Overview: Are STRs allowed in Ridgefield?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Ridgefield, but they are tightly regulated and require local approval. Rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited unless operated as a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) under a valid Special Permit issued by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Rentals of 30 days or more are treated as standard residential leases and do not require a B&B permit. State occupancy tax obligations still apply regardless of rental length.

Source: News Times coverage of Ridgefield’s rules; Town Zoning Regulations (2025) [ridgefieldct.gov/Documents/Forms%20and%20Documents/Planning%20and%20Zoning/Zoning%20Regulations%202025.pdf] and [www.newstimes.com/news/article/danbury-area-short-term-rentals-airbnb-regulations-19488247.php].

How to Start an STR Business in Ridgefield

1. Determine eligibility and permitted pathways

• Short-term rentals (<30 days): Only allowed under a B&B Special Permit from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
• Rentals ≥30 days: Operate as a standard residential lease; no B&B permit required. Confirm that your property’s zoning permits residential rental use and that your HOA/covenants allow it.

2. Confirm zoning and site suitability

• Review your parcel’s zoning district in Ridgefield’s Zoning Regulations to ensure B&B operations are allowed in that district.
• Confirm compliance with dimensional standards (lot area, setbacks, height, parking) and that septic/wastewater capacity is suitable for expected occupancy.

3. Prepare and submit a Special Permit application (B&B)

• Use the Planning & Zoning Commission’s “Special Permit Application” (see Section 10.2.E in the Zoning Regulations).
• Submit site plans if required (see the application checklist in Section 10.2.E).
• Pay applicable application fees (see Section 10.1).
• The Commission will hold a public hearing. Neighboring property owners will be notified, and the project may be referred to internal and external agencies for review.

4. After approval

• Obtain required inspections/certificates as conditioned by the Special Permit.
• Register for state room occupancy tax if you will collect it directly (marketplaces often collect and remit on your behalf).
• Set up your listing and management systems, including guest screening, occupancy limits, parking plans, trash/recycling procedures, and emergency contacts.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Local requirements (Ridgefield)

• Special Permit for Bed & Breakfast (if renting <30 days): Application, supporting plans, and hearing process governed by the Zoning Regulations (Sections 9.2.A and 10.2.E). The B&B must comply with the use and design standards applicable to the subject district.
• Zoning Permit and Certificate of Zoning Compliance: May be required depending on the project scope (Sections 9.1.A and 9.1.B).
• Site Plan Approval: Typically required for development or changes that affect site layout, parking, or infrastructure (Section 9.1.C).
• Application fees: See Section 10.1 (Zoning Fees).
• Compliance with dimensional and performance standards: Lot coverage, setbacks, height, parking, landscaping, lighting, and neighborhood protections apply (Residential and Basic Standards sections).

State requirements (Connecticut)

• Room Occupancy Tax registration (if you collect taxes directly): STR operators must register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS), collect the 15% room occupancy tax from guests, and file returns. If a marketplace (Airbnb, Vrbo) collects and remits the tax on your behalf, your direct registration is not required.
• Connecticut’s definition of STR: Rental of a furnished residence or similar accommodation for 30 consecutive days or less (CGS §12-408h).
• Municipal authority: As of October 1, 2024, municipalities have explicit authority to regulate STRs through licensing/ordinances and to hire consultants to develop local STR rules.

Source: Avalara MyLodgeTax summary and legislative authority [www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2024/09/new-connecticut-law-gives-towns-authority-to-regulate-short-term-rentals.html].

Note: Insurance coverage for STRs is not addressed in the provided sources. Many homeowners’ policies exclude short-term rentals; verify coverage with your insurer or obtain a commercial policy.

Specific Regulations: Ridgefield (City), Fairfield County (County), Connecticut (State)

Ridgefield (local)

• Short-term rentals (<30 days): Allowed only with a B&B Special Permit issued by the Planning & Zoning Commission; must meet all use, design, and performance standards. Rentals ≥30 days: Allowed as standard residential tenancies without a B&B permit.
• Permissive zoning baseline: Ridgefield follows “permissive” zoning (use is prohibited if not expressly permitted). Confirm that STR use is permitted in your zoning district and that the proposed operation meets all standards.
• Enforcement: The Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) administers and enforces zoning, issues notices of violation, and pursues remedies (Section 9.4). The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) handles appeals and variances (Section 9.5).

Fairfield County (county-level)

• There are no county-level STR regulations in the provided sources. County issues (e.g., public health, environmental) are administered by state or local agencies.

Connecticut (state)

• State law defines STRs and establishes the 15% room occupancy tax framework. Marketplaces that facilitate bookings must collect and remit the tax; individual operators who collect tax must register with DRS and file returns.
• Municipal authority: Towns may adopt STR licensing/ordinances and hire consultants to design rules. Some municipalities already regulate STRs via zoning or ordinances; rules differ by town.
• Jurisprudence and enforceability: The Connecticut Supreme Court’s decision in Wihbey v. Zoning Board of Appeals (Branford) confirmed that STRs may be protected as nonconforming uses where older zoning did not clearly prohibit them, underscoring the importance of explicit local rules and permitting pathways.

Source: CT Insider survey and enforcement context; Zoning Regulations; Avalara MyLodgeTax; Wihbey case summary [www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-short-term-rentals-regulations-airbnb-vrbo-20229937.php], [ridgefieldct.gov/Documents/Forms%20and%20Documents/Planning%20and%20Zoning/Zoning%20Regulations%202025.pdf], [www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2024/09/new-connecticut-law-gives-towns-authority-to-regulate-short-term-rentals.html].

Contact Information (Local Authority for STRs)

Ridgefield Planning & Zoning Department (local authority for B&B permits and zoning enforcement)

• Contact: Alice Dew, Director of Planning & Zoning
• Website: ridgefieldct.gov (Departments > Planning & Zoning; or use the site map for “Planning and Zoning”)
• Mailing Address: Ridgefield Town Hall, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
• Phone/Email: Not listed in provided content. Call Town Hall’s main line or email the department via the town website to request the current contact details.

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (state occupancy tax)

• DRS main line and registration guidance are not provided in the content. Operators should visit the official state website or contact DRS to obtain registration instructions and filing requirements.

Links to Source Pages

• Town of Ridgefield Zoning Regulations (2025) [ridgefieldct.gov/Documents/Forms%20and%20Documents/Planning%20and%20Zoning/Zoning%20Regulations%202025.pdf]
• News Times coverage of Ridgefield STR rules and New Milford context [www.newstimes.com/news/article/danbury-area-short-term-rentals-airbnb-regulations-19488247.php]
• CT Insider STR survey and regulatory overview [www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-short-term-rentals-regulations-airbnb-vrbo-20229937.php]
• Avalara MyLodgeTax: New Connecticut law (municipal authority to regulate STRs), occupancy tax, and definition of STR [www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2024/09/new-connecticut-law-gives-towns-authority-to-regulate-short-term-rentals.html]

If you are planning to operate a short-term rental in Ridgefield under 30 days, start with the Planning & Zoning Department to confirm zoning district eligibility and the B&B Special Permit requirements. If you intend to operate longer-term rentals (≥30 days), confirm your property’s zoning allows residential leasing and that HOA or local covenants do not restrict such use. In all cases, ensure your occupancy tax obligations are satisfied either directly (registration with DRS) or via your listing platform.