Regulating Short-Term Rentals or "Airbnbs" Discussed in Madison

MADISON, CT — The issue of whether any town regulations need to be written over the use of short-term rental properties in the town of Madison was the subject of a lengthy discussion of the Planning and Zoning Commission at its most recent meeting.

Short-term rentals, or what some refer to as "Airbnbs" has been on the radar screen of Madisonites for a number of years, particularly those who live near properties that are regularly rented out and/or those who operate Bed and Breakfast or hotels as businesses.

Some who live near properties that are used as rentals have complained those renting properties don’t treat residents in the neighborhood respectfully. Others who own hotels and Bed and Breakfasts are upset that rental properties don’t incur the same tax burden.

At the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Director of Planning and Economic Development David Anderson stated that he has done a little bit of research into short-term rental regulatory practices among other towns, and most of them vary.

In addition, Anderson stated that he has received a number of responses from members of the public who have done short-term rentals.

If the Planning and Zoning Commission moves forward with any sort of regulations, Anderson stated that he would suggest that commissioners seek input from the general public, the Economic Development Commission and the Board of Selectmen.

PZC Chairman Ronald Clark stated that Anderson might want to add, as a resource, the Madison Police Department and Health Department, to determine whether there are issues with short-term rentals, and if they have any concerns.

Vice Chairman James Matteson stated that he believes the Planning and Zoning Commission should continue looking at the issue, since short-term rentals are a part of what Madison is, as a shoreline community and a summer town.

Beds and Breakfasts can exist in residences, but they require permits, and there are some regulations attached to them, according to Matteson.

Clark wondered whether the Planning and Zoning Commission is creating a very laborious solution to a nonexistent problem, and he stated that in terms of other town regulations, it should be found out why they were created and what is being served by their implementation.

Anderson stated that he pictures this as a fairly broad issue that should involve the Economic Development Commission and the Board of Selectmen. He asked whether the Planning and Zoning Commission would want to ask the Board of Selectmen to have a public information session, adding that there are people who are very strongly opinionated on both sides of the issue.

Secretary Thomas Burland stated that in the town’s Planning and Zoning regulations, renting a room in a house is as of right in a residential neighborhood, as long as the property is owner occupied.

Anderson asked if an ad hoc committee should be created to look further into the topic.

Commissioner Joseph Bunovsky stated that he would like a joint information session, before there is an ad hoc committee. The chairmen of the Economic Development Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Board of Selectmen could meet to see how to move forward with this, Anderson stated.

Leasing out homes in Madison is a century old tradition, Clark stated.

Burland volunteered to take part, and Clark stated he would also like to be involved; Anderson stated that he would get in touch the chairman of the Economic Development Commission and the first selectman to further the discussion about possible next steps.