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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in White County, IN

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

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation Homes must have 'Rules and Regulations' approved by staff and posted at entrances, covering 24-hour contact info, noise, and waste. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom (max 12 total), and buildings must be 50 feet from residential property lines unless waived by neighbors. Life-safety equipment (smoke detectors and fire extinguishers) and sewage/water authority certification are required.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Prepare 'Vacation Home Rules and Regulations' meeting ordinance minimums and obtain certification from the sewage/water authority (or Health Dept for septic). 2) Submit these documents to County Staff for approval. 3) If the building is within 50 feet of a residential property line, obtain a neighbor waiver and apply for a Special Exception Use through the Area Board of Zoning Appeals.

Official Resources

Official White County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in White County, IN?
Airbnb listings are allowed in White County, IN, but with restrictions. Vacation Homes must have 'Rules and Regulations' approved by staff and posted at entrances, covering 24-hour contact info, noise, and waste. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom (max 12 total), and buildings must be 50 feet from residential property lines unless waived by neighbors. Life-safety equipment (smoke detectors and fire extinguishers) and sewage/water authority certification are required. 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 White County, IN?
Vacation Homes must have 'Rules and Regulations' approved by staff and posted at entrances, covering 24-hour contact info, noise, and waste. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom (max 12 total), and buildings must be 50 feet from residential property lines unless waived by neighbors. Life-safety equipment (smoke detectors and fire extinguishers) and sewage/water authority certification are required.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in White County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in White County. 1) Prepare 'Vacation Home Rules and Regulations' meeting ordinance minimums and obtain certification from the sewage/water authority (or Health Dept for septic). 2) Submit these documents to County Staff for approval. 3) If the building is within 50 feet of a residential property line, obtain a neighbor waiver and apply for a Special Exception Use through the Area Board of Zoning Appeals.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in White County?
1) Prepare 'Vacation Home Rules and Regulations' meeting ordinance minimums and obtain certification from the sewage/water authority (or Health Dept for septic). 2) Submit these documents to County Staff for approval. 3) If the building is within 50 feet of a residential property line, obtain a neighbor waiver and apply for a Special Exception Use through the Area Board of Zoning Appeals.
Is Vrbo legal in White County, IN?
Vrbo is permitted in White 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in White County?
Short-term rental hosts in White 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in White County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for White County. 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