Registration Rules: Des Plaines vs Skokie
How do registration rules rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Skokie, IL?
Des Plaines and Skokie 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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
All Skokie STRs must register with the Village under the 2026 pilot ordinance. Existing operators were required to register by April 1, 2026, and new licenses are limited to owner-occupied units — capped at one per block. Each applicant must complete Village training and notify neighbors within 250 feet.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Registration Deadline | - | April 1, 2026 (existing) |
| New Licenses | - | Owner-occupied only |
| Density Cap | - | 1 license per block |
| Neighbor Notice | - | All properties within 250 ft |
| Training | - | Village-conducted, required |
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.
Skokie FAQ
How do I register a short-term rental in Skokie IL?
Apply for an operator license through the Skokie Village Clerk at (847) 933-8203. You must complete Village training, pass a building inspection, notify all properties within 250 feet, and pay the applicable registration fees.
Is the Skokie STR registration deadline still open?
Existing investor-owned STRs were required to register by April 1, 2026. New owner-occupied licenses remain available subject to the one-per-block density cap. Unregistered investor-owned STRs are no longer permitted.
What happens if my Skokie STR isn't registered?
Unregistered operation carries fines up to $1,500 per offense, cease-and-desist orders, and may disqualify the property from future STR licensing.
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