Fishers BZA denies special exception for short-term rental at 107 Northwood Drive

The Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals on Sept. 24 voted to deny SE-25-3, a petition by Andres and Christiane Bello to operate a short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO style) at 107 Northwood Drive. The board's decision was to not approve the special exception; the denial was based on board members' findings related to community impact and safety concerns raised at the hearing.

Planner Grace Wiley explained that Indiana state law precludes municipal limits on short-term rentals that are owner-occupied home occupations; because the property does not meet the home-occupation standard, the owners sought a special exception. The record shows the property was purchased in June 2025 and the listing was active on Airbnb beginning in July 2025; the listing describes the property as an entire-home rental for up to seven guests with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Petitioner Andre Bello described operating the property as a locally managed, pet-friendly short-term rental and said he and his wife live in the area and participate in the neighborhood. Bello said the property has hosted guests who patronized local attractions and that he limits vehicles and the length of stays to reduce party risk. He said the owners have remediated a prior flooding problem at the property and had letters of support from immediate neighbors.

During public comment, the board heard neighbors who supported the application and several neighbors who opposed it. Supporters, including a neighbor who said the renovated house improved a previously dilapidated property, cited economic and hospitality benefits; other neighbors raised concerns about increased traffic, visibility of the public-notice sign (a van was parked near it), proximity to another unpermitted short-term rental on the street, impacts on children and school traffic, and the potential for construction crews or short-term tenants to produce disruptive activity. One resident said he had not received mailed notice of the hearing; others said they had received notice.

Wiley told the board staff had received two written public comments in the packet (one for, one against) and confirmed that the special exception, if granted, would be tied to the current owner: a change in ownership would void the special exception. Staff said city records show no approved short-term-rental special exceptions in Fishers and that staff will follow up if other rentals appear to be operating without an approved special exception.

After public comment the board voted on a motion to deny the special exception. On the record several board members cited community character and safety concerns; the motion to not approve the special exception carried on a roll call vote.