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

There are no Vernon, Illinois‑specific STR regulations in the materials provided. In Illinois, short‑term rentals are generally permissible unless prohibited by local zoning, municipal ordinances, or homeowner association rules. Notably, nearby Vernon Hills has banned short‑term rentals in residential zones. Because Vernon may have municipal or county ordinances not covered in the provided content, investors should confirm with local authorities before listing or operating.

Bottom line: Based on the absence of city‑specific prohibitions in the provided material, short‑term rentals are likely allowed in Vernon, IL—but you must verify and comply with local zoning, licensing, and any municipal rules. If the property sits in unincorporated Lake County, note that Lake County prohibits short‑term rentals in residential zones under its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). [Sources: Birchwood Law; Chicago Tribune on Vernon Hills ban]

How to Start an STR Business in Vernon, IL

• Confirm local permissibility and zoning

  • Contact the Vernon City Clerk or Building/Zoning Department to verify whether short‑term rentals are allowed at your specific property and in its zoning district.
  • If the property is in unincorporated Lake County, do not proceed with residential STRs; Lake County prohibits them in residential zones under the UDO. [Source: Birchwood Law]
  • If you are near Vernon Hills, be aware that STRs are prohibited in residential zones there; neighboring rules do not automatically apply, but they illustrate local policy sensitivity. [Source: Chicago Tribune]

• Secure appropriate insurance and risk management

  • Obtain short‑term rental coverage (premises liability, personal injury, medical payments), loss-of-rent protection, and guest screening/identification where feasible.
  • Adopt house rules: occupancy caps, quiet hours, parking restrictions, smoking/substance policies, and damage/incident reporting procedures.

• Align operations with Illinois state‑level obligations

  • Register for and collect/remit the Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax (HOOT) on gross charges for stays of fewer than 30 days.
  • If advertising lodging for rent, comply with the Illinois Rental Property Safe Operation Act’s listing requirements (e.g., contact information for an Illinois representative responsible for responding to building/safety complaints).
  • Maintain safe premises and comply with general building, fire, and health codes applicable to lodging.

• Launch with a compliance‑first strategy

  • Keep detailed records (guest logs, contracts, communications, tax filings).
  • Train local managers and cleaners on compliance practices (noise, parking, occupancy, emergency procedures).
  • Establish clear refund/cancellation policies and house rules to minimize neighbor conflicts and regulatory exposure.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Given no Vernon‑specific documents are included in the provided sources:

• City or county STR registration/license (if Vernon requires one)
  • Verify with Vernon authorities; many Illinois municipalities require an STR permit and sometimes inspections.
• Business registration and tax accounts
  • State tax registration for HOOT; maintain State of Illinois tax accounts as applicable.
• Insurance documentation
  • STR liability and property coverage; verify it covers short‑term guest occupancy.
• Guest documentation and policies
  • House rules, occupancy limits, quiet hours, parking instructions, check‑in/out procedures.
• Illinois Rental Property Safe Operation Act compliance
  • Include required Illinois representative contact on listings; maintain a process for addressing building/safety complaints.
• Due diligence package
  • HOA rules (if applicable), lease terms (if leasing), local health/fire code summaries.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

• Vernon, IL (municipal)

  • No local STR rules are provided. Confirm whether short‑term rentals are permitted and whether any registration, taxes, or inspections apply. Most Illinois municipalities require some form of compliance or permit for STRs.

• Lake County (county‑level)

  • In unincorporated Lake County residential zones, short‑term rentals are prohibited under the UDO; violations may trigger enforcement action. [Source: Birchwood Law]

• State of Illinois

  • Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax (HOOT) applies to lodging for fewer than 30 days; collect and remit on gross charges.
  • Rental Property Safe Operation Act requires certain information on lodging listings and a responsible Illinois contact for complaint resolution.

• Nearby municipalities (context only)

  • Vernon Hills: Short‑term rentals in residential zones are banned; long‑term rentals (≥12 months) are allowed. [Source: Chicago Tribune]

• UDO citation (county reference)

  • “Short‑Term Rentals Prohibition” in Lake County residential zones. [Source: Birchwood Law]

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Because the provided materials do not list Vernon’s specific contacts, investors should reach out to municipal offices:

• Vernon City Hall

  • Phone: Not provided in the sources
  • Email: Not provided in the sources
  • Website: Not provided in the sources
  • Purpose: Confirm zoning permissibility, registration requirements, inspections, and local taxes.

• Vernon Planning and Zoning Department

  • Phone: Not provided in the sources
  • Email: Not provided in the sources
  • Website: Not provided in the sources
  • Purpose: Zoning verification, permitted use, special use permits (if applicable).

• For unincorporated Lake County properties

  • Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department
  • Phone: Not provided in the sources
  • Website: Not provided in the sources
  • Purpose: Confirm UDO prohibition on residential STRs; explore permitted alternatives.

• State‑level tax

  • Illinois Department of Revenue (HOOT)
  • Phone: Not provided in the sources
  • Website: Not provided in the sources

Note: Obtain official contact details from the most current municipal or county websites before applying or operating.

Source Links (for verification)

• Chicago Tribune article on Vernon Hills STR ban and long‑term rental clarification: www.chicagotribune.com/2018/04/26/following-airbnb-ban-vernon-hills-clarifies-long-term-rental-rules/
• Birchwood Law summary of Lake County STR prohibition and general STR context: birchwood.law/things-to-know-about-short-term-rentals/
• BiggerPockets forum (anecdotal mentions of Lake County STR rules and local towns’ constraints): www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/962090-short-term-rental-help-lake-county-il

Important caveat: The Facebook link provided did not include content, so no specifics from that source were used. If further local materials become available, investors should review them with Vernon’s authorities before listing or operating.