West Hartford considers temporary short-term rental licensing

The West Hartford Town Council’s Community Planning and Economic Development Committee is reviewing a draft zoning ordinance that would create a temporary licensing process for short-term rentals.

While the town maintains that current zoning regulations prohibit short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, the proposed measure serves as a stopgap while two legal cases proceed through the courts. These cases include Instant Property Solutions, LLC v. Town of West Hartford Zoning Board of Appeals, currently before the Connecticut Appellate Court, and Rolak, LLC, et al. v. Town of West Hartford Zoning Board of Appeals, pending in the Connecticut Superior Court.

Corporation Counsel Dallas Dodge stated that the ordinance aims to protect public safety and neighborhood quality of life during the litigation process. The measure would apply to properties already operating as short-term rentals, defined as stays of less than 30 days, and would require owners to provide proof of prior use. The ordinance is expected to be introduced to the full Town Council on November 10.