Short-Term Rentals in St. Joseph County, IN (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Short-Term Rental Permits
Indiana Code 36-1-24 bars St. Joseph County and its cities from banning short-term rentals in residential zones; South Bend requires annual rental registration by September 1 and an occupancy inspection.
St. Joseph County Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
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...
Taxes & Fees
St. Joseph County levies a 6% innkeeper's tax on lodging rented under 30 days under IC 6-9-1-5, on top of Indiana's 7% state sales tax, for a combined 13%.
St. Joseph County STR Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsIC 6-9-1-5
the tax imposed under subsection (a) is imposed at the rate of six percent (6%) on the gross income derived from lodging income only and shall be in addition to the state gross retail tax imposed on such persons by IC 6-2.5.
All St. Joseph County ordinances
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