Short term rental regulations have been adopted in New Fairfield.  The Zoning Commission, at their meeting last week, approved an amendment allowing rentals of six or fewer days as long as property owners obtain zoning permits for their rental properties. 

According to meeting minutes, the update requires a payment of $500 every 24 months for the permit.  A certificate of insurance for the proposed use and Zoning Commission-approved site plan are also needed.  The renter must live on either the same property as the rental or an abutting one.  Occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom.  

The changes passed on a 2-1 vote. 

Proponents say the supplemental income helps pay for property taxes or improvements to their property.  Opponents argue there have been large groups, strained septic systems, a lot of street parking and noise. 

The amended zoning regulation go into effect March 1st.