Porter County – Chesterton
Other Indiana Markets Airbnb and short term rental laws.
Renting the home you live in: Not allowed in home zones without a variance
Renting a home you don’t live in: Not allowed in home zones without a variance
Chesterton does not list short term rentals as allowed in home zones. Owners must ask the zoning board for a use variance. The board turned down one request in October 2026.
PERMIT
Use variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals
How to apply
Ask the Board of Zoning Appeals for a use variance. The board holds a first hearing, then a public hearing with notice to neighbors.
Fee
$300 for a use variance.
Where rentals are allowed
Town zoning does not list short term rentals, meaning stays under 30 days in a row, as an allowed use in the R2 home district. Bed and breakfasts are allowed or need a special exception in some districts.
Caps
Short term rentals are not allowed in home districts without a use variance.
Penalties
Fines run up to $2,500 a day, and each day is a separate offense. Violators can be cited into court, and the town can seek a court order. The building commissioner issues correction orders and cease and desist orders.
Coming changes
Another short term rental variance request goes to a public hearing on November 24, 2026.
Apply
Official rules
More information
- Sec. 505, Table A: Allowed uses by district
- Zoning Article XII: Fines and court orders
- Sec. 1-9: Court citations
- Sec. 305: Correction orders
- Zoning Appendix I: Use variance fee