Commissioners adopt UDO changes to clarify home-based businesses and mirror state rules for short-term rentals
December 30, 2024 | DeKalb County, Indiana
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DeKalb County commissioners voted Dec. 3 to adopt separate UDO text amendments: one simplifying rules for home-based businesses and another aligning short-term rental rules with Indiana law.
Planning staff (Chris, speaker 11) told the board the home-based-business update removes multiple overlapping definitions and consolidates standards in the development standards section. The draft sets maximum indoor floor-area limits (a 500-square-foot cap for small home occupations, higher caps for workshops and enterprises), restricts outdoor storage unless screened, limits on-site employees by business type and allows modest signage. Chris said the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the revisions.
On short-term rentals, staff proposed language that follows Indiana Code (IC 36-1-24) so the county can require one-time permits and limited signage and distinguish owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals. Staff emphasized they did not add standards beyond state law but created local permitting and minimal development standards to help enforcement. The board approved Resolution 2024-R-12 for the home-based changes and Resolution 2024-R-13 for the short-term rental provisions by roll call.
Chris said the planning department is seeing permit activity above previous highs and that the office will work on a comprehensive plan rewrite in 2025–26 to guide future rezone decisions and development policy.
The short-term rental language references IC 36-1-24 for enforcement and fee provisions; the county will rely on state code for any enforcement steps that exceed the local development standards in Article 5.
Planning staff (Chris, speaker 11) told the board the home-based-business update removes multiple overlapping definitions and consolidates standards in the development standards section. The draft sets maximum indoor floor-area limits (a 500-square-foot cap for small home occupations, higher caps for workshops and enterprises), restricts outdoor storage unless screened, limits on-site employees by business type and allows modest signage. Chris said the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the revisions.
On short-term rentals, staff proposed language that follows Indiana Code (IC 36-1-24) so the county can require one-time permits and limited signage and distinguish owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals. Staff emphasized they did not add standards beyond state law but created local permitting and minimal development standards to help enforcement. The board approved Resolution 2024-R-12 for the home-based changes and Resolution 2024-R-13 for the short-term rental provisions by roll call.
Chris said the planning department is seeing permit activity above previous highs and that the office will work on a comprehensive plan rewrite in 2025–26 to guide future rezone decisions and development policy.
The short-term rental language references IC 36-1-24 for enforcement and fee provisions; the county will rely on state code for any enforcement steps that exceed the local development standards in Article 5.
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