Executive Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in West Chicago, IL?

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in West Chicago, Illinois, subject to specific regulatory requirements and restrictions. The city permits short-term home rentals in single-family detached homes as-of-right and requires special use permits for single-family attached homes (townhomes) and two-family homes (duplexes). However, short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in condominiums and apartments.

Starting Your Short-Term Rental Business in West Chicago

Step 1: Property Eligibility Assessment

Before pursuing a short-term rental license, verify that your property meets the following criteria:

• Single-Family Detached Home: Permitted without special use permit
• Single-Family Attached Home (Townhome): Requires special use permit approval
• Two-Family Home (Duplex): Requires special use permit approval
• Condominiums and Apartments: Prohibited for short-term rental use

Step 2: Primary Residence Requirement

You must own the property and normally live in the house for at least 183 days every calendar year. This is a critical requirement that distinguishes West Chicago's regulations from many other municipalities.

Step 3: Citywide Limit

Each owner is limited to maximum of one (1) short-term rental within the City of West Chicago. This restriction applies regardless of how many properties you own.

Step 4: Licensing Process

1. Pre-Advertising Requirement: You must obtain a Short-Term Home Rental License from the city before advertising on any platform
2. Life Safety Inspection: The property must pass inspection for compliance with City Life Safety Codes
3. License Display: Post the license copy in a conspicuous location within the rental

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Primary Licensing Requirements

• Short-Term Home Rental License: $50 for new registration and each renewal
• License Duration: 12 months, renewable annually
• Transferability: Licenses are not transferrable and expire upon property sale
• Special Use Permit: Required for single-family attached homes and duplexes

Application Documentation

The registration application requires:

• Applicant Information: Full legal name, mailing address, email, phone numbers (including emergency contact)
• Property Information:
  • Street address
  • Permanent Index Number (P.I.N.)
  • Zoning designation
  • Housing unit type (with specific checkboxes for different property types)
• Hosting Platform Information: Names of all websites, smartphone apps, and platforms where the property will be advertised
• Secondary Emergency Contact: Complete contact information for backup emergency contact

Compliance Documentation

• Deed Verification: Proof of property ownership
• Special Use Permit: For attached homes or duplexes (include ordinance number)
• Inspection Documentation: Life Safety Codes compliance verification

Detailed Regulations for West Chicago Short-Term Rentals

Operational Restrictions

Rental Duration Limits

• Minimum Stay: No less than three (3) consecutive days
• Maximum Stay: No more than thirty (30) consecutive days
• Consecutive Stay Prohibition: No guest may use the rental for consecutive stays

Occupancy Limits

• Per Bedroom: Maximum of two (2) persons per bedroom
• Total Property Limit: Maximum of ten (10) persons within the rental
• Parking Restrictions: All parking must be located on paved surfaces on the rental property; no off-site or on-street parking permitted overnight

Prohibited Uses

• Party Hosting: Use of rental solely for hosting parties is strictly prohibited
• Platform Requirement: Must use a Short-Term Home Rental Hosting Platform (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) for marketing and guest contracts

Safety and Compliance Requirements

• Emergency Contact Information: Must provide guest names, addresses, and telephone numbers to West Chicago Police Department upon request regarding disturbance or criminal activity
• Life Safety Compliance: Property must meet all City Life Safety Codes
• License Display: Physical copy of license must be displayed conspicuously within the rental unit

Tax and Insurance Considerations

While not explicitly detailed in the West Chicago regulations, short-term rental operators must comply with:

• State of Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax: 5.98-6.17% on stays under 30 days
• Local Accommodation Taxes: Various county and municipal taxes may apply
• Commercial General Liability Insurance: Minimum $1 million coverage recommended (standard practice in similar Illinois municipalities)

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact

City of West Chicago
Department: Community Development/Building Department
Address: City Hall, West Chicago, IL
Phone: (630) 293-2200
Website: westchicago.org

Application Submission

In-Person: City Hall Building Department
By Mail: City of West Chicago Building Department
Email: Contact city directly for specific email address for short-term rental inquiries

Inspection and Compliance

West Chicago Life Safety Inspection
Contact through: Building Department
Emergency Contact: West Chicago Police Department for guest-related incidents

Important Regulatory Links and Resources

Primary Source Documents

• West Chicago Short-Term Home Rental Registration Application: westchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Short-Term-Home-Rental-Registration-APP.pdf
• West Chicago Official Website: westchicago.org

State-Level Context (Illinois)

• Illinois Department of Revenue: www2.illinois.gov
• Illinois Vacation Rental Tax Guide: Available through tax compliance services

County-Level Information (DuPage County)

• DuPage County Government: www.dupageco.org
• Local accommodation taxes: Verify current rates and requirements

Critical Compliance Timeline

Pre-Operation Requirements

1. Property Verification: Confirm zoning and property type eligibility
2. Special Use Permit: Apply for and receive approval (if required) before licensing
3. License Application: Submit complete application with all required documents
4. Life Safety Inspection: Schedule and pass inspection
5. License Payment: Pay $50 licensing fee
6. Platform Registration: Register with hosting platforms only after receiving license

Ongoing Compliance

• Annual License Renewal: 12-month cycle
• Property Maintenance: Maintain Life Safety Code compliance
• Guest Records: Maintain records for police department requests
• Tax Remittance: Regular tax collection and remittance as required

Operational Restrictions Enforcement

• Occupancy Monitoring: Enforce maximum person limits
• Stay Duration Compliance: Monitor minimum/maximum stay requirements
• Parking Enforcement: Ensure compliance with on-site parking restrictions

This comprehensive regulatory framework positions West Chicago as a municipality with clear, structured short-term rental regulations that balance investment opportunity with community protection and quality of life preservation. Prospective investors should carefully review all requirements and consider the 183-day primary residence requirement as the most significant operational constraint in this market.