Short-Term Rentals in Elkhart County, IN (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Elkhart County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
Short-Term Rental Permits
Indiana Code 36-1-24 bars Elkhart County and its cities from banning short-term rentals in residential zones. The county Area Plan Commission has adopted no STR-specific registration; rentals run as a permitted residential use.
Elkhart County Short-Term Rental Permits
Some RestrictionsIC 36-1-24-9
A unit may require a special exception, special use, or zoning variance for the short term rental property that is in a residential zoning district or classification of a unit. However, the unit may not interpret and enforce the unit's zoning regulations for a special exception, special use, or zoning variance in a manner that is intended or has the effect of prohibiting or unreasonably restric...
Noise Rules
Elkhart County sets no rental-specific noise rule; STR guests obey Chapter 94 like any resident. Sound plainly audible 50 feet away after a warning, or over 83 dBA at 15 feet, is prohibited.
Elkhart County STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsElkhart County Code § 94.03(B)
The use, operation or permitting of its use or operation, of any such sound machine in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located after a termination request shall be prima facie evidence of a violation.
Taxes & Fees
Elkhart County levies a 5% innkeeper's tax on gross retail income from lodging under County Code § 36.045, which sets the rate under I.C. 6-9-19-3 and reaches any person who rents rooms, lodgings or accommodations to transient guests, including short-term rental hosts operating in the unincorporated county. The County Treasurer collects and deposits the proceeds into the Convention and Visitor Promotion Fund created under County Code § 31.020.
Elkhart County Short-Term Rental Occupancy Tax
Some RestrictionsElkhart County Code of Ordinances § 36.045
§ 36.045 COUNTY INNKEEPER’S TAX. (A) The innkeeper’s tax referenced at I.C. 6-9-19, and more specifically at I.C. 6-9-19-3, is hereby set at the rate of 5% on gross retail income derived from lodging income only. (B) The innkeeper’s tax shall be levied against those persons who are identified by category at I.C. 6-9-19 as persons who may be subject to the tax. (Prior Code, § 6-9-18-3)...
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