Carmel’s settlement agreement addresses short-term rental violations

Owner prohibited from pursuing future rental listings in city

The City of Carmel has reached an agreement regarding reported violations of a city ordinance pertaining to short-term residential rentals.

The Nov. 21 settlement agreement with Vacation Homes LLC and its owner and sole member, Serena Burkard, prohibit either from listing the property on Singletree Court or any other properties within the city limits on any short-term rental platforms. As a result of the settlement, any short-term rental listing by the LLC or Burkard will result in a $5,000 per day per listing penalty and responsibility for any costs or fees incurred by the city.

On March 21 and again on May 31, Vacation Homes LLC, through Burkard, was issued notices of violation of the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the property’s use as a short-term residential rental. The city then filed a lawsuit against Vacation Homes LLC and Burkard on July 11, citing the Singletree Court property as being illegally operated as a short-term rental.

The reached agreement effectively ends short-term rental concerns regarding the Singletree Court property going forward.

Residents who suspect that a property is being illegally operated as a short-term rental are encouraged to contact city code enforcement. Properties may be used as short-term rentals if the homeowner is granted a special exception by a hearing officer of the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals. Homes may be rented for 30 days or longer without authorization from the city.