6 rules for unincorporated Elkhart County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
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.
IC 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...
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 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.
Elkhart County levies an innkeeper's tax on lodging rented under 30 days under IC 6-9-19, on top of Indiana's 7% state sales tax. A 2024 law raised the county's ceiling to 8% from 5%.
IC 6-9-19-3
Subject to subsection (g), the tax may not exceed the rate of eight percent (8%) on the gross retail income derived from lodging income only and is in addition to the state gross retail tax imposed under IC 6-2.5.
Neither Indiana nor Elkhart County sets a short-term-rental parking ratio. Guests park under the same zoning and residential rules as any household, and IC 36-1-24 lets the county add only reasonable standards.
Elkhart County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.
Elkhart County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
See every category we cover for Elkhart County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Elkhart County Ordinance Hub →