Branford Zoners Mull Tightening Up Airbnb Regulations

BRANFORD, CT - You can now count Branford among the growing list of towns in Connecticut that have begun to hold discussions on toughening up of regulations of Airbnb rentals of town properties.

Currently the town has only a 5-year-old regulation on the books that allow rental of properties for a week or more of certain number of vacationers.

But at the most recent Planning and Zoning Commission Branford officials held a lengthy discussion on whether it wanted to do more to regulate the rental of properties.

It's a discussion that has been held in other communities in Connecticut - some of which have passed regulations toughening up rental of properties as the've dealt with the issue of Airbnb hosts squeezing large groups into small houses as the popularity of Airbnb's have grown throughout the state.

Those Airbnb guests - in some cases - have brought loud partying to relatively peaceful neighborhoods.

In Branford, the Planning and Zoning Commission, Chair Charles Andres and Town Planner Harry Smith held the discussion, joined by some who currently rent out their properties to Airbnb guests.

Andres, in particular, took pains to repeatedly emphasize that there is no move afoot to change Branford ordinances concerning Airbnb’s - at least none that he is aware of - as has been the case in other towns.

The zoners said while Branford isn't close to adopting tougher regulations - as some Connecticut towns have done - they have been asked by a member of the Representative Town Meeting who lived in an area where Airbnb’s are popular to "hold the discussion."

The arguments echo an ongoing debate around the country as states and municipalities take different approaches to ensuring the online rental system doesn’t disturb neighborhoods, the housing market or the hospitality industry.

In Branford, neighborhoods such as Pine Orchard and Indian Neck are ones that seem to be popular with the short-term rental crowd - especially during the summer vacation season.

But those who own property and utilize it for Airbnb guests argue back they they need the supplemental income to afford their tax bill - and - they are careful to screen those who stay in their properties to try and weed out potential problem guests.

Some areas, like New York City, have created a 30-day minimum for rentals, while others limit the times per year owners can rent or require a registry for hosts.

In Connecticut, the state legislature has not yet taken action on the rentals, except to become one of the states that partners with Airbnb to collect the 15 percent lodging tax from renters.