Registration Rules: Evanston vs Oak Park
How do registration rules rules compare between Evanston, IL and Oak Park, IL?
Evanston and Oak Park have similar restriction levels.
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 →Oak Park, IL
Cook County
All short-term rental operators in Oak Park must register with the Village and obtain a Short-Term Rental License before beginning operations. Registration requires submitting an application, passing a building inspection, and providing documentation including proof of ownership, primary residence status, insurance, and tax registration. The license must be renewed annually.
View full Oak Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Evanston | Oak Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Registration | - | Required before any rental activity |
| Annual Renewal | - | Yes — with updated documentation |
| Inspection | - | Building Dept. inspection required |
| License Display | - | Must appear on all listings |
| Contact | - | (708) 358-5670 Village Clerk |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Oak Park FAQ
How do I register my short-term rental in Oak Park IL?
Contact the Village Clerk at (708) 358-5670 to obtain an application. You'll need proof of ownership, primary residence documentation, liability insurance, and Illinois tax registration. A building inspection must be completed before the license is issued.
How often do I need to renew my short-term rental license in Oak Park?
The license must be renewed annually. Renewal requires updated insurance documentation, payment of renewal fees, and any applicable re-inspection of the property.
Is there a public registry of Airbnb properties in Oak Park?
Yes. The Village maintains a registry of licensed short-term rental properties. This helps neighbors and the community verify that rentals in their area are properly licensed.
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