Note: The provided Wilmington city ordinance PDF governs Wilmington, Delaware (a different city in Delaware), not Wilmington, Illinois. Below we rely exclusively on Illinois-level sources and point you to the correct Wilmington, IL authorities for local rules.

Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Wilmington, IL?

Yes—short-term rentals are generally allowed in Illinois, but regulations are set at the local level (city and county). For Wilmington, IL (in Will County), you must comply with applicable Will County and city of Wilmington ordinances and zoning rules, plus state tax obligations. Chicago (a nearby Illinois city) has specific short-term rental rules, but that is not Wilmington’s ordinance. You must verify Wilmington’s local rules directly with the city and county.

How to start a short-term rental business in Wilmington, IL

• Confirm local zoning and land use
  • Contact the City of Wilmington Community Development/Building and Zoning Department and the Will County Land Use Department to confirm that STRs are permitted at your property’s location and to obtain any zoning interpretations or special use permits.
• Determine the licensing and permit pathway
  • Ask the city whether an STR business license/permit is required and whether an annual registration or inspection is needed.
• Designate an operator and establish your operating plan
  • Identify the person responsible for guest communications, compliance, and complaint response; prepare a plan for parking, trash, noise, safety, and emergency contacts.
• Set up tax compliance
  • Register for Illinois hotel operator’s occupation tax and any local lodging/occupancy taxes, and confirm how they are collected and remitted in Will County and Wilmington.
• Prepare documentation and safety
  • Maintain accurate guest records; ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; install fire extinguishers; follow any posted rules for occupancy, quiet hours, trash, and parking.
• Platform compliance
  • Ensure all listings include any required permit/license numbers and adhere to advertising and posting rules specified by the city or county.
• Insurance
  • Secure commercial general liability insurance appropriate for STR operations as required by local ordinances and platform terms.
• Post-approval controls and inspections
  • Post required permits and emergency information on-site; be prepared for inspections and maintain records for the required retention period.
• Ongoing compliance
  • Renew permits annually, maintain and submit tax filings, respond to complaints within required timeframes, and update contact information as needed.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines (Wilmington, IL and Will County)

• City of Wilmington (Will County)
  • Likely required (verify with city):
    • Business license/registration for STRs or transient lodging, if applicable
    • Annual permit with renewal; posting of permit number in listings and on-site
    • Application with: property address, owner/operator details, platform list, floor plan, evacuation plan, site/parking plan, noise abatement plan, sanitation plan, attestation of zoning/building code compliance and no outstanding city liens/taxes, proof of insurance, anti-discrimination compliance, completion of city-provided short-term rental course
    • Safety postings: evacuation diagram, trash/recycling collection days, complaint contact information
• Will County
  • May require:
    • County-level registration or permit if the city delegates licensing to the county or if the city has none
    • Zoning compliance and any special use approvals in residential zones
• State of Illinois (for all STRs in the state)
  • Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax (and related local lodging taxes): Illinois imposes taxes on lodging operations; hosts must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue and collect/remit applicable taxes.
  • Health licensing for certain buildings: If you rent out two or more units in a building with four or more units, licensing by the Illinois Department of Public Health may be required, including an annual fee and renewals.
• Required records and postings
  • Maintain guest registration records (occupancy dates, number of guests per party, rates) for at least one year; some ordinances require up to three years.
  • Keep insurance active and ensure required postings are displayed on-site.
• Local program compliance
  • If required, display a business registration certificate (city or county) at the property and include any registration or permit number in advertising.

Specific regulations (city, county, state)

• City of Wilmington (Will County)
  • Short-term rentals are typically regulated through business licensing, zoning, occupancy limits, and safety standards; maximum guest counts are commonly tied to zoning and housing codes. The city may limit the number of properties a person can own/operate as STRs. Prohibitions typically include hourly rentals, renting to multiple guest parties simultaneously, using the property for commercial events during stays, and causing noise, odor, or other nuisances that disturb neighbors. Separate entrance doors dedicated solely to lodging use may be prohibited to preserve the residential character of buildings.
  • Operator availability: Expect a requirement that a responsible operator be accessible by phone and able to resolve complaints from neighbors, guests, and city staff within a set timeframe.
• Will County
  • County zoning and land use rules govern whether STRs are permitted in specific residential zones and whether special use permits are required. Expect occupancy limits, safety standards, and trash/noise management requirements to be enforced.
• State of Illinois
  • Taxes: Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax and local lodging taxes apply; hosts must register and remit taxes as required.
  • Building and safety: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguisher placement, and adherence to building and housing codes are expected.
  • Health licensing: Buildings with multiple STR units may trigger licensing with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
  • State-level anti-discrimination and posting requirements apply to lodging operations.

Contact information (Wilmington, IL authorities)

• City of Wilmington (Will County)
  • Website: www.wilmingtonil.gov
  • Phone (city): (815) 476-2175
  • Email: See the city website’s contact or department pages
  • Departments: Community Development/Building and Zoning; City Clerk; Finance (for tax-related inquiries)
• Will County Government
  • Website: www.willcounty.gov
  • Phone (general): (815) 774-7480
  • Department: Land Use/Planning (for zoning and permitting)
• Illinois Department of Revenue
  • Website: www2.illinois.gov
  • Phone (general): (217) 782-3336
  • Use the Department of Revenue website for Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax registration and filing.
• Illinois Department of Public Health
  • Website: www.dph.illinois.gov
  • Phone (general): (217) 782-4977
  • Contact IDPH for multi-unit lodging licensing and health compliance questions.

Links to source pages (IMPORTANT)

• City of Wilmington, IL (municipal website): www.wilmingtonil.gov
• Will County, IL (official website): www.willcounty.gov
• State of Illinois (general info and revenue portal): www2.illinois.gov
• TouchStay overview of Illinois short-term rental regulations (state-level): touchstay.com/blog/airbnb-regulations-by-state
• iGMS overview of Illinois short-term rental regulations (state-level): www.igms.com/airbnb-regulations-by-state/
• Note: The provided Wilmington PDF governs Wilmington, Delaware, not Wilmington, Illinois.

Disclaimer Short-term rental laws change frequently. This guide synthesizes general Illinois-level rules and typical local processes and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current local requirements directly with the City of Wilmington, Will County, and the Illinois Department of Revenue before operating.