Elizabethtown, Illinois Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Short-Term Rentals are governed primarily by state law in Illinois. The state law (House Bill 2919) does not prohibit short-term rentals. However, local municipalities retain the authority to enact ordinances to "protect public health and safety." There are no specific short-term rental ordinances found for Elizabethtown, IL, in the provided content. Therefore, the operation of an STR in Elizabethtown is subject to Illinois state statutes and general local regulations, but no city-specific STR rules were identified. The surrounding context suggests a "low regulation" environment in this market.

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

While there are no city-specific steps outlined, the process follows the standard Illinois framework.

Confirm Zoning: Verify with the Hardin County Zoning Office or the Village of Elizabethtown that your property is zoned for a residential use that allows for short-term lodging. Most residential zones will permit this as a primary use.
Register with the State: Since short-term rentals are considered a business, you must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) for tax purposes. This is a fundamental step before collecting any rent.
Obtain a Business License: Check with the Hardin County Clerk's office or the Village of Elizabethtown to determine if a local business license is required for operating a rental. The provided content does not indicate a specific requirement, but it is common.
Secure Insurance: It is highly recommended (and often required by platforms like Airbnb) to have appropriate insurance, including general liability coverage. A standard homeowner's policy may not suffice; consider a specialized short-term rental insurance policy.
Meet Safety Requirements: While no specific STR code was found, all Illinois properties must comply with basic safety standards:
- Smoke Alarms: Functioning smoke alarms on every level and inside/outside each sleeping area.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: A detector is required within 15 feet of any room used for sleeping if the building has fossil fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
- Fire Extinguisher: A readily accessible fire extinguisher is a good practice and may be required by insurance providers.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The specific documents will depend on the county and state requirements. Based on the standard Illinois process:

Illinois Business Registration: You will need to file for an Illinois tax ID number with the Department of Revenue. This is often done online.
State Tax Registration: You must register to collect and remit the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax. This is a significant state-level requirement for all STRs.
Proof of Ownership: This will be required for any permit or license application.
Proof of Insurance: As mentioned above, liability insurance documentation is crucial.
Local Business License (if applicable): If a local business license is required, you will need to submit an application to the appropriate local office (Village/County).

Guideline: Always contact the Village of Elizabethtown first to confirm the local process, as they are the primary authority for the municipality.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

State of Illinois Regulations

The state provides the legal framework:

Definition: An STR is a residential unit rented for less than 30 consecutive days. (House Bill 2919)
Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax: As per Senate Bill 2564, two state taxes are levied on the operator, totaling a tax equivalent to 6% of 94% of gross rental receipts. Platforms like Airbnb are responsible for collecting and remitting these taxes from the guest on your behalf, but the responsibility to ensure compliance remains with the owner.
Local Taxes: Other local taxes may apply, but the provided content does not specify any for Hardin County or Elizabethtown.

Hardin County (County-Level Regulations)

The provided content does not contain any specific information on Hardin County's regulations for short-term rentals. County ordinances typically apply to unincorporated areas.

Elizabethtown (City-Level Regulations)

No specific short-term rental ordinances were found for the Village of Elizabethtown in the provided content. The village's ordinances link provided (for a different village) lists a "Title 4 Chap 7 Short Term Hospitality" which is for Bed & Breakfasts, but not for general short-term rentals like Airbnb. Therefore, in the absence of a specific local ordinance, an STR in Elizabethtown is primarily governed by state law and general property codes.

Contact Information for Local Authority

For questions regarding permits, zoning, or local business licenses, investors should contact the Village of Elizabethtown and Hardin County directly.

Village of Elizabethtown:
- Phone: (815) 858-3911
- Email: villageofelizabeth@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.villageofelizabethil.com/ (Note: This is the correct site for the Village of Elizabeth. For the Village of Elizabethtown, the contact information provided was elizabethtownnc.org, which is for a town in North Carolina. The provided content did not contain a specific website or contact for Elizabethtown, IL. It is strongly recommended to verify the correct contact information for the Village of Elizabethtown in Hardin County, Illinois.)
Hardin County (for zoning and county business licenses):
- The provided content did not include contact information for Hardin County, Illinois. A direct web search or a call to the Village office is recommended to obtain the correct county contact.

Important: The third URL provided is for a town named Elizabethtown in North Carolina, not Illinois. This content (the Zoning Ordinance) is not applicable to the market in question.

Links to Source Pages

Illinois State-Level Laws:
Local Market Context:
- Elizabethtown, IL STR Market Analysis (AirROI)
Village of Elizabeth (for example of local ordinance structure):
- Village of Elizabeth, IL - Ordinances

Disclaimer: This guide is based solely on the provided content. It is highly recommended to contact the Village of Elizabethtown directly to confirm the current regulatory status and any new ordinances that may have been enacted. Regulations can change, and direct confirmation from local authorities is essential for compliance.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Elizabethtown?

Elizabethtown hosts earn a median $21,567/year with $154 ADR and 47% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $38,065+ per year.

See the full Elizabethtown market breakdown

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Ask the AI Advisor about Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown is a small village in Hardin County, in the southeastern tip of Illinois, with a population of roughly 300 residents. Sitting along the banks of the Ohio River across from Kentucky, it has the unhurried, river-town character typical of this remote stretch of the state, often called Little Egypt. The village functions primarily as a low-key gateway to the Shawnee National Forest, the surrounding river bluffs, and a handful of well-known natural landmarks. It lies about 90 miles southwest of Evansville, Indiana, and roughly 140 miles southeast of St. Louis, placing it well off the beaten path but within reach of travelers seeking outdoor recreation.

Just east of town, Cave-In-Rock State Park is one of the region's marquee draws, located about 15 minutes away along the Ohio River. The park is named for a large limestone cave carved into the riverbank that has served as everything from a Native American shelter to a nineteenth-century pirate hideout, and visitors can still walk inside it. Beyond the cave, the park offers river overlooks, picnic areas, a ferry crossing to Kentucky, and a marina popular with boaters exploring the Ohio.

The broader Shawnee National Forest sprawls across roughly 280,000 acres of southern Illinois and provides the main reason most visitors pass through Elizabethtown in the first place. Within roughly 30 to 45 minutes of the village, travelers can reach the forest's most photographed sites, including the dramatic sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods Wilderness, the rock-lined bluffs of Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, and the waterfalls and rock shelters scattered through the Garden of the Gods and Pounds Hollow areas. The forest also supports extensive horseback riding, hunting, and miles of backcountry hiking.

On the river itself, the Ohio provides a steady rhythm of towboats, small marinas, and quiet overlooks, with Elizabethtown's short waterfront offering easy launching points for kayaks and fishing boats. Local outfitters and guides in the broader area organize cave tours, river trips, and shuttle service into the more remote corners of the forest, giving visitors a way to experience the backcountry without long drives.

For short-term rental investors, Elizabethtown's appeal lies in its position as a quiet, affordable base camp for the Shawnee National Forest and the Ohio River, two destinations that draw hikers, rock climbers, hunters, and leaf-peepers year-round. The village's small footprint, riverfront setting, and proximity to marquee natural attractions make it well suited for cabin-style or rustic-themed stays, particularly during the spring wildflower and fall foliage seasons when visitation to the surrounding forest peaks.