Westfield City Council approves short-term rental ordinance WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — The Westfield City Council has approved new ordinances for short-term rentals. Starting in 2027, owners in the Hamilton County city must register with the city and obtain a permit. Westfield City Council President Patrick Tamm said Tuesday that the ordinances are meant to focus on public health and safety. “It’s a consistent issue for our neighbors and our residents, and it’s a consistent issue for our public safety.” The ordinance requires owners to pay a one-time fee of $150 for each property and renew permits annually. Owners also must provide basic property information: where the property is advertised, such as on Airbnb or Vrbo; owner information; and an emergency contact. The city will give the information to police and fire departments. Tamm said it will help first responders respond to emergencies. The ordinance follows the Westfield Police Department’s arrest of two people earlier in 2026 on suspicion of operating a prostitution ring in a short-term rental. The city will also implement a three-strike system under which it can revoke a permit if a property receives three citations in a year. Violations include noise and parking. Tamm said most issues stem from owners who live outside the area. “If it’s a local resident or even an area resident who owns these short-term rentals,” he said. “It is very rare we have any issues. It’s when it’s a corporate-owned, out-of-town, out-of-state, out-of-country owner that we typically have issues.” The ordinance also bans using short-term rentals for illegal activity, including housing sex offenders and selling illegal drugs. ...read more read less