Registration Rules: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do registration rules rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Every short-term rental in Des Plaines must register annually with the City's Community & Economic Development Department before listing. The registration requires a designated 24/7 local contact, proof of $1M liability insurance, a fire/life-safety inspection, and a one-time and annual fee. Listings must display the registration number.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston regulates vacation rentals under Title 5, Chapter 9 of the City Code. Operators must obtain a Short-Term Rental license issued by Community Development before listing on Airbnb or Vrbo, and the host platform itself must hold a Short-Term Residential Rental Intermediary (STRRI) license under Ordinance 2-O-26 adopted February 24, 2026.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Registration | Required before listing | - |
| Insurance | $1M liability | - |
| Local Contact | Within 30 miles, 24/7 | - |
| Inspection | Fire/life-safety required | - |
| Fine for Unregistered | $500–$750/day | - |
| Code | - | Title 5 Ch. 9 Sec. 5-9-3 |
| Annual License Fee | - | $250 per unit |
| New App Fee | - | $150 |
| Platform License | - | Required (STRRI) |
| Adopted (overhaul) | - | Feb 24, 2026 (2-O-26) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Des Plaines?
Yes. Every short-term rental must register annually with Community & Economic Development before listing. Registration includes insurance, a local contact, and a safety inspection.
How do I register a vacation rental in Des Plaines?
Apply through the Community & Economic Development Department at (847) 391-5380. Submit the application with proof of $1M liability insurance, local contact info, and schedule a fire and life-safety inspection.
What is the penalty for running an unregistered Airbnb in Des Plaines?
Fines of $500 to $750 per day of operation, plus potential cease-and-desist orders and platform takedowns.
Evanston FAQ
Do I need a license to run an Airbnb in Evanston?
Yes. Title 5 Chapter 9 of the Evanston City Code requires every operator to hold an annual Short-Term Rental license issued by Community Development before any rental shorter than 30 days. The fee is $150 for a new application plus $250 annually per unit, and the property must pass a maintenance and life-safety inspection before the license is issued.
Does Airbnb itself need a license to list Evanston rentals?
Yes. Ordinance 2-O-26, adopted February 24, 2026, requires host platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to hold a Short-Term Residential Rental Intermediary (STRRI) license at $250 plus $60 per Evanston unit listed, and operators may only list on licensed platforms. Confirm current procedures with Program Administrator Nishat Saric at (847) 448-4311.
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