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City staff outlines short-term rental permit and special-exception framework
Summary
City staff presented a short-term rental permitting ordinance and a special-exception use for non-owner-occupied rentals; staff said state law constrains remedies but permits would enable local contact and revocation after repeated violations.
City staff presented a proposed ordinance that would require short-term rental operators to obtain a city permit, meet basic safety and property-maintenance standards, provide a local emergency contact and display the permit on the property. The presenter said permits would become available as soon as the ordinance is effective, would be valid for one year and that state law limits many local requirements: “short term rentals cannot be banned under Indiana law,” staff said, and state statutes define much of the permit content and timelines.
Staff explained that non-owner-occupied short-term rentals would also require a special-exception zoning approval handled through the Board of Zoning Appeals and the same special-exception criteria already in the municipal code — including protections for public health, property values and neighborhood character. Staff said repeated citations can trigger permit revocation, and that revocation could affect a property’s special-exception status. The presentation closed with staff saying a draft ordinance and supporting materials will be posted and that the administration expects to file a proposal for council consideration in August.
