Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Franklin County, IN

County zoning code treats short-term lodging ('tourist home', 'boarding house', 'lodging house', 'bed and breakfast') as defined land uses; small operations (3 or fewer rental units) are explicitly 'Allowed Without Permit' in specified zones, while larger operations (4+ units) require review/hearing (conditional/class 3) and must meet building, health, and zoning standards; Certificates of Occupancy and Improvement Location Permits apply for changes of use.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Franklin County. 1) Determine classification: if operation is 3 or fewer rental units it is Class I (allowed without permit), if 4+ units it is Class 3 (requires APC/BZA hearing). 2) For any change of use or improvements submit an Improvement Location Permit and application for a Certificate of Occupancy to the Franklin County Area Plan Commission (apply coincidentally); pay stated fees (Improvement Location Permit $30; Change of Use $50; Conditional Use $300; Variance $300). 3) If Class 3/conditional use, submit application for hearing to APC/BZA on required timeline; obtain inspections and Certificate of Occupancy when work is complete.

1) Determine classification: if operation is 3 or fewer rental units it is Class I (allowed without permit), if 4+ units it is Class 3 (requires APC/BZA hearing). 2) For any change of use or improvements submit an Improvement Location Permit and application for a Certificate of Occupancy to the Franklin County Area Plan Commission (apply coincidentally); pay stated fees (Improvement Location Permit $30; Change of Use $50; Conditional Use $300; Variance $300). 3) If Class 3/conditional use, submit application for hearing to APC/BZA on required timeline; obtain inspections and Certificate of Occupancy when work is complete.