Hamilton County - Westfield
Indianapolis area Airbnb and short term rental laws.
Renting the home you live in: Allowed (permit vote Nov 9)
Renting a home you don’t live in: Allowed (permit vote Nov 9)
Westfield has no short term rental permit today. The city council is weighing a $150 permit with free renewals, and its next meeting is Nov. 9, 2026.
PERMIT
None in force. Proposed Westfield short term rental permit.
How to apply
Proposed: the owner applies on city forms for each property. One permit covers all units and detached buildings. The city must issue it within 30 days.
Fee
Proposed: $150 for a first permit or a new permit after revocation. The fee is not refundable.
Renewal
Proposed: the permit lasts one year and renewal is free. Report changes to the application in writing within 30 business days. Permits do not transfer to a new owner.
Where rentals are allowed
No short term rental rules in the city code or zoning code. A bed and breakfast is an owner run home with three to five guest rooms and needs a special exception in some districts.
Caps
No cap on short term rentals.
Parking, trash, and noise
General city noise and nuisance rules apply. The proposal would bar using rentals to house sex offenders, run sober living homes, or for illegal activity.
Local contact
Proposed: an emergency contact name and contact info are required.
Penalties
Proposed: renting without a permit is a Class C infraction for each rental. Three or more city citations in a calendar year can lead to losing the permit for up to one year. The owner gets written notice, 20 days to ask for a hearing, and a hearing before the Board of Public Works and Safety.
Coming changes
The city council votes on a $150 permit on November 9, 2026. If it passes, it takes effect in January 2027.
State lawThe city attorney said the proposed $150 one time fee follows the limit in Indiana law.
Official rules
More information
- Ordinance 26-56: Proposed permit rules
- IC 36-1-24-10: What towns may regulate
- IC 36-1-24-11: Permit application rules