Short-term rental permit rules in Evanston, IL — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Evanston requires a Short-Term Rental License for any rental of a dwelling unit for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The license is issued by the Community Development Department and must be renewed annually. Only owner-occupied or owner-authorized properties are eligible, and listings must display the license number.
Under Evanston City Code Title 5, operators of short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) must obtain a Short-Term Rental License before listing or renting their property. The application requires proof of ownership or authorization from the property owner, proof of insurance, a floor plan, and a local contact person available 24/7. The city limits the number of STR licenses in certain residential zones. All listings on platforms must display the city license number. The property must pass a safety inspection covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and egress windows. Hosts must maintain a guest register. Apply through Community Development at (847) 448-4311.
Operating without a license carries fines of $150 to $500 per day. Failure to display the license number on listings results in a $100 fine per occurrence. License suspension or revocation may occur after three substantiated complaints within 12 months.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
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