Permit Requirements: Columbus vs Indianapolis
How do permit requirements rules compare between Columbus, OH and Indianapolis, IN?
Indianapolis has fewer restrictions than Columbus.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Columbus City Code Chapter 598 requires all STR operators to obtain an annual permit before listing. Application requires BCI background check, $300,000 liability insurance, letter of good standing, and 24/7 local contact. Permit fee: $75/year primary residence, $150/year non-primary.
View full Columbus rules →Indianapolis, IN
Marion County
Indianapolis requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for all STR properties effective January 2025. Initial permit fee is $150 per property, renewed annually at no cost. Apply through the DBNS Citizen Access Portal.
View full Indianapolis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee | $75/yr primary; $150/yr non-primary | - |
| Insurance | $300,000 liability required | - |
| Background Check | BCI check required ($32) | - |
| Code Section | Columbus City Code Chapter 598 | - |
| Permit Required | - | Yes — per property |
| Initial Fee | - | $150 one-time |
| Renewal | - | Annual, $0 renewal fee |
| Effective Date | - | January 1, 2025 |
| Apply Via | - | DBNS Citizen Access Portal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Columbus?
Columbus City Code Chapter 598 requires all STR operators to obtain an annual permit before listing. Application requires BCI background check, $300,000 liability insurance, letter of good standing, and 24/7 local contact. Permit fee: $75/year primary residence, $150/year non-primary.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Columbus?
Permit Fee: $75/yr primary; $150/yr non-primary. Insurance: $300,000 liability required. Background Check: BCI check required ($32). Code Section: Columbus City Code Chapter 598.
Indianapolis FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for all STR properties effective January 2025. Initial permit fee is $150 per property, renewed annually at no cost. Apply through the DBNS Citizen Access Portal.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Indianapolis?
Permit Required: Yes — per property. Initial Fee: $150 one-time. Renewal: Annual, $0 renewal fee. Effective Date: January 1, 2025.
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