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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Morgantown, IN

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

In Brown County's jurisdiction, STRs (tourist homes) require a Special Exception and must be 250ft from the nearest residence and 1,320ft from other STRs. Occupancy is limited to one guest per 50 sq ft of guest room (max 10 guests total), and a local manager must be registered and displayed on-site.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Apply for a Special Exception through the Brown County Area Plan Commission for approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals. 2. Register the local manager's contact information with the Area Plan Commission. 3. Pass an inspection by County and State inspectors (required at least every three years) and notify the Brown County Treasurer of approval.

Official Resources

Official Morgantown STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Morgantown, IN?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Morgantown, IN, but with restrictions. In Brown County's jurisdiction, STRs (tourist homes) require a Special Exception and must be 250ft from the nearest residence and 1,320ft from other STRs. Occupancy is limited to one guest per 50 sq ft of guest room (max 10 guests total), and a local manager must be registered and displayed on-site. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Morgantown, IN?
In Brown County's jurisdiction, STRs (tourist homes) require a Special Exception and must be 250ft from the nearest residence and 1,320ft from other STRs. Occupancy is limited to one guest per 50 sq ft of guest room (max 10 guests total), and a local manager must be registered and displayed on-site.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Morgantown?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Morgantown. 1. Apply for a Special Exception through the Brown County Area Plan Commission for approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals. 2. Register the local manager's contact information with the Area Plan Commission. 3. Pass an inspection by County and State inspectors (required at least every three years) and notify the Brown County Treasurer of approval.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Morgantown?
1. Apply for a Special Exception through the Brown County Area Plan Commission for approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals. 2. Register the local manager's contact information with the Area Plan Commission. 3. Pass an inspection by County and State inspectors (required at least every three years) and notify the Brown County Treasurer of approval.
Is Vrbo legal in Morgantown, IN?
Vrbo is permitted in Morgantown, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Morgantown?
Short-term rental hosts in Morgantown 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Morgantown?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Morgantown. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction