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Stamford, CT Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Restricted districts
RA-3, RA-2, RA-1, R-20, R-10, R-7½, R-6
Exception condition
Operator present whenever guests occupy unit
ADU rule
ADUs cannot be used for STRs
Citation
Zoning Regs § 4, Amdt. 223-10

Summary

In Stamford's RA-3, RA-2, RA-1, R-20, R-10, R-7½, and R-6 residential districts, short-term rentals are banned outright unless the operator lives in the unit every night guests are present.

In the RA-3, RA-2, RA-1, R-20, R-10, R-7½ or R-6 Zoning Districts no Short-Term Rentals shall be permitted, unless the Short-Term Rental Operator resides in such Short-Term Rental Property at all times when guests occupy such property and such property is the Short-Term Rental Operator's primary residence.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Stamford's Zoning Regulations bar Short-Term Rentals in the RA-3, RA-2, RA-1, R-20, R-10, R-7½, and R-6 residential districts entirely, with a single carve-out: the Short-Term Rental Operator must reside in the property at all times guests are on site. There is no separate permit that substitutes for that presence requirement, an absent owner or manager makes the rental illegal in these zones regardless of any other compliance. The standard sits in the 'Short-Term Rental' use definition in Section 4, Use Regulations and Standards, added by Amendment 223-10 and current through the Regulations' May 31, 2026 update. Accessory Dwelling Units cannot be used to host a Short-Term Rental.

Violations & Fines

Hosting short-term guests in a restricted district without living on site the entire stay violates Section 4's Short-Term Rental standard and can draw zoning cease-and-desist action or fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I short-term rent my Stamford house while traveling?
Not in the RA-3 through R-6 districts: the Short-Term Rental Operator must be on the property at all times guests are present.
Does the host-presence rule apply everywhere in Stamford?
No, only in the RA-3, RA-2, RA-1, R-20, R-10, R-7½ and R-6 residential districts; other zoning districts follow a different rule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stamford

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions

All Stamford rules

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