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Avon schedules June 4 hearing on proposed short‑term rentals ordinance
Summary
The Council set a June 4 public hearing on a Short‑Term Rentals Ordinance intended to provide the town a faster enforcement path than zoning. Staff discussed enforcement details, possible FVHD swimming‑pool rental issues, and noise enforcement challenges.
The Avon Town Council voted May 7 to set a public hearing for June 4 on a proposed Short‑Term Rentals Ordinance that would regulate short‑term lodging such as Airbnb and VRBO rentals.
Hiram Peck, Avon’s Director of Planning and Community Development, told the Council the town drafted an ordinance because it provides a clearer, faster enforcement mechanism than modifying zoning regulations. "The most effective way to regulate this is through an ordinance rather than the zoning regulations; if someone violates the ordinance then we have a way to enforce that pretty quickly," Peck said.
Council members raised several enforcement and scope questions. Mrs. Barthel flagged a recent Farmington Valley Health District concern about Swimmingly, a service that lists private pools for rent; she urged the Council to consider state health‑district permitting for pool rentals and whether those activities should be included in the ordinance. Members also discussed the application timing language (365 days vs. 30 days), whether multiple short‑term units on a single property should be treated differently, and how to define and enforce "unreasonable noise." Peck said enforcement usually begins with a complaint to his office and that police assistance may be needed for noise calls; the Town Manager said the Council has time to refine language before the hearing.
The Council unanimously approved the motion to set a public hearing on June 4, 2026 to consider adopting the Short‑Term Rentals Ordinance. The hearing will allow residents to comment and the Council to consider revisions before possible adoption.
