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

YES, short-term rentals ARE allowed in Fox Lake, IL. However, they operate under a highly regulated framework requiring a special use permit from the Village Board. Short-term rentals are permitted only when specifically granted approval through the formal special use permit process outlined in Section 9-1-5-16 of the Village of Fox Lake Municipal Code. This makes Fox Lake a restricted market where STRs require local government approval rather than being permitted as-of-right.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Fox Lake

Starting a short-term rental business in Fox Lake requires a systematic approach involving several critical steps:

Step 1: Property Acquisition and Zoning Verification

Before purchasing or developing a property for STR use, verify that the property is located in a zoning district that allows for special use permits for short-term rentals. Review the official zoning map and consult with Village planning staff to confirm eligibility.

Step 2: Special Use Permit Application Process

Submit a formal petition to the Village Board requesting a special use permit for short-term rental operation. The application must be filed by the property owner who intends to operate the STR. Note that permits are granted to specific properties and specific owners - they are not automatically transferable to new property owners or new operators.

Step 3: Village Board Review and Approval

The Village Board will review your special use permit application during their regular meeting cycle. Prepare for potential questions regarding property management, guest accommodations, parking, noise mitigation, and compliance with local regulations.

Step 4: Compliance Framework Implementation

Upon approval, implement all required safety and operational standards, including but not limited to:

• Property maintenance compliance
• Parking management
• Guest behavior monitoring
• Emergency contact availability
• Noise control measures

Step 5: Ongoing Operational Compliance

Maintain continuous compliance with Village ordinances, respond promptly to neighborhood concerns, and renew any required permits or registrations as mandated by local regulations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Approvals

Special Use Permit for Short-Term Rental Operations

• Required: YES - This is the foundational approval for all STR operations
• Authority: Village Board of Fox Lake
• Process: Petition-based application with formal review
• Transferability: NOT transferable upon property sale
• Scope: Property-specific and owner-specific approval

Residential Rental Registration

• Required: YES - Must be completed for all rental properties
• Form: Residential Rental Registration (PDF)
• Process: Required during each change of occupancy
• Timeline: Must be completed before rental operation begins

Compliance Documentation

Rental Ordinance 2000-05

• Reference: Rental Ordinance 2000-05 (PDF)
• Purpose: Establishes baseline rental property requirements
• Coverage: All rental properties, including STRs

Rental Brochure

• Resource: Rental Brochure (PDF)
• Content: Guidelines and best practices for rental property management
• Usage: Reference material for compliance requirements

Supporting Documentation

• Property ownership verification
• Site plan showing parking accommodations
• Emergency contact information
• Property management plan
• Insurance documentation as required
• Building code compliance certificates

Inspection Requirements

• Change of Occupancy Inspections: Mandatory for each new rental period
• Notice Requirements: 24-hour advance notice required
• Compliance Focus: Property maintenance laws, ordinances, and regulations
• Initiated By: Request of tenant, owner, or Village inspection schedule

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Municipal Code Authority

• Primary Governing Regulation: Section 9-1-5-16 of the Village of Fox Lake Municipal Code
• Legal Framework: Special Use Permit requirement for all STR operations
• Code Library: Complete Village Code

Operational Restrictions and Requirements

Permit Specificity

• Permits are granted to specific property owners
• Permits apply to specific properties only
• Non-transferable upon property sale
• New owners must apply for new permits

Inspection Compliance

• Required during each change of occupancy
• 24-hour advance notice mandatory
• Compliance with all applicable property maintenance laws
• Subject to compliance inspections upon tenant or owner request

Property Standards

• Must comply with all Village building codes
• Subject to ongoing property maintenance requirements
• Parking arrangements must meet Village standards
• Safety equipment and emergency access must be maintained

Zoning and Location Considerations

• STRs must be located in zoning districts that permit special use permits
• Properties must meet all zoning requirements for rental operations
• Village maintains an official Zoning Map for reference

Historical Approval Pattern

The Village has approved numerous STR properties since 2018, with approvals continuing through 2025. The approved property list demonstrates an ongoing acceptance of STR operations when proper permits are obtained and compliance maintained.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact Information

Village of Fox Lake

• Address: 66 Thillen Drive, Fox Lake, IL 60020
• Phone: 847-587-2151
• Fax: 847-587-2237
• Website: www.foxlake.org

Departmental Contacts

Building Codes and Permits

• Page: Building Codes
• Related: Permit Information
• Applications: Applications & Forms

Village Code and Legal Compliance

• Code Library: Village Code
• Zoning Information: Zoning Map

Rental Property Management

• Residential Rental Information: 107/Residential-Rental-Information
• Business Licensing: Business Licenses

Public Information

• Transparency Portal: Available for public records and meeting minutes
• Village Events: Calendar for meeting schedules
• Public Notices: Civic Alerts for regulatory updates
• Staff Directory: Available for direct contact with specific departments

Links to Source Pages

Primary STR Regulation

• Short-Term Rentals - Village of Fox Lake

Supporting Rental Information

• Residential Rental Information - Village of Fox Lake

Municipal Code and Legal Framework

• Village Code Library

Zoning and Planning Resources

• Village of Fox Lake Zoning Map

Administrative Resources

• Applications & Forms
• Business Licenses
• Building Codes
• Permit Information

Important Note: This guide is based on information available as of the provided sources. STR regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with the Village of Fox Lake before making investment decisions or submitting permit applications. The special use permit requirement and non-transferable nature of permits are particularly significant considerations for STR investment strategies in this market.