| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | 7% Indiana state sales tax + Brown County innkeeper's tax (rate to be confirmed with county treasurer; secondary sources suggest ~5%). Must register w |
| Permit Fee | Special Exception application fee required (amount not published online; contact Brown County Planning Department). Indiana state law caps initial STR |
| Penalties | Violations of zoning ordinance subject to enforcement action; specific fine schedule not published in available sources. Indiana state law caps permit |
| Occupancy Limit | Not specified in publicly available code section; governed by zoning ordinance standards. |
Short-term rentals in Brown County, Indiana are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Special Exception application fee required (amount not published online; contact Brown County Planni.
Short-term rental operators in Brown County should be aware of these tax obligations: 7% Indiana state sales tax + Brown County innkeeper's tax (rate to be confirmed with county treasurer; secondary sources suggest ~5%). Must register with Indiana Department of Revenue..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Brown County include: Occupancy limit: Not specified in publicly available code section; governed by zoning ordinance standards..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Brown County: STRs (called 'tourist homes') require a Special Exception approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) explicitly may NOT be used as tourist homes or for short-term rental . Density rules: Yes — minimum separation: 1,320 feet (approx. 0.25 miles) between STR properties; 250 feet from nearest private residence..
Hosts who fail to comply with Brown County's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Violations of zoning ordinance subject to enforcement action; specific fine schedule not published in available sources. Indiana state law caps permit fees at $150 initial..
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Brown County: No platform-specific obligations confirmed at county level..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Brown County but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Brown County regulates STRs through its Zoning Ordinance and the Board of Zoning Appeals Special Exception process. STRs are locally referred to as 'tourist homes.' A short-term rental is defined as a
Yes. Brown County requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Brown County are subject to the following tax obligations: 7% Indiana state sales tax + Brown County innkeeper's tax (rate to be confirmed with county treasurer; secondary sources suggest ~5%). Must register with Indiana Department of Revenue..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Brown County may face enforcement. Violations of zoning ordinance subject to enforcement action; specific fine schedule not published in available sources. Indiana state law caps permit fees at $150 initial..
Brown County (Nashville, IN area) is a major Indiana tourism hub near Brown County State Park. STRs thrive as rural cabins/cottages. ADUs are expressly prohibited from STR use. Must call Planning Department to verify zoning eligibility before applying. Zoning maps not available online.
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