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Lake County, IN Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

STR-specific noise rule
None statewide
Unincorporated source
County nuisance ordinance
Cities/towns
Municipal noise ordinance
Citation trigger
3+ in a calendar year
Consequence
Permit revocation up to 1 yr

Summary

There is no STR-specific state noise rule. Guests at a Lake County short-term rental must follow the same nuisance/noise ordinance that applies to any residence in the unincorporated county, and the municipal noise ordinance inside cities and towns.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lake County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

If three (3) or more citations for ordinance violations are issued to an owner for a permitted property within a calendar year, the unit may revoke the permit for that permitted property for a period of not more than one (1) year after the date the permit is revoked.

View official code

Full Breakdown

IC 36-1-24 does not set noise limits; noise is governed by the county or municipal nuisance ordinance. In unincorporated Lake County the county nuisance/noise ordinance (enforced by the county) controls loud or disturbing noise at all hours, and quiet-hours provisions apply to STR guests just as to permanent residents. Repeated noise citations at an STR matter under IC 36-1-24-14: 'three (3) or more citations for ordinance violations' to an owner for a permitted property within a calendar year let a unit revoke the STR permit. Inside Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville, and other municipalities, the city or town noise ordinance and quiet hours apply.

Violations & Fines

Noise complaints are enforced as ordinance violations with fines; three or more citations in a calendar year can trigger STR permit revocation for up to one year under IC 36-1-24-14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do special noise limits apply to short-term rentals?
No separate STR noise limit exists. STR guests follow the same county or municipal nuisance/noise ordinance as any other resident, including local quiet hours.
Can noise complaints cost me my STR permit?
Yes. Under IC 36-1-24-14, three or more ordinance-violation citations (including noise) to an owner within a calendar year let a unit revoke the permit for up to one year.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Lake County rules

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