What should Fort Wayne hosts know about non-owner-occupied rentals in residential areas?

Non-owner-occupied rentals in residential areas require approval from 75% of adjacent neighbors.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Fort Wayne?

Residential zones (R1-R3) typically require a Board of Zoning Appeals 'Special Exception' hearing.

What should Fort Wayne hosts know about indiana state law (hea 1035)?

Indiana state law (HEA 1035) prevents cities from banning primary residence rentals but allows strict permitting.

What should Fort Wayne hosts know about the combined tax rate is?

The combined tax rate is high at 15%.

Fort Wayne, IN Short-Term Rental Regulations and Licensing…

Summary

Fort Wayne requires a short-term rental permit and registration, with non-owner-occupied properties in residential zones typically requiring a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals and approval from 75% of adjacent neighbors.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 11 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To run a short-term rental in Fort Wayne, you must register with the city and obtain a permit, which is capped at $150. If you don't live on the property, you must get approval from 75% of your neighbors and may need a special zoning permit. You are also responsible for a 15% total tax rate, consisting of 7% state sales tax and 8% county innkeeper's tax.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Fort Wayne does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Fort Wayne allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written landlord consent and proof of primary residency if applying as an owner-occupied unit.
•Fort Wayne allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two Family, Multi-Family, Condo, Townhouse.

Requirements(14)

•Fort Wayne STR warning: Residential zones (R1-R3) typically require a Board of Zoning Appeals 'Special Exception' hearing.
•Fort Wayne: Residential zones (R1-R3) typically require a Board of Zoning Appeals 'Special Exception' hearing.
•Fort Wayne: Non-owner-occupied rentals in residential areas require approval from 75% of adjacent neighbors.

Application Process(9)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Fort Wayne: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Eligibility - Determine if your property is in a residential zone (R1, R2, R3). If it is not your primary residence, you may need a Special Exception. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.allinallen.org/planning-services/ Step 2: Obtain Neighbor Approval (Non-Owner Occupied) - If the property is non-owner occupied, you must obtain approval signatures from 75% of all adjacent property owners. Documents needed: Signature approval form. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Step 3: Apply for Special Exception (If Required) - File a petition with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) if required by your property's zoning classification. Documents needed: Site plan, Narrative of use. Estimated time: 4-8 weeks. Cost: 300. Step 4: Register for Taxes - Register with the Indiana Department of Revenue to obtain a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC) to collect state and county taxes. Documents needed: Business information, Tax ID. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 25. More info: https://www.in.gov/dor/business-tax/registered-retail-merchant-certificate/ Step 5: Submit Short-Term Rental Permit Application - Submit the final application to the Building Commission with proof of residency, safety compliance, and the permit fee. Documents needed: Photo ID, Proof of residency, RRMC, Safety checklist. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 150.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Fort Wayne charges a registration fee of $150 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $75 (Renewal fee is often reduced to $75; initial application capped at $150 per state law).

Taxes(3)

•Indiana has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.
•Fort Wayne: The combined tax rate is high at 15%.
•Fort Wayne charges a Allen County Innkeeper's Tax of 0.08%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit both the 7% state tax and 8% county tax.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Fort Wayne limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Fort Wayne enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Fort Wayne occupancy calculation: Subject to building and fire code capacity limits. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Fort Wayne requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Exits must be clearly marked, Compliance with local building and housing standards, Exit plan must be submitted with application.

Penalties(2)

•Fort Wayne: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Fort Wayne enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $500 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Fort Wayne: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Fort Wayne exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Primary residences rented for fewer than 15 days a year (tax exemption only).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Fort Wayne

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Fort Wayne

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Fort Wayne?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Fort Wayne?

3Are there rental night limits in Fort Wayne?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Fort Wayne?

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