Stratford, CT Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

Owner occupancy is a condition of the accessory apartment permit under the Stratford Zoning Regulations, Section 4.4.2.E.3. The principal owner of the residence must reside in either the primary dwelling or the accessory residential apartment throughout the duration of the permit. The definitions in Section 4.4.2.C make the principal owner the owner of not less than a 50% interest in the residence. Where title sits in an LLC, INC, or similar entity, a principal of that entity must live in one of the two units for the same period.

The condition is enforced through the permit itself. Under Section 4.4.2.D.ii, the permit is subject to revocation by the Commission if at any time one of the dwelling units is no longer occupied by the owner, and the owner must notify the Office of Planning and Zoning of that change. The permit is also subject to revocation on a finding by the Zoning Enforcement Officer of noncompliance with the conditions and requirements of approval.

Revocation carries physical consequences. The owner must have all cooking appliances and kitchen and related mechanical (gas and electric) services cut and capped inside the wall or removed completely. The owner then notifies the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the Building Official to inspect and certify the discontinuance of the accessory apartment.

The requirement reaches existing apartments too. The owner of an accessory residential apartment existing as of the effective date of the Regulations must file for approval under the same application procedures in Section 4.4.2.D. Section 4.4.2.E.10 adds that home occupations are permitted only when operated by the primary occupant.