Registration Rules: Evanston vs Skokie
How do registration rules rules compare between Evanston, IL and Skokie, IL?
Evanston and Skokie 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 →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 | Evanston | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
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.
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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