KILLINGWORTH, CT — Residents of Jacob Lane urged the Killingworth Planning and Zoning Commission to establish regulations for short-term rentals during its Oct. 20 meeting, citing repeated complaints about noise, large gatherings, traffic and parking at a neighborhood property.
Commissioners discussed possible restrictions, including permits, minimum rental periods and noise limits, but took no formal action on new regulations. They agreed to continue examining the issue at their next meeting.
The commission also voted unanimously to postpone consideration of a proposed steel shed at 13 Parker Hill Road until Nov. 17 and reviewed revisions to the town's Plan of Conservation and Development survey.
Richard and Eva Lamb, residents of Jacob Lane, told commissioners that activity at a short-term rental at 6 Jacob Lane has disrupted their neighborhood since approximately New Year's.
Richard Lamb described frequent parties, loud music, late-night disturbances, excessive traffic and parking problems.
He said some gatherings had attracted more than 50 people despite the property's advertised maximum occupancy of 11. He also reported seeing as many as 23 vehicles and four tour buses on the street.
Lamb said he had contacted police approximately 25 times and repeatedly complained to Airbnb and the property owner without resolving the problems.
He also raised questions about the property's advertised bedroom count and possible septic system and health code issues.
Lamb urged the town to consider regulations requiring permits, limiting noise, establishing minimum rental periods or prohibiting short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
Patty and Paul Blodgett, of 21 Jacob Lane, supported the complaints, citing speeding vehicles, late-night noise and disturbances affecting neighborhood safety.
Patty Blodgett offered to research short-term rental regulations adopted by other municipalities.
Other Jacob Lane residents described overflowing trash containers, litter blowing into neighboring yards and buses parking along the street.
One resident said rental activity occurred seven days a week during the summer rather than only on weekends, citing amenities including a swimming pool, hot tub, pizza oven and patio.
The complaints were presented by residents during public comment, and the alleged violations were not independently verified.
Commissioners discussed the challenges of regulating short-term rentals in a rural community with different property types.
Possible approaches included requiring permits, establishing minimum stays, adopting noise restrictions and limiting or prohibiting certain rental operations.
The discussion also addressed enforcement difficulties, existing nuisance provisions, building and fire safety requirements, and potential limitations under state law concerning occupancy and parking.
Commissioners noted that enforcement can be difficult when property owners are absent and renters leave before officials can respond.
The commission discussed the property's reported ownership through Jacob Lane Estates LLC and Stay Well LLC, identifying Sean and Jennifer Dwyer as principals.
Commissioners also discussed distinctions between short-term rentals and other lodging operations, including the Killingworth Inn's reported authorization for 90-day rentals.
Killingworth currently has no specific permitting or regulatory system governing short-term rentals.
Commission member Geoffrey Cook suggested residents consider consulting an attorney and sending a formal letter to the property owner documenting the disturbances while the commission examines potential regulations.
Chairman Paul McGuinness asked commissioners to submit research and suggestions to Zoning Enforcement Officer Linda Kieft-Robitaille for compilation ahead of the next meeting.
Kieft-Robitaille reminded members to route communications through her rather than using group email replies, which could constitute a meeting under applicable public meeting requirements.
The commission voted 6-0 to continue its review of a proposed 20-by-30-foot steel shed at 13 Parker Hill Road until its Nov. 17 meeting.
The proposal is being considered as an 8-24 referral, a process used to review certain municipal projects for consistency with local planning objectives.
McGuinness said the submission contained unanswered questions and missing information.
First Selectman Couture, who was serving as the contact for the matter, had relayed the commission's concerns to the group providing the shed and was awaiting additional information.
Commission member Mike Drew moved to continue the matter, with Cook seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Commissioners also discussed revisions to a survey being prepared as part of the town's Plan of Conservation and Development.
The discussion focused on identifying questions to retain, revise or remove.
Members considered using updated demographic information from the U.S. Census Bureau and Connecticut Economic Resource Center rather than asking residents questions already answered by existing data.
The commission agreed to retain three open-ended questions at the end of the survey.
Members also discussed adding a question about short-term rentals, including defining the term and potentially referencing rental platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.
Other subjects under consideration included artificial intelligence data centers and sustainable energy.
Commissioners were asked to submit proposed revisions and additional questions to Kieft-Robitaille for compilation and consideration at future meetings.
McGuinness reported that monthly invoices from the law firm Halloran and Sage and the recording secretary had been approved.
He said legal invoices associated with Running Brook Farm had decreased as the matter approached resolution, although work remained to finalize a stipulation.
No executive session was held. McGuinness said one might be considered the following month but could no longer be necessary.
The commission unanimously approved the minutes of its Sept. 15 regular meeting by a 6-0 vote.
Commission member Stephanie Warren introduced the motion, which Richard Pleines seconded.
All commission members were listed as present, including those participating remotely.
McGuinness called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, with remote access available.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
The commission's next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 17, when members are expected to revisit the Parker Hill Road proposal and consider additional information concerning short-term rental regulations.
This report is based on the Oct. 20 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes prepared by recording secretary Jamie Sciascia.
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