Permit Requirements: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do permit requirements rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Evanston.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines has no separate short-term rental permit; any dwelling rented for any period must hold a Residential Rental Property License under City Code Chapter 4-17, and the owner must complete the Crime Free Multi-Housing class before a license is issued.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston requires a Short-Term Rental License for any rental of a dwelling unit for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The license is issued by the Community Development Department and must be renewed annually. Only owner-occupied or owner-authorized properties are eligible, and listings must display the license number.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Des Plaines City Code Ch. 4-17 (Sec. 4-17-1, 4-17-3) | - |
| STR-Specific Permit | None - covered by standard rental license | - |
| Minimum Rental Period | No minimum ('part of the year or all year') | - |
| Pre-License Requirement | Crime Free Multi-Housing Phase 1 class | - |
| License Term | Expires Dec. 31; renewed annually; non-transferable | - |
| License Required | - | Yes — before listing |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
| Safety Inspection | - | Required |
| 24/7 Contact | - | Required local contact |
| Fine (No License) | - | $150–$500/day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need a special short-term rental permit in Des Plaines?
No. Des Plaines does not have a short-term rental-specific permit. Any dwelling rented for any length of stay must hold a Residential Rental Property License under City Code Chapter 4-17, and the owner must first complete the Crime Free Multi-Housing Phase 1 class. The city's August 2023 staff memo confirms there is no minimum rental period that distinguishes short-term from long-term rentals.
Is renting out just a room in my Des Plaines home allowed?
No. The city interprets and enforces the rental code so that the entire residential unit must be rented; the rental of individual rooms or portions of a residence is prohibited, and license applicants must sign an affidavit that they will not rent rooms or portions of the house.
Evanston FAQ
Do I need a permit for Airbnb in Evanston IL?
Yes. Evanston requires a Short-Term Rental License for any rental under 30 days. Apply through Community Development at (847) 448-4311 before listing your property.
What does Evanston's STR license require?
You need proof of ownership/authorization, insurance, a floor plan, a 24/7 local contact, and the property must pass a safety inspection for smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers.
What happens if I operate without a license in Evanston?
Operating without an STR license carries fines of $150 to $500 per day of violation. The city actively monitors platforms for unlicensed listings.
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