What zoning rules apply to STRs in Stamford?

Owner-occupancy is mandatory in RA-1, RA-2, and RA-3 zones (One Family Districts).

What should Stamford hosts know about a certificate of apartment occupancy?

A Certificate of Apartment Occupancy (CAO) is technically required for every new rental occupancy in apartment buildings with 4+ units.

What should Stamford hosts know about short-term rentals are often defined?

Short-term rentals are often defined by the '21-day rule' (max 21 days per 6 months) for accessory use.

What should Stamford hosts know about accessory dwelling units (adus) are?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are generally prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

What should Stamford hosts know about failure to register your rental?

Failure to register your rental property can result in a $100 per week fine.

What are the key requirements for Stamford hosts?

You must collect and remit 15% State Room Occupancy Tax if the platform does not do it for you.

Are there rental limits in Stamford?

Maximum occupancy is limited to 4 adults regardless of the number of bedrooms.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Stamford?

Check your property's zone specifically; multi-family and mixed-use zones have much more flexible rules.

Stamford

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

ConnecticutLast updated: February 17, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 4, 2026

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Host presence required (hosted-only)
•Strict night cap: 42 nights/year
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Stamford, you first need to check your zoning. If you live in a single-family residential area (like RA-1, RA-2, or RA-3), you can only rent out your home if you stay there at the same time as your guests. You are also required to register your property as a rental with the City and pay for a Certificate of Apartment Occupancy ($75), which involves a safety inspection. Stays under 30 days are subject to a 15% state tax, which Airbnb and Vrbo typically collect for you.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

42/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$75

Processing Time

Varies by inspection schedule

8 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Owner-occupancy is mandatory in RA-1, RA-2, and RA-3 zones (One Family Districts).
2.A Certificate of Apartment Occupancy (CAO) is technically required for every new rental occupancy in apartment buildings with 4+ units.
3.Short-term rentals are often defined by the '21-day rule' (max 21 days per 6 months) for accessory use.
4.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are generally prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.
5.Failure to register your rental property can result in a $100 per week fine.
6.You must collect and remit 15% State Room Occupancy Tax if the platform does not do it for you.
7.Maximum occupancy is limited to 4 adults regardless of the number of bedrooms.
8.Check your property's zone specifically; multi-family and mixed-use zones have much more flexible rules.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Stamford, CT: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Stamford prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for rentals under 30 days.
•Stamford, CT: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are generally prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

Requirements(17)

•Stamford STR warning: Maximum occupancy is limited to 4 adults regardless of the number of bedrooms.

Application Process(8)

•Stamford, CT extended permit requirement: A CAO is technically required each time an apartment is vacated and re-rented (Chapter 146-33B), with a $75 fee.
•Stamford STR permit - Step 1: Verify Zoning Eligibility. Ensure your property is in a zone that allows STRs. If in an RA zone (RA-1, RA-2, RA-3), you MUST be the primary resident and present during the rental. Time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Stamford charges a registration fee of $75 (per-booking).

Taxes(2)

•Stamford, CT: You must collect and remit 15% State Room Occupancy Tax if the platform does not do it for you.
•Stamford charges a Room Occupancy Tax of 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% CT State Room Occupancy Tax automatically.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Stamford limits stays to a maximum of 21 nights.
•Stamford limits STRs to 42 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
•Stamford enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General City Noise Ordinance).
•Stamford, CT occupancy calculation: 4 adults plus related minor children. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Stamford requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, Certificate of Code Compliance required, Yearly inspection for all rental registrations.

Penalties(4)

•Stamford, CT: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Stamford, CT: Short-term rentals are often defined by the '21-day rule' (max 21 days per 6 months) for accessory use.

Exemptions(2)

•Stamford exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Stamford, CT: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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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

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

0.1% total tax

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

Storrs

Connecticut

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Storrs (Mansfield) are regulated under general rental housing and zoning codes, requiring landlord registration and a biennial Housing Certificate.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Stamford

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

8 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(17)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Stamford

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

8 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Stamford?

3Are there restrictions on how many nights I can rent out my Stamford property?

4What zoning restrictions apply to Stamford short-term rentals?

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