Generally some people do ignore ZUN policies on using his resources, usually its the western community that does this. The japanese community values these policies alot more than we do so you won't often find them using ZUN stuff unless its remakes or edits. I've observed that both the western and eastern communities both tend to use the sprites of CtC or sprites that were made in that style are seen often. I'm not sure on the usage rights to those sprites but it must be ok if so many are using it. I personally use ZUN sprites directly but that is because I do not favor CtC's art style at all. The best place to look is on deviantArt, contains many people who can draw pixel art for you and get you the resources you need in the art department.
Though since you want an rpg, you'll definitely have to pay up for people to put their time in your game. RPGs require alot of visual resources, PCs, NPCs, enemy sprites, boss sprites, ect....