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Planning Commission recommends short‑term rental language to align UDO with Indiana law
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to recommend a short‑term rental text amendment to match Indiana Code; staff proposed a one‑time permit fee of $150, contact information requirements for complaints, and a one‑unit‑per‑property limit while excluding existing B&Bs and hotels.
The DeKalb County Planning Commission voted to forward a text amendment to the UDO that adds short‑term rental provisions to align local regulations with Indiana Code.
Staff said state law now prevents local governments from banning short‑term rentals outright, so the UDO text was drafted to mirror statutory language while allowing limited local development standards: a one‑time permit fee (proposed $150 charged again on ownership transfer), a requirement to provide owner and emergency contact information for complaint response, a limit of one short‑term rental per property meeting primary structure setbacks, and signage/address display per county ordinance. The text excludes bed‑and‑breakfasts, hotels and motels already regulated separately.
Commissioners discussed how accessory guest houses and pool houses could be affected; staff noted the current UDO rarely permits detached guest houses except for dependent housing, meaning the allowance will rarely be exercised unless the ordinance or zoning changes. After jurisdictional findings, the commission moved for a favorable recommendation; roll call votes were unanimous and the recommendation will go to the County Commissioners.
Next steps: staff will prepare the referral packet and final redline for the County Commissioners to consider at a future meeting.
