Carmel residents oppose short term rentals citing noise and safety concerns

Residents of the Winter Grove neighborhood in Carmel, Indiana, voiced strong opposition to short-term rentals during a recent Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on June 23, 2025. The meeting highlighted growing concerns over noise, safety, and the overall impact of transient guests on the community's quality of life.

Multiple residents, including Helen Wang and Alicia Toppel, expressed their dismay over the disruptive behavior associated with short-term rentals, particularly during recent bachelorette parties that resulted in significant noise complaints. Wang, who lives next door to the property in question, emphasized the lack of communication from the property owner and the challenges of living next to what feels like a hotel. She raised concerns about the inability to verify the backgrounds of transient guests, referencing a tragic case from Indiana history to underscore her point.

Terry Henderson, another resident, echoed these sentiments, sharing his experiences with noise disturbances that disrupted his peaceful retirement. He questioned whether the homeowners association had been informed about the rental activities and expressed frustration over the lack of accountability from the property owner.

The meeting also featured testimonies from other neighbors who highlighted the safety risks posed by short-term rentals, particularly for families with children. Brian Winger, a newcomer to the area, shared his concerns based on previous experiences in South Florida, where he witnessed neighborhoods transform into hubs for short-term rentals, ultimately diminishing community stability.

As the Board of Zoning Appeals considers the future of short-term rentals in Winter Grove, residents are hopeful that their voices will lead to stricter regulations that prioritize neighborhood safety and tranquility. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for how Carmel addresses the growing trend of short-term rentals and their impact on residential communities.