Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Nauvoo, IL?

Yes. Short‑term rentals are permitted in Nauvoo, Illinois, provided the property is located within city limits and the operator complies with city, county, and state requirements. At a minimum, Nauvoo requires licensing with an annual inspection, and operators must collect and remit applicable hotel/motel taxes to the city and the state. The city’s “Nauvoo Certified Vacation Rentals” program highlights compliant rentals that meet the city’s criteria.

Key city requirements:

• Business license with annual inspection by the City Building Inspector.
• State of Illinois Hotel Operators Occupation Tax registration (for state taxes).
• Remittance of city Hotel/Motel taxes and state Hotel Operators Occupation Taxes.
• Zoning compliance; rentals must be in areas where transient lodging is an allowed use.
• Compliance with health and safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers; occupancy consistent with life‑safety codes).

State law (HB2919) establishes that local governments cannot prohibit short‑term rentals; they may regulate only for public health and safety, and can apply transient lodging taxes at the same rates as commercial lodgings.

Sources: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/; www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/nauvoo-illinois; www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB2919.htm

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Nauvoo

1. Confirm zoning and allowable use

• Verify that the property is inside Nauvoo city limits and that transient lodging is a permitted or conditional use in the zoning district. If in doubt, check the zoning map or contact the City Building Inspector. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/

2. Obtain a city business license and schedule inspection

• Apply for the City of Nauvoo business license for short‑term rentals.
• Book an annual inspection with the City Building Inspector to ensure health and safety standards. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/

3. Register for state taxes

• Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) for the Hotel Operators Occupation Tax (HOOT). File monthly/quarterly/annual returns (Form RHM‑1) as required. Online registration: tax.illinois.gov/; HOOT information: tax.illinois.gov/Businesses/HotelOperatorsTax.html

4. Set up city tax remittance

• Collect and remit Nauvoo’s Hotel/Motel tax. The city page references a 5% rate; verify current rate and filing process with the City. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/ (mentions city tax), www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/nauvoo-illinois (states “5% Hotel/Motel Tax”).

5. Insurance and safety

• Maintain homeowners insurance plus general liability appropriate for STR operations (many investors carry an STR‑specific policy).
• Ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear egress per inspection standards. Sources: www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law; www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/

6. Platform compliance and registration

• If listing on platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.), add your license number in listings where required. Note: Platforms are required to collect/ remit Illinois HOOT. Source: www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB2919.htm

7. Consider the “Nauvoo Certified Vacation Rentals” program

• While voluntary, becoming “Nauvoo Certified” signals compliance and may improve guest trust. Certification confirms you hold the city license, state tax registration, and remain in good standing with the City. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/

8. Operations

• Establish turnover procedures, guest communications, local contacts, and revenue management. Confirm maximum occupancy with the Building Inspector. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Nauvoo

• Business license application for short‑term rentals.
• Annual inspection and certificate of compliance from the City Building Inspector.
• Zoning confirmation or variance if applicable.
• Local hotel/motel tax registration and monthly remittance.

State of Illinois

• Hotel Operators Occupation Tax (HOOT) registration with IDOR.
• Monthly/quarterly/annual filing (Form RHM‑1).
• Combined state transient lodging tax equals 6% of 94% of gross rental receipts for STRs; platforms must collect and remit. Sources: tax.illinois.gov/Businesses/HotelOperatorsTax.html; www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law

Typical documentation during licensing

• Proof of ownership or lease authorization.
• Site plan/address and unit details.
• Owner/manager contact information (including local contact per IDOR guidance if applicable).
• Proof of insurance and safety equipment.
• Platform account details and listing information.
• Evidence of good standing with the City.

Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/

Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Nauvoo (Municipal)

• Licensing and inspection: All short‑term rentals must obtain a city business license and pass an annual inspection by the City Building Inspector. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/
• Zoning: Property must be located in a zoning district where transient lodging is permitted or approved through a conditional use process. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/
• Taxes: Operators must collect and remit the city’s Hotel/Motel tax. The 5% figure is commonly referenced for Nauvoo; verify the current rate with the City. Sources: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/ (city tax), www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/nauvoo-illinois (“5% Hotel/Motel Tax”)
• Safety/occupancy: Compliance with applicable health and safety standards, as verified during the annual inspection. Confirm maximum occupancy with the Building Inspector. Source: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/
• Consecutive‑day note: Renting to the same guest for more than 30 consecutive days may trigger different regulatory treatment under state law. Source: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/nauvoo-illinois

Hancock County (County)

• No additional STR‑specific regulations were identified in the provided sources. Standard county health and building codes may apply but are not detailed in the materials provided.

State of Illinois (Statewide)

• Definition: A short‑term rental is a residential unit rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days, including units in multi‑unit structures, condominiums, cooperatives, timeshares, or jointly owned properties. Excludes non‑residential units, bed and breakfasts, and transient accommodations not classified as residential for property tax purposes. Source: www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB2919.htm
• Local authority limits: Under HB2919, municipalities cannot prohibit STRs; they may regulate only for public health and safety, and can apply transient lodging taxes at commercial lodging rates. Sources: www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB2919.htm; www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law
• Taxes: The state imposes the Hotel Operators Occupation Tax on STRs equal to 6% of 94% of gross rental receipts (often reported as 5.64% of gross). Platforms are obligated to collect and remit these taxes. Filing is on Form RHM‑1. Sources: tax.illinois.gov/Businesses/HotelOperatorsTax.html; www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law
• Licensing: No statewide STR license; most cities require their own licenses and local compliance steps. Sources: www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law

Contact Information: Local Authority for STRs

City of Nauvoo

• Building Inspector / Licensing: Contact the City Building Department to schedule inspections and obtain licensing forms. City resources and forms: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/forms/
• City general contact (tourism/city information): www.beautifulnauvoo.com/contact-us/
• City Hall/Finance (for Hotel/Motel tax questions): Typically handled by the City Clerk/Finance Department; contact via City Information page: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/city-information/
• Online bill pay (verify tax payments remitted): magic.collectorsolutions.com/magic-ui/Login/city-of-nauvoo

Illinois Department of Revenue

• Registration and returns: tax.illinois.gov/
• Hotel Operators Occupation Tax information: tax.illinois.gov/Businesses/HotelOperatorsTax.html

Note: For specific city staff names, phone numbers, or email addresses, consult the City of Nauvoo website pages above, as they were not provided in the source materials.

Source Links

• Vacation Rental Management in Nauvoo, Illinois (market overview; licensing and tax references): www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/nauvoo-illinois
• Illinois Short‑Term Rental & Airbnb Laws (state definitions, HOOT, local authority context): www.gosummer.com/post/illinois-short-term-rental-law
• Nauvoo Certified Vacation Rentals (city certification criteria and operational guidance): www.beautifulnauvoo.com/certified-vacation-rentals/
• City of Nauvoo Forms & Permits: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/forms/
• City of Nauvoo Contact Us: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/contact-us/
• City of Nauvoo City Information: www.beautifulnauvoo.com/city-information/
• Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) home: tax.illinois.gov/
• Illinois Hotel Operators Occupation Tax: tax.illinois.gov/Businesses/HotelOperatorsTax.html
• Illinois HB2919 (short‑term rental definition and local authority limits): www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/HB/10100HB2919.htm

Action Checklist for Investors

• Confirm zoning and city limits.
• Apply for the city business license and pass the annual inspection.
• Register for Illinois HOOT and set up monthly/quarterly/annual filings.
• Establish city Hotel/Motel tax collection and remittance (verify current rate).
• Place safety equipment (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher) and confirm occupancy with the Building Inspector.
• Add license number to listings, and consider the Nauvoo Certified program for market credibility.
• Implement guest screening, turnover SOPs, and a local maintenance network.

By following this sequence, you will operate within Nauvoo and Illinois law while establishing a compliant, professional short‑term rental business.