Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Carlinville, IL?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Carlinville, IL, but with significant restrictions. The city explicitly permits "Bed and Breakfast" establishments as a home occupation use, but this is the only form of short-term accommodation explicitly authorized under current zoning regulations. This means that while some form of STR operation is legal, it must comply with the specific requirements for bed and breakfast establishments.

The distinction between a traditional bed and breakfast and modern STR platforms like Airbnb is critical: Carlinville's regulations require owner/operator presence and limit operations to specific parameters, making them more restrictive than many other jurisdictions.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Carlinville, IL

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

Your STR operation must qualify as a "Bed and Breakfast" establishment under Carlinville's zoning code, which requires:

• Operator-occupied residence (owner or owner's agent must reside on the property)
• Maximum of 5 guest rooms
• Operation for more than 10 nights in a 12-month period
• Only breakfast service allowed (no other meals)
• Cannot be operated as a motel, hotel, boarding house, or food service establishment

Step 2: Property Requirements

• Must be located in a residential zoning district that permits home occupations
• The principal use must remain residential
• Property must meet all standard residential zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.)

Step 3: Home Occupation Permit Process

• Submit application to the Zoning Administrator
• Pay the required permit fee ($10.00)
• Demonstrate compliance with home occupation standards
• No exterior building alterations to accommodate the occupation
• Cannot generate traffic, parking, sewerage, or water use exceeding normal residential levels
• Cannot create excessive noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference
• Customer parking limited to one space at curb side of the street
• No customer deliveries or visits before 6:00 AM or after 9:00 PM

Step 4: Operational Limitations

• Must limit to the applicant who legally resides in the residence
• Cannot accommodate more than 2 transient guests per room per night
• Only breakfast service permitted for guests

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Permits:

1. Home Occupation Permit - $10.00 fee, issued by Zoning Administrator
2. Zoning Compliance Certificates (Initial and Final) - for any construction or renovation
3. Occupancy Permit - if any structural modifications are made

Required Documentation:

• Completed Home Occupation Permit application
• Proof of property ownership or legal right to occupy
• Site plan showing property boundaries, structures, and parking areas
• Floor plans identifying guest rooms (maximum 5 allowed)
• Operating plan demonstrating compliance with home occupation standards

Compliance Requirements:

• Adherence to all home occupation restrictions
• Maintenance of residential character
• Compliance with building, fire, and health codes
• Proper waste disposal and sewage management
• Parking and access requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Carlinville Municipal Code):

• Zoning Classification: STRs must comply with residential district requirements where permitted
• Home Occupation Status: STR operations are classified as home occupations, requiring special permits
• Operator Requirements: Owner or owner's agent must reside on the property
• Room Limits: Maximum 5 guest rooms permitted
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum 2 guests per room per night
• Operating Period: Must operate for more than 10 nights per 12-month period to qualify
• Service Limitations: Only breakfast service allowed; no other commercial food service

Home Occupation Standards:

• No exterior building alterations
• Traffic/parking cannot exceed normal residential levels
• No excessive noise, vibration, glare, fumes, or odors
• Customer parking limited to one curb-side space
• Operating hours restricted (no customers before 6:00 AM or after 9:00 PM)
• Must be clearly secondary to residential use

County-Level Regulations:

No specific Macoupin County STR regulations were found in the provided content. County regulations may apply to health, septic, and fire safety matters.

State-Level Regulations (Illinois):

The provided content does not include specific Illinois state regulations for short-term rentals. However, investors should be aware that Illinois has various state requirements that may apply:

• Illinois Department of Public Health regulations for lodging establishments
• Illinois Department of Revenue tax requirements
• State building and fire safety codes
• Illinois Human Rights Act compliance

Contact Information for Local Authority

Zoning Administrator

• Phone: Contact through City Hall at (217) 854-3261
• Email: Contact through City Hall
• Address: City of Carlinville, 550 Margaret Street, Carlinville, IL 62626
• Website: cityofcarlinville.com

City Hall

• Phone: (217) 854-3261
• Email: Contact through city website
• Address: 550 Margaret Street, Carlinville, IL 62626
• Office Hours: Contact City Hall for current hours

Links to Source Pages

• Carlinville Zoning Code Chapter 40

Important Investment Considerations

1. Limited STR Model: Carlinville's regulations essentially restrict STR operations to traditional bed and breakfast establishments, which may not align with the typical Airbnb investment model.

2. Owner-Residence Requirement: The operator must live on the property, limiting investment options for non-resident investors.

3. Room Restrictions: Maximum 5 guest rooms significantly limits revenue potential compared to larger STR operations.

4. Regulatory Uncertainty: The code does not explicitly address modern STR platforms, creating potential future regulatory changes.

5. Market Analysis Recommended: Given the restrictive framework, investors should conduct thorough market analysis to determine viability.

6. Grandfathering Considerations: Existing non-conforming STR operations may have different regulatory requirements under the non-conforming use provisions.

This regulatory environment suggests Carlinville is not currently STR-friendly for large-scale or non-owner-operated rental properties, making it suitable only for traditional bed and breakfast operations or very small-scale STR activities that can comply with the operator-residence requirement.