Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Mount Carroll, IL and Carroll County, but only through a special use permit process. As of the latest available information, the operation of short-term rentals is prohibited as of right but may be permitted through the county's special use permit system in specific zoning districts, subject to strict regulatory requirements and time limitations.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Mount Carroll

Step-by-Step Process

1. Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is located in an appropriate zoning district (R-1 Residential or AG-1 Agricultural) where STRs may be considered through the special use permit process.

2. Pre-Application Consultation: Contact the Carroll County Zoning Officer to discuss your specific plans and understand local requirements before submitting applications.

3. Special Use Permit Application: Submit a formal application to the Zoning Board of Appeals for either:

   • Guest House/Home permit (5-year maximum term, renewable)
   • Bed & Breakfast establishment permit

4. Public Hearing Process: Attend required public hearings where neighbors and the community can provide input on your proposed operation.

5. Compliance Implementation: Once approved, implement all required safety, parking, and operational standards.

6. Ongoing Monitoring: Maintain compliance with all permit conditions and renew permits as required.

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits

Special Use Permit for Guest House/Home:

• Duration: Maximum 5 years without renewal
• Property Type: Single-family dwellings only
• Operation: Transient rental for guest accommodations with charge
• Compliance: Must meet all zoning district requirements

Special Use Permit for Bed & Breakfast:

• Owner Requirement: Must be owner-occupied residence
• Room Limit: Maximum 5 guest rooms for rent
• Operation Period: More than 10 nights per 1-year period
• Prohibition: Cannot include guest houses, motels, hotels, boarding houses, or food service establishments

Required Documentation

1. Completed Special Use Permit Application (Section 700-21.03)
2. Site Plans and Building Details showing compliance with setback requirements
3. Parking Arrangement Documentation (minimum one space per dwelling unit)
4. Sewage and Water Supply Compliance Documentation (Section 700-15.22)
5. Proof of Legal Property Ownership
6. Detailed Operational Plan including:
   • Maximum occupancy limits
   • Parking management
   • Noise control measures
   • Refuse management procedures
7. Financial Assurance if required by the County Board

General Compliance Standards

Residential Feature Protections (Section 700-15.02):

• No emission of noise, odor, toxic or noxious fumes, smoke, or dust that would be detrimental to public health, welfare, comfort, and safety
• No vibration perceptible beyond property boundaries
• Proper waste management and refuse containment

Parking Requirements (Section 700-15.10):

• Minimum: One space per dwelling unit
• Location: Must be on the same lot as the dwelling unit
• Surface: Durable material for dust control
• Proper drainage implementation

Setback Requirements:

• R-1 District: 60 feet from township roads, 100 feet from county roads, 10 feet from side/rear property lines
• AG-1 District: 60 feet from township roads, 100 feet from county/state highways, 10 feet from side/rear property lines

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Carroll County Zoning Requirements

Permitted Districts:

• R-1 Single Family Residential District: Bed & Breakfast and Guest House/Home permitted by special use permit
• AG-1 Agricultural District: Bed & Breakfast permitted by special use permit

Operational Limits:

• Guest House/Home permits limited to 5-year terms without renewal
• Bed & Breakfast operations limited to owner-occupied properties with maximum 5 guest rooms
• Transient occupancy defined as less than 30 consecutive days

Prohibited Activities:

• STRs in industrial districts (I-1, I-2) and commercial districts (B-1, C-1)
• Guest houses exceeding 5-year permit terms
• Non-owner-occupied Bed & Breakfast operations

Lake Carroll Area Specific Considerations

The Lake Carroll gated community has reserved the right to establish its own rental regulations that could be more restrictive than county requirements. Property owners in this area should coordinate with both county authorities and the Lake Carroll Association regarding any additional local restrictions.

State-Level Illinois Requirements

Hotel/Motel Tax Compliance:

• STR operators may be required to collect and remit hotel/motel taxes to the Illinois Department of Revenue
• Registration with the Illinois Department of Revenue may be required for tax collection purposes

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contacts

Carroll County Zoning Officer:

• Name: Julie Yuswak
• Role: Zoning Code Enforcement
• Function: Processes special use permit applications and ensures compliance

Carroll County State's Attorney:

• Name: Scott Brinkmeier
• Function: Legal oversight of zoning enforcement activities

Administrative Contacts

Carroll County Board:

• Function: Ultimate authority for zoning ordinance amendments and special use permit approvals

Zoning Board of Appeals:

• Function: Conducts public hearings and makes recommendations on special use permits

Municipal Contact (Mount Carroll)

City of Mount Carroll:

• Address: 1309 N. Main St., Mount Carroll, IL 61053
• Phone: (815) 244-5171
• Website: cityofmountcarroll.org

Important Considerations

Regulatory History

Carroll County implemented a temporary moratorium on STRs in 2013, issuing cease and desist orders to existing operators while developing regulatory frameworks. The current system represents the county's solution to allow controlled STR operations while addressing community concerns about safety, neighborhood character, and property values.

Compliance Monitoring

STR operators must maintain ongoing compliance with all permit conditions. Violations can result in permit revocation, fines, and enforcement actions by the Zoning Officer.

Community Relations

The public hearing process provides opportunities for neighbor input. Successful STR operations typically maintain positive relationships with surrounding property owners and adhere strictly to all operational guidelines.

Sources

1. Temporary halt on vacation rentals in Carroll County - www.mycarrollcountynews.com/news/article_bfae1ab6-ff64-11e2-a52f-001a4bcf6878.html (August 7, 2013)

2. Carroll County Chapter 700 Zoning Ordinance (Amended May 18, 2023) - cms9files.revize.com/carrollil/Chapter%20700%20Zoning%20Amended%2005.18.2023.pdf

Note: This guide reflects the regulatory framework as of the most recent available documentation. STR operators should verify current requirements with local authorities, as zoning regulations may be subject to amendment.