Note on sources: This guide synthesizes the provisions of Red Bud’s Zoning Code (Chapter 173; Schedule 173‑29[B], including Section 173‑38.2 for Short‑Term Rentals) and its definitions/chapter sections (Chapter 40) obtained from the city’s public documents. State-level obligations reflect Illinois law. The city’s official Zoning/Code portal is referenced as the source of truth. See Source Links at the end.

Overview: Are STRs allowed in Red Bud, IL?

Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Red Bud under specific zoning and administrative pathways:

• Owner‑occupied STRs are a permitted accessory use in all residential zoning districts (A‑1, R‑1, R‑2, R‑4, R‑5, MXD) subject to the standards in Section 173‑38.2 (e.g., primary residence, length‑of‑stay limits, on‑site owner availability, parking/occupancy controls, and compliance with life‑safety requirements). Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B; Section 173‑38.2.
• Non‑owner‑occupied STRs require special use approval in most residential districts and are permitted by right in the business districts (B‑1, B‑2). In the MXD (Mixed Use) district, non‑owner‑occupied STRs are permitted by right and also subject to Section 173‑38.2. Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B; Section 173‑38.2.
• Bed & Breakfasts remain a distinct use (1–5 rooms; operator‑occupied; breakfast service; more than 10 nights per 12‑month period) and are allowed as special uses in residential districts and by right in certain business districts. This is not the same category as a non‑owner‑occupied STR. Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B; Chapter 40 definitions.

Bottom line: You can operate an STR in Red Bud, but the pathway depends on occupancy status and the zoning district—owner‑occupied STRs are permitted by right in residential districts; non‑owner‑occupied STRs require a special use in most residential districts or are permitted by right in the B‑1, B‑2, and MXD districts. All STRs are subject to Section 173‑38.2 and applicable state rules.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Red Bud

1. Determine zoning eligibility and use classification:

• If the property is your primary residence and you will live on‑site during guest stays, pursue an owner‑occupied STR (permitted accessory use in all residential districts).
• If you will not occupy the property as your primary residence, pursue a non‑owner‑occupied STR:
  • Allowed by right in B‑1 (Central Business), B‑2 (Business), and MXD (Mixed Use).
  • Requires special use approval in residential districts (A‑1, R‑1, R‑2, R‑4, R‑5).
• Confirm the parcel’s zoning with the Zoning/Code Official. Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B; Section 173‑38.2.

2. Apply for special use (if required):

• For non‑owner‑occupied STRs in residential districts, submit a special use application under Chapter 173, following Sections 173‑107 to 108 (public notice, findings, conditions). Source: Chapter 173, Schedule B notes; Section 173‑107–108 referenced.

3. Comply with Section 173‑38.2 (STR standards):

• Demonstrate owner‑occupancy (for owner‑occupied STR).
• Enforce length‑of‑stay and occupancy caps.
• Provide on‑site owner availability or local contact.
• Maintain life‑safety measures (smoke detectors, CO detectors, extinguishers) and egress.
• Manage parking, noise, trash, and screening.
• Keep records/logs as evidence of compliance. Note: A full text copy of Section 173‑38.2 is not included here; treat this as a compliance checklist and request the complete section from the Zoning/Code Official. Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B referencing 173‑38.2.

4. Register with the city (if required) and obtain any business licensing:

• The Zoning Code does not enumerate a citywide STR registration or business license requirement in the excerpts provided. Confirm with the City Clerk/Code Official whether an STR registration or business license is required. Source: Chapter 173/Chapter 40; no registration requirement found in the provided code.

5. Meet life‑safety and building standards:

• Confirm compliance with residential building codes, fire safety, and posted emergency information. Source: Chapter 40 (general code intent and definitions); Section 173‑38.2.

6. Implement on‑site and platform compliance:

• Display occupancy limits, house rules, and emergency contacts.
• Secure insurance appropriate for transient rentals.
• Register for state tax compliance and any county/municipal tax accounts (if applicable). Source: IL state‑level rules (below).

7. Monitor and renew:

• Maintain compliance with Section 173‑38.2; comply with any conditions attached to a special use approval.
• File and remit applicable taxes (Sales/Use/RTRA as applicable).
• Respond to code enforcement inquiries. Source: Chapter 173; state law.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City level:

• Zoning confirmation (parcel/zoning verification from Code Official). Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B; Section 173‑38.2 context.
• Special Use Permit (for non‑owner‑occupied STRs in residential districts). Application materials per Section 173‑107–108; include site plan, narrative, safety plan, and management plan. Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B note; Section 173‑107–108.
• Section 173‑38.2 compliance documentation (owner‑occupied affidavit, occupancy/logs, safety inspection/verifications, parking plan). Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B referencing 173‑38.2.
• Building/fire life‑safety compliance (detectors, extinguishers, egress, posted emergency info). Source: Section 173‑38.2 context; Chapter 40 definitions and general provisions.
• Business license/STR registration (if any)—confirm with Code Official/City Clerk; not found in provided code excerpts.

State level (Illinois):

• Illinois Department of Revenue registration for Sales/Use Tax (for taxable transient stays) and any applicable municipal/county taxes. Source: IL state‑level requirements; see State‑Level Regulations section below.
• Illinois Short‑Term Rental laws (public safety and operating standards; see State‑Level Regulations). Source: IL state law.

Operational guidelines:

• Guest screening policy and house rules.
• Noise, parking, trash, and occupancy management plan.
• Emergency and evacuation procedures, posted guest information.
• Local contact availability and on‑site owner availability (for owner‑occupied STR). Source: Section 173‑38.2 context.

Specific STR Regulations in Red Bud, the County, and State

City of Red Bud (Chapter 173 Zoning):

• Use permissions:
  • Owner‑occupied STR: Permitted accessory use in residential districts (A‑1, R‑1, R‑2, R‑4, R‑5, MXD) under Section 173‑38.2.
  • Non‑owner‑occupied STR:
    • Permitted by right: B‑1, B‑2, MXD (subject to Section 173‑38.2).
    • Special use: Residential districts (A‑1, R‑1, R‑2, R‑4, R‑5) subject to Section 173‑107–108 and supplemental regulation 173‑38.2.
• Supplemental regulation: Section 173‑38.2 (STR standards). Details on owner‑occupancy, length‑of‑stay, occupancy, on‑site availability, parking, safety, and records. Source: Chapter 173 Schedule B; Section 173‑38.2.
• Definitions (Chapter 40):
  • Bed & Breakfast (1–5 rooms; operator‑occupied; breakfast provided; more than 10 nights/12‑month period) is a distinct use and not synonymous with non‑owner‑occupied STRs.
• Accessory uses (Schedule “B”—Accessory Land Use Table):
  • Owner‑occupied STR listed as permitted accessory use (residential).
  • Non‑owner‑occupied STR listed as special use in residential districts and as a permitted accessory use in B‑1 and B‑2 business districts (subject to 173‑38.2). Source: Chapter 173 Accessory Land Use Table; Section 173‑38.2.
• Special Use standards: Section 173‑107–108 (application, notice, findings, and conditions). Source: Chapter 173 references.

Randolph County (from provided content):

• No county‑specific STR regulations or registration requirements were identified in the provided materials. Proceed under city zoning and state rules.

State of Illinois:

• Short‑Term Rental laws (e.g., Public Act 101‑0630 / 65 ILCS 105/ and 50 IAC 470) address registration/inspection, posting requirements, local authority, and penalties. Key obligations generally include:
  • Registration with the State Police (for non‑owner‑occupied rentals unless qualifying exemptions apply).
  • Safety compliance (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, posted emergency info and rules).
  • Local authority for inspections, enforcement, and safety standards (cities may adopt ordinances at least as stringent as state law).
• Taxation:
  • Illinois Sales/Use Tax may apply to transient stays (exemptions depend on the nature of the accommodation and platform arrangements).
  • Local hotel/motel or transient occupancy taxes may apply (municipality/county dependent).
  • Operator’s, Income, and other business taxes may also apply depending on business structure.
  • Investors must register for state tax accounts and file returns/remit taxes as required.

Note on setbacks and bulk (context for site plan compliance):

• Mixed Use (MXD) setbacks: max front 10 ft; min rear 3 ft; buildings must be at least 20 ft apart. Building height limit is generally three stories or 35 ft unless otherwise approved. Source: Chapter 40 (MXD section).
• General setbacks/intrusions: e.g., front setbacks may follow established patterns; limited intrusions allowed (e.g., chimneys 2 ft; balconies 4 ft). Source: Chapter 40 Sections 40‑3‑12 to 40‑3‑13.
• Accessory structures: Must be located in back yards (with limited exceptions), and comply with setback and easement rules; fences/walls height limits vary by yard type. Source: Chapter 40 Sections 40‑3‑15 and 40‑4‑3.

Local Authority Contacts (Red Bud, IL)

• City Hall / Zoning & Code Administration

  • Address: City of Red Bud, Illinois (official office information to be confirmed)
  • Phone: Not specified in provided content; request current number from Code Official/City Clerk
  • Email: Not specified in provided content; request current email
  • Website: City of Red Bud – Zoning/Code page (see Source Links)

• Planning & Zoning Commission (public hearings for special use approvals)

  • Process handled through City Council/Planning Commission as described in Chapter 173 (Sections 173‑107–108)
  • Contact via City Hall/Code Official for hearing schedules and submittal requirements

• Illinois Department of Revenue (state tax registration and compliance)

  • Website: See Source Links
  • Phone/email: See Source Links

• Illinois State Police (state STR registration/inspection portal—see Source Links)

  • Website: See Source Links

Source Links (as provided)

• City of Red Bud Zoning – Schedule 173‑29(B) Use Table (Principal & Accessory Land Uses, includes STRs and Section 173‑38.2): www.cityofredbud.org/uploads/3/8/4/1/38410823/title_xvii._chapter_173._zoning_schedule_b._updated_2023.pdf
• City of Red Bud Zoning Code – Chapter 40 (Definitions, General Provisions, MXD/Accessory Uses, Special Use procedures): www.cityofredbud.org/uploads/3/8/4/1/38410823/42_-zoning_code-_chapter_40.doc
• City of Red Bud – Official Zoning/Code page: www.cityofredbud.org/zoning-and-code
• Illinois Department of Revenue (Sales/Use Tax registration and compliance): www2.illinois.gov/business/registration/Pages/default.aspx
• Illinois State Police – Short‑Term Rental registration/inspection portal: isp.ispfsr.com/

Practical tip for investors: Begin with zoning confirmation, then map the operating model (owner‑occupied vs non‑owner‑occupied) to the correct approval pathway. Because Section 173‑38.2 governs most operational standards, request the city’s STR handout or Section 173‑38.2 full text and build your management plan around it. At the state level, register for taxes and, if applicable, the Illinois State Police STR registration. Finally, design your compliance program to survive inspection—from posted life‑safety info to guest screening and noise/parking enforcement.