Night Caps: Evanston vs Oak Park
How do night caps rules compare between Evanston, IL and Oak Park, IL?
Oak Park has fewer restrictions than Evanston.
Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston's vacation rental ordinance (Title 5 Chapter 9) does not impose a per-unit annual night cap. Instead, Ordinance 2-O-26 (adopted February 24, 2026) caps the citywide total at one short-term rental per 100 long-term rental units, which staff projected at roughly 144 STRs given approximately 14,450 registered long-term units, plus a 600-foot separation between STRs.
View full Evanston rules →Oak Park, IL
Cook County
Oak Park's short-term rental regulations may include annual night caps limiting how many total nights per year a property can be rented on a short-term basis. The Village's owner-occupancy requirement inherently limits rental activity since the host must reside at the property. Hosts should check current Village ordinances for any specific annual night limitations.
View full Oak Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Evanston | Oak Park |
|---|---|---|
| Per-Unit Night Cap | None published | - |
| Citywide Cap | 1 STR per 100 long-term units (~144) | - |
| Separation | 600 feet between STRs | - |
| Manager Residency | Within 3 miles of Evanston | - |
| Adopted | Feb 24, 2026 (2-O-26) | - |
| Owner-Occupancy | - | Required — limits rental intensity |
| Record Keeping | - | Rental night logs required |
| Audit Period | - | Records kept 3+ years |
| Whole-Home Rental | - | Limited by occupancy requirement |
| Contact | - | (708) 358-5670 Village Clerk |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Evanston FAQ
How many nights per year can I rent my Evanston Airbnb?
Title 5 Chapter 9 of the Evanston City Code does not publish a per-unit annual night cap. Instead, Ordinance 2-O-26 (adopted February 24, 2026) caps the citywide total at approximately 144 STR licenses (one per 100 long-term units) and requires 600 feet of separation between licensed STRs. Confirm with Program Administrator Nishat Saric at (847) 448-4311.
What counts as a short-term rental in Evanston?
Section 5-9-3 defines a short-term rental as a dwelling unit, or portion of one, offered for rent for fewer than 30 consecutive days to anyone outside the owner's household. Stays of 30 nights or longer to the same guest fall outside Chapter 9 and are regulated as long-term rentals under Chapter 3.
Oak Park FAQ
Is there a limit on how many nights I can Airbnb in Oak Park?
Oak Park's owner-occupancy requirement inherently limits rental activity. Check with the Village Clerk at (708) 358-5670 for any specific annual night caps in the current ordinance.
Can I rent my whole house as a short-term rental in Oak Park?
Only if you are the owner-occupant. The requirement that the property be your primary residence limits whole-home rentals to periods when you are temporarily away. Hosted stays with the owner present are the primary model.
Do I need to keep records of my rental nights in Oak Park?
Yes. Hosts must maintain accurate records of all rental nights for at least 3 years. These records are subject to Village audit and are needed for tax reporting purposes.
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