Permit Requirements: Chicago vs Houston
How do permit requirements rules compare between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX?
Houston has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago Shared Housing Ordinance requires registration for STR (stays <32 days). Primary residence required (245 days/year). Registration $125; Shared Housing Unit Operator License $250 for multiple units. MCC Chapter 4-14.
View full Chicago rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston adopted STR regulations in April 2025 (Ord. 2025-322), effective January 1, 2026. All STRs require a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee plus $33.10 admin fee). As of April 2026, platforms must remove unregistered listings.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Code | MCC §§4-13, 4-14 (amended SO2024-0013637) | - |
| Registration Fee | $125 | $275 + $33.10 admin |
| Multiple Units License | $250 (Shared Housing Operator) | - |
| Primary Residence | Must occupy 245+ days/year | - |
| Definition | Stays under 32 consecutive days | - |
| No Permit Fine | Starting at $1,500 | - |
| Ordinance | - | Ord. 2025-322 |
| Effective | - | January 1, 2026 |
| Penalty | - | $100–$500/day |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Chicago?
Chicago Shared Housing Ordinance requires registration for STR (stays <32 days). Primary residence required (245 days/year). Registration $125; Shared Housing Unit Operator License $250 for multiple units. MCC Chapter 4-14.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Chicago?
Code: MCC §§4-13, 4-14 (amended SO2024-0013637). Registration Fee: $125. Multiple Units License: $250 (Shared Housing Operator). Primary Residence: Must occupy 245+ days/year.
Houston FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Houston?
Houston adopted STR regulations in April 2025 (Ord. 2025-322), effective January 1, 2026. All STRs require a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee plus $33.10 admin fee). As of April 2026, platforms must remove unregistered listings.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Houston?
Ordinance: Ord. 2025-322. Effective: January 1, 2026. Registration Fee: $275 + $33.10 admin. Penalty: $100–$500/day.
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