Chicago vs Oak Park
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Chicago, IL and Oak Park, IL?
Oak Park has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago's Shared Housing Ordinance (MCC 4-13 and 4-14) establishes occupancy limits for short-term rentals. The 2024 amendments added explicit maximum occupancy requirements for shared housing units and vacation rentals.
View full Chicago rules →Oak Park, IL
Cook County
Oak Park short-term rental regulations limit occupancy based on the number of bedrooms and the unit's habitable space. Generally, the maximum number of overnight guests is limited to two persons per designated sleeping room. The total occupancy must comply with the Village's building code and fire safety requirements. Hosts must accurately represent the number of available bedrooms in listings.
View full Oak Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Oak Park |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | MCC 4-13, 4-14 | - |
| Primary Residence | Required for shared housing units | - |
| Guest Register | Required for all STR hosts | - |
| Fine Range | $1,500 - $5,000 per offense | - |
| 2024 Amendments | Added explicit occupancy limits and monthly reporting | - |
| Overnight Maximum | - | 2 persons per bedroom |
| Bedrooms Must Meet | - | Building code standards |
| Inspection Required | - | Yes — bedroom count verified |
| Fire Code | - | Separate occupancy enforcement |
| Contact | - | (708) 358-5600 Fire Dept. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
How many guests can I host in a Chicago short-term rental?
Occupancy is generally limited to 2 persons per bedroom under the Shared Housing Ordinance. The 2024 amendments to MCC 4-13 added explicit maximum occupancy requirements that must be reported monthly.
Do I need to keep a guest register for my Airbnb in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago's Shared Housing Ordinance requires hosts to maintain a guest register with names and dates of stay. This must be available for inspection by authorized city officials.
Can any building in Chicago host short-term rentals?
No. Approximately 1,000 buildings were banned from hosting STRs under the 2016 ordinance. Additionally, condo associations and landlords can prohibit STRs. Tenants must have written landlord permission.
Oak Park FAQ
How many guests can stay at an Airbnb in Oak Park IL?
Occupancy is generally limited to two persons per designated sleeping room. The total number of bedrooms is verified during the required building inspection. Hosts must accurately represent available bedrooms in their listings.
Does my basement count as a bedroom for short-term rental occupancy in Oak Park?
Only if the basement meets all building code requirements for a conforming bedroom, including minimum ceiling height, egress windows, and smoke/CO detectors. This is verified during the licensing inspection.
Can I host events at my short-term rental in Oak Park?
Gatherings are subject to more restrictive occupancy limits and noise ordinances. Large events at short-term rentals may violate both the rental license conditions and fire code occupancy limits.
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