Occupancy Limits: North Chicago vs Waukegan
How do occupancy limits rules compare between North Chicago, IL and Waukegan, IL?
North Chicago and Waukegan have similar restriction levels.
North Chicago, IL
Lake County
North Chicago has not adopted a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance with a numeric overnight occupancy cap. STR operators must obtain a landlord license under Title 5, Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances, comply with the North Chicago Zoning Ordinance (updated November 18, 2024), and meet the occupancy figure shown on the dwelling's certificate of occupancy under the underlying property maintenance code.
View full North Chicago rules →Waukegan, IL
Lake County
Waukegan does not have a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance with a numeric overnight occupancy cap. STR operators must obtain a City business license through the Business Licensing Department, comply with the Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) zoning rules adopted July 1, 2024, and meet the occupancy limits in the underlying Property Maintenance Code applicable to the dwelling.
View full Waukegan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | North Chicago | Waukegan |
|---|---|---|
| Stand-Alone STR Cap | None adopted | None adopted |
| Governing Framework | Title 5 Ch 14 + Zoning | UDO 7/1/2024 + Bus License |
| Occupancy Source | Certificate of Occupancy | Certificate of Occupancy |
| Family Definition | 4 unrelated max (Sec 2.2.73) | - |
| Permit Authority | Econ & Comm Dev Dept | Business Licensing Dept |
| Contact | - | 847-599-2500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
North Chicago FAQ
How many guests can stay overnight in a North Chicago short-term rental?
North Chicago has not adopted a numeric STR occupancy cap. The maximum overnight guest count for your unit is set by the certificate of occupancy and the underlying property maintenance code, and the Zoning Ordinance limits unrelated occupants to four per dwelling unit under the Section 2.2.73 definition of family. Confirm your figure with the Department of Economic and Community Development before listing.
Do I need permission from North Chicago to host on Airbnb?
Yes. Operators of rental dwellings must hold a landlord license under Title 5, Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances, and the Zoning Ordinance does not list short-term rental as a separate use, so the Department of Economic and Community Development may treat your listing under its hotel definition (Section 2.2.95) or require interpretation under Section 8.2 depending on the zoning district.
Waukegan FAQ
How many guests can stay overnight in a Waukegan short-term rental?
Waukegan has not adopted a numeric STR occupancy cap. The maximum overnight guest count for your unit is set by the certificate of occupancy and the underlying property maintenance code, typically two persons per bedroom plus additional persons based on minimum sleeping-room floor area. Confirm the figure with the Business Licensing Department before listing.
Do I need permission from the City to host on Airbnb in Waukegan?
Yes. Every STR operator must hold a Waukegan business license, comply with the Unified Development Ordinance adopted July 1, 2024, and pass Fire and Building Department inspections. Depending on your zoning district, a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission may also be required.
Compare other topics
See how North Chicago and Waukegan compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool