Stratford, CT Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

The rental limit sits in the general requirements for accessory apartments. Section 4.4.2.E.9 provides that no dwelling containing an accessory residential apartment shall be permitted to have short- or long-term rooms for rent, with a cross-reference to Section 4.4.9, or a bed-and-breakfast establishment, with a cross-reference to Section 4.4.8. Section 4.4.8.B makes bed and breakfast establishments a special permit use before the Zoning Commission under Section 7.3.4, so an owner with an accessory apartment cannot use that route.

Section 4.4.9 is the companion rule. Under 4.4.9.B, boarding of rooms within a single-family structure is permitted where the underlying district allows it, limited to no more than two persons in addition to the family of the occupant. Under 4.4.9.C, a boarding house for 3-5 unrelated individuals needs a special permit with health officer approval. A dwelling with an accessory apartment is shut out of these room-rental options by Section 4.4.2.E.9.

Section 4.4.9.E then says that short-term rentals, such as VRBO, Airbnb or similar rentals, are not a regulated activity in the Town of Stratford. The regulations print no sentence reconciling that statement with the room-rental bar in Section 4.4.2.E.9, so an owner planning to list a house that contains an accessory apartment should get the Zoning Enforcement Officer's answer in writing first.

The affordability track in Section 4.4.2.F speaks to tenants directly. An owner of an approved affordable accessory residential apartment must verify tenant income and rent information when preparing the affidavit, and must record a deed restriction meeting the definition of affordable housing in Section 8-30g of the Connecticut General Statutes. Section 4.4.2.E.10 adds that home occupations are permitted only when operated by the primary occupant.