Night Caps: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do night caps rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago does not impose a numeric annual night cap on registered shared housing units, but it sets a two-night minimum stay (no single-night rentals) and defines a shared housing unit as transient occupancy under 32 consecutive days. Stays of 32 or more consecutive days are treated as permanent occupancy and fall outside the STR rules.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines does not impose a hard annual cap on short-term rental nights for fully registered properties, but unhosted whole-home rentals in single-family residential zones face additional scrutiny. Stays under 30 days qualify as short-term and are subject to the full vacation rental ordinance and Cook County hotel tax.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Night Cap | None set by ordinance | None for registered STRs |
| Minimum Stay | 2 nights | - |
| Transient Threshold | Under 32 consecutive days | - |
| Volume Control | Primary residence + per-building caps | - |
| Hotel Tax | 17.4% combined | - |
| Authority | MCC Ch 4-13 / BACP | - |
| STR Threshold | - | Stays under 30 days |
| Long-Term Lease | - | 30+ days = not STR |
| Zoning Limits | - | R-1 may need special use |
| Fine Range | - | $500–$750/day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
How many nights per year can I rent my Chicago Airbnb?
Chicago does not currently set a numeric annual night cap on a registered shared housing unit. Volume is instead controlled by the primary-residence rule (you must live there at least 245 days per year), the one-rental-per-building rule for 2-5 unit buildings, and the 25% or 6-unit cap in larger multifamily buildings. Single-night stays are not allowed; the minimum stay is two nights. Confirm current rules with BACP.
What is the minimum stay for an Airbnb in Chicago?
Two nights. Chicago does not allow single-night rentals at a shared housing unit; the minimum is two consecutive overnights. A stay of 32 or more consecutive days is treated as permanent occupancy and falls outside the Shared Housing Ordinance, so platforms typically cap STR stays just below that threshold.
Des Plaines FAQ
Is there a cap on Airbnb nights per year in Des Plaines?
No. Des Plaines does not impose a fixed annual night cap for properly registered short-term rentals. Any rental under 30 days qualifies as an STR and must comply with the full ordinance.
What counts as a short-term rental in Des Plaines?
Any rental of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Stays of 30 days or more are leases governed by Illinois landlord-tenant law and not by the STR ordinance.
Can I run an unhosted Airbnb in a Des Plaines single-family zone?
Unhosted whole-home rentals in R-1 zones may require additional zoning approval such as a special use permit. Confirm eligibility with Community & Economic Development at (847) 391-5380.
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