Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Brown County, IN

Airbnb listings are allowed in Brown County, IN, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals must be located at least 250 feet from the nearest residence and 1,320 feet from the nearest existing short-term rental. Operation requires a Special Exception approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals; properties within the Town of Nashville are subject to specific town zoning eligibility. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals must be located at least 250 feet from the nearest residence and 1,320 feet from the nearest existing short-term rental. Operation requires a Special Exception approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals; properties within the Town of Nashville are subject to specific town zoning eligibility.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Brown County. 1. Apply for a Special Exception through the Brown County Planning Department office. 2. Obtain approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals following a public hearing. 3. Complete the Tourist Home Checklist requirements, which include obtaining a driveway permit and coordinating with the Plan Commission/Building Department.

1. Apply for a Special Exception through the Brown County Planning Department office. 2. Obtain approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals following a public hearing. 3. Complete the Tourist Home Checklist requirements, which include obtaining a driveway permit and coordinating with the Plan Commission/Building Department.

Vrbo is permitted in Brown County, IN under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Brown County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Brown County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.