Short-Term Rentals Survey

Background Information

Short-term rentals (STRs) are an alternative to traditional lodging (hotels, motels, & inns). STRs are commonly referred by their brand name, such as “Airbnb” or “VRBO” and are increasingly accessible and utilized.

A recent Google search indicated that there are about ten (10) properties listed as Airbnb’s in Morris, CT. Most of these rental properties are located close to Bantam Lake. Their prices range from $607 to $4,629 for five (5) nights or about $120.00 to $925.00 per night

As of October 1, 2024, municipalities have been enabled by state law (Senate Bill No. 335) to adopt a municipal ordinance and/or zoning regulations to regulate this use.

Some towns have chosen to regulate this use through their zoning regulations because they can allow specific uses in certain zones, or they can limit them from overlay areas (such as prohibiting them in a local historic district and/or allowing them in a destination lake district).

Some towns have opted to regulate this use by ordinance rather than by zoning regulation. A town ordinance would need to be endorsed by the Board of Selectmen (the legislative body of the Town) and then put to vote at a Town Meeting.

Some towns have adopted both an ordinance and amended their zoning regulations to regulate this use.

The following survey questions are intended to give the Town of Morris Planning & Zoning Commission more direction when it comes to addressing short-term rentals. Thank you for your input!

1.Have you had a negative experience with a short-term rental in the Town of Morris?(Required.)

Yes

If yes, please explain. . .

2.Should the Town of Morris?(Required.)

Regulate short-term rentals by Town Ordinance

By an amendment to its zoning regulations

Do nothing - status quo

3.What should be considered short-term?(Required.)

A period of time less than 30 days.

Any period of time less than 6 months.

A period of time less than two weeks.

None of the above (please specify time frame)

4.If the Town of Morris Planning & Zoning Commission takes the lead on addressing short-term rentals, should it?

Prohibit them throughout the Town of Morris.

Allow for them in very specific and limited zones (such as only residential).

Allow for them in all zones (residential, commercial, & industrial).

Other (please specify)

5.If the Town of Morris Planning & Zoning Commission chooses to regulate this use, should it require all non-hosted (where no property owner is present and the entire unit is rental) short-term rentals to obtain a Special Exception (which includes a public hearing and neighborhood notification)?(Required.)

Yes

If no, what permitting should the P&Z require?

6.Should the P&Z require any type of permitting process for hosted short-term rentals (when the owner is present on the property?)(Required.)

Yes, a zoning permit.

A Special Exception should be required.

7.If the P&Z chooses to regulate short-term rentals by Special Exception, should the permit be conditioned with a renewal period?(Required.)

Every two years

Every three years

There should not be a renewal period, the approval should run with the land.

8.Please submit your name and address (anonymous answers will not be considered).