Westfield, IN, Considers New STR Permit Requirements

9/30/2026

The Westfield, Indiana, City Council is considering an ordinance that would establish a permitting system for short-term rentals beginning in January. Under the proposal, STR owners would pay a $150 permit fee and provide emergency contact information to the city. Properties receiving three or more citations for violations such as noise, parking, or property maintenance within a calendar year could have their STR permit suspended for up to one year. Operating without a permit could also result in a citation for each rental transaction. City officials said the proposal was developed in response to neighborhood complaints but acknowledged that Indiana law limits how extensively municipalities can regulate STRs. The ordinance is scheduled to return to the council for a final vote on October 12.

Current Publishing (09/28/26) Leila Kheiry

Why It Matters: Westfield’s proposal illustrates the growing use of permitting and violation-based enforcement rather than outright STR prohibitions. The limits imposed by Indiana state law are also significant, demonstrating how state preemption can shape the types of regulations local governments are able to adopt.