Ridgefield, CT Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Section 8.11, 'Residential Lodging,' states its intent is to balance the interests of hosts, neighbors expecting a 'consistent, harmonious, and non-commercial residential environment,' and public safety officials who respond to residences under § 8.11.A. Short-term rentals are permitted as an accessory use in all zones under § 8.11.B-C. At the lowest tier, an owner offering not more than 14 lodging nights and not more than 2 lodging stays per year needs no permit and no reporting. The middle tier, 15 to 45 lodging nights and up to 6 stays, requires a Zoning Permit from the ZEO, who runs a 'simple administrative procedure' for issuance and tracking and may deny the permit if the property carries open building code or zoning violations under § 8.11.C.2.a.

The top tier, 46 to 180 lodging nights and up to 26 stays, requires a Special Permit from the Commission after a public hearing with neighbor notice, and the Commission sets the maximum nights or stays considering proximity of other residences and host oversight under § 8.11.C.3.a. At the two permitted tiers, a Natural Owner must report each stay's dates, guest names, and, if the owner will be absent, full contact information for the lodging party, to the Zoning Department at least 3 business days before the stay under § 8.11.C.2.b and C.3.b. A separate Bed & Breakfast use always requires a Special Permit under § 8.11.D.