Romeoville's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Romeoville, Illinois, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Insurance Requirements

Romeoville's Code of Ordinances does not impose a numeric short-term rental liability insurance minimum on hosts. The Chapter 156 Residential Rental License (Section 156.04) conditions issuance on inspection, certificate of occupancy, crime-free seminar attendance, and a crime-free lease addendum, but does not publish a fixed dollar liability minimum. Hosts should still carry STR-specific liability coverage because standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial use.

Key details: Code: Ch. 156 / Sec. 156.04. Stand-Alone STR Insurance Min: None adopted. License Fee: $75 SF / $100 multi-family. Common Market Coverage: $1M liability. Code Enforcement: 815-886-7215.

Because Romeoville does not publish a numeric STR liability insurance minimum, the typical enforcement issue is operating without the Section 156.04 Residential Rental License, without a current Chapter 155 certificate of occupancy, or without the crime-free lease addendum required by Section 156.05. Those violations are enforced by Code Enforcement at 815-886-7215 under the Code of Ordinances general penalty section, with each day a separate offense and possible revocation of the rental license. Hosts who fail to remit Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax under 35 ILCS 145 also face Department of Revenue penalties.

Romeoville is more permissive than most cities when it comes to insurance requirements. That said, there are still limits.

Occupancy Limits

Romeoville has not adopted a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance with a numeric overnight cap. STR hosts must hold the Chapter 156 residential rental license, pass a Code Enforcement inspection under the Chapter 151 Property Maintenance Code, and operate within the maximum occupancy figure on the unit's certificate of occupancy issued under Chapter 155.

Key details: Code: Ch. 156 / Sec. 156.04. Stand-Alone STR Cap: None adopted. Occupancy Source: Ch. 155 Certificate of Occupancy + IPMC. License Fee: $75 SF (initial); $65 renewal. Code Enforcement: 815-886-7215.

Renting a Romeoville unit without the Section 156.04 Residential Rental License, without a current Chapter 155 certificate of occupancy, or beyond the certificate's permitted occupancy violates Chapter 156 and Chapter 151 and is enforced by the Code Enforcement Division at 815-886-7215. The general penalty for Code of Ordinances violations applies, with each day a separate offense, and the Village may pursue revocation of the rental license. STR-specific guest-count violations are typically pursued under the certificate of occupancy figure and the Chapter 151 IPMC sleeping-room standards, plus the §93.02 noise/nuisance ordinance.

Permit Requirements

Romeoville does not have a specific STR ban or dedicated short-term rental ordinance. STR operators must comply with the Village's residential rental property licensing requirements, which include mandatory inspections, crime-free housing provisions, and annual licensing fees. Contact the Village for current rental licensing requirements.

Key details: STR Status: Allowed under rental licensing framework. Requirements: Rental property license, inspections. Crime-Free Housing: Provisions apply to all rentals. Contact: Village of Romeoville 815-886-7200.

Operating without a permit carries fines of $500 per day. Failure to display the permit number on listings results in a $250 fine. Permits may be revoked after three substantiated complaints within 12 months.

Taxes & Fees

STR operators in Romeoville are subject to the Illinois Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax of 6% of 94% of gross receipts (35 ILCS 145) for stays under 30 days. Local hotel/motel tax may also apply. Hosts must collect and remit applicable state taxes. Contact the Village for local tax obligations.

Key details: State Tax: 6% of 94% gross receipts (35 ILCS 145). Local Tax: Contact Village for current rate. Rental License: Annual fee applies. Platforms: Airbnb may auto-collect some taxes.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy taxes carries penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount per month, plus interest. Operating without tax registration may result in back-tax assessments plus fines.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Romeoville are subject to the same noise ordinances as all residents under §93.02. Noise that disturbs the peace is a nuisance violation. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guests comply with Village noise regulations. Complaints should be directed to Romeoville Police at 815-886-7219.

Key details: Code: §93.02 — Noise/Disturbing the Peace. Standard: No specific STR noise rules — general ordinance applies. Host Responsibility: Responsible for guest conduct. Enforcement: Romeoville Police 815-886-7219.

Hosts receive a warning on first noise complaint. Second complaint results in a $250 fine. Third complaint triggers permit suspension hearing. Guests may be cited directly under the noise ordinance.

Parking Rules

STR guests must follow Romeoville's standard parking rules. No vehicles may park between the street and front lot line except on approved parking areas (§159.019). During snow events with 2+ inches, odd-even parking applies with a $50 fine for violations. Vehicles on prohibited streets during snow are towed immediately.

Key details: Front Yard: No parking except on approved surfaces. Snow Parking: Odd-even parking with 2+ inches snow. Snow Fine: $50 per violation; tow possible. Code: §159.019, §74.01.

Parking violations are addressed through the noise/nuisance complaint process. Hosts receive warnings for first offenses, with fines of $100–$250 for repeat issues that affect the STR permit status.

The Bottom Line

Romeoville's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Romeoville is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Romeoville's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.