Overview

• Are STRs allowed in Downers Grove, IL? Yes, Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Downers Grove. The Village does not have specific STR laws that outright prohibit or impose a separate STR license. Hosts may operate subject to standard zoning, building, housing, fire, and general municipal code rules that apply to all residential uses.
• Important nuances and caveats:
  • No dedicated STR license is identified in Village codes or fees. The Village’s Permit Portal is the mechanism for building/fire permits and inspections; STRs are not singled out there as a distinct category.
  • Hosts must follow applicable state and local taxes and general laws (noise, parking, property maintenance, etc.).
  • Community associations (condo/HOA) can restrict short-term leasing through their bylaws. If you are subject to an association, obtain written approval before listing.

How to start a STR business in Downers Grove

• Confirm zoning and use compliance
  • Identify your property’s zoning (e.g., R-1, R-2, R-3) and permitted principal uses. In residential zones, a Dwelling Unit is a permitted principal use. If your building is governed by an association, verify that short-term rentals are allowed (or seek approval).
  • If any structural or life-safety changes are planned (e.g., egress, fire protection, substantial alterations), submit building/fire permit applications via the Village’s Permit Portal.
• Prepare the property
  • Comply with adopted building codes: 2021 IBC with DG amendments; 2021 IRC with DG amendments; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code with DG amendments; International Fire Code with DG amendments; 2015 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; State of Illinois Accessibility Code; State of Illinois Plumbing Code with DG amendments; and local zoning ordinances.
  • If installing pools/spas, comply with the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with DG amendments.
  • If significant electrical or mechanical work is contemplated, ensure work aligns with the adopted NEC and IMC with DG amendments.
  • Schedule and pass required inspections via the Permit Portal or by calling 630-434-5529 (please allow 48–72 hours notice).
• Establish a business presence and tax compliance
  • Register for local tax accounts as required (municipal/county occupancy taxes if applicable) and ensure compliance with the Illinois Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax (state-level, currently 6%). The state-level tax is collected from guests and remitted by the operator.
• Set operational controls
  • Implement house rules that meet Village noise, parking, and nuisance standards.
  • Prepare safety and sanitation procedures consistent with adopted codes (e.g., smoke/CO alarms, exits, housekeeping).
  • Ensure marketing listings do not imply commercial lodging uses prohibited by zoning or associations.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• No specific STR license has been identified in Downers Grove’s code or permit portal. You must still:
  • Apply for building/fire permits as needed via the Village Permit Portal; uploads must follow Village submittal requirements (document size and file types per portal).
  • Use owner authorization forms when an agent applies on your behalf.
  • Comply with adopted codes (see list below).
  • Follow general municipal standards such as zoning, stormwater/floodplain (if applicable), and property maintenance.
  • Abide by association bylaws if applicable.
• Local building codes and standards (as adopted by the Village):
  • 2021 International Building Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2021 International Residential Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2020 National Electric Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2021 International Mechanical Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (with Downers Grove amendments and Illinois amendments)
  • 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2021 International Fire Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • 2015 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)
  • State of Illinois Accessibility Code
  • State of Illinois Plumbing Code (with Downers Grove amendments)
  • Downers Grove Zoning Ordinance
  • Downers Grove Stormwater and Flood Plain Ordinance
• Operational guidelines:
  • Noise and nuisance: Follow standard municipal noise and behavior rules (no amplified sound disturbances; quiet hours typically observed by municipalities).
  • Parking: Comply with Village parking regulations; ensure guests do not block driveways or violate street parking rules.
  • Property maintenance: Maintain yards, sidewalks, and structures consistent with the International Property Maintenance Code (adopted locally).

Regulations for short-term rentals: city, county, and state

• Village of Downers Grove (City-level)
  • No dedicated STR ordinance identified; general zoning and property standards apply.
  • Permits and inspections: Use the Permit Portal for any construction/fire work; 10 business days for first review; respond to staff comments within five business days.
  • Building and life-safety: Adopted codes listed above.
  • Zoning and land use: Residential zones treat a Dwelling Unit as a permitted principal use; confirm with Community Development if your specific configuration or location requires interpretation.
  • Fees/bonds: If required, applied in the portal; bonds generally refunded within 3–4 weeks after satisfactory completion of work.
  • Inspections: Request via portal or at 630-434-5529; allow 48–72 hours notice.
  • Taxes: The Village may assess local occupancy or lodging taxes; check with the Village for current requirements and whether separate registration or returns are required.
• DuPage County (County-level)
  • County-level STR-specific licensing is not identified in the provided materials. County health and safety codes may apply depending on the property type and configuration.
• State of Illinois (State-level)
  • Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax: State-level tax on lodging that applies to STR operators; currently 6% (rates may change). Operators collect from guests and remit to the state via appropriate filing.
  • Accessibility, plumbing, and other state codes may apply based on scope of work.
• HOA/Condo associations
  • Associations commonly restrict or regulate short-term leasing in their bylaws. Review and secure association approval if applicable. Associations may fine owners for violations and pursue enforcement under their rules.

Contact information (Downers Grove)

• General: 630-434-5500
• Legal Department (municipal code questions): 630-434-5542
• Community Development (zoning/permit guidance): 630-434-5515
• Building and Fire inspections (to schedule): 630-434-5529
• Mailing address: Civic Center, 850 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515
• Permit Portal: cvportal.downers.us
• Municipal Code (Municode): downersgrove.municipalcodeonline.com/

Links to source pages

• Downers Grove – Permits and related information (including portal access, fee schedule, and adopted building codes): www.downers.us/permits
• Downers Grove – Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance and adopted codes): downersgrove.municipalcodeonline.com/
• State-level STR taxation summary and municipal licensing examples (Chicago and Tinley Park) from O’Flaherty Law: www.oflaherty-law.com/learn-about-law/illinois-short-term-rental-laws

Operational risk notes for investors

• No city-specific STR license does not mean “no rules.” Standard codes and ordinances still apply and are enforced through general code enforcement.
• Municipality-collected occupancy tax: the Village can impose local lodging/occupancy taxes. Confirm whether you must register for a local tax account and collect remits in addition to state-level taxes.
• Association constraints: Many associations prohibit STRs or set rules (owner-occupancy, minimum lease term, caps on days). Failure to comply can result in fines and legal action.

If you would like, I can also help you interpret the specific zoning section for your address or review association bylaws to confirm allowed rental terms.