license,' but regulates short-term stays through strict zoning and general rental registration laws. In most single-family residential zones (RA-1 to RA-3), the owner must reside on-site during the rental, effectively banning unhosted whole-home rentals in those areas.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Hartford

Connecticut

Prohibited

Hartford requires short-term rental operators to obtain a zoning permit, which mandates owner-occupancy and limits unhosted rentals to very short durations.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

New Haven

Connecticut

Permissive

Short-term rentals in New Haven are primarily regulated through the city's Residential Rental Business License program for multi-unit properties and are subject to both state and local occupancy taxes.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Bridgeport

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Bridgeport

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bridgeport?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bridgeport?

3What are the occupancy limits for Bridgeport rentals?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Bridgeport?

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