Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in McHenry County

McHenry County, IL Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Short-term rental permit rules in McHenry County, IL, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.

Key Facts

Unincorporated by-right cap
12 rentals or 90 days/year
Over the cap
Conditional use permit required
Allowed districts
Ag, residential, B-1
Crystal Lake
Tourist-home limited-use permit
Woodstock
SUP or STR certificate

Summary

In unincorporated McHenry County, a furnished home may be rented short-term up to 12 rental periods or 90 days a year by right; exceeding those limits requires a conditional use permit. Cities like Crystal Lake and Woodstock require their own permits.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Vacation Rental. Dwelling units, or portions thereof, that are offered as vacation rentals for more than twelve (12) rentals per calendar year or more than ninety (90) days per calendar year shall obtain a conditional use permit prior to occupancy.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance regulates "Vacation Rentals" in unincorporated areas. They are allowed by right in agricultural, residential, and B-1 zoning districts up to the annual caps; a Vacation Rental exceeding 12 rentals or 90 days per year must obtain a conditional use permit before occupancy under UDO §16.56.030.VV. Incorporated municipalities set stricter rules: Crystal Lake requires a limited-use permit for a "tourist home," and Woodstock requires a bed-and-breakfast special use permit or a short-term rental certificate plus a home-occupation license.

Violations & Fines

Operating an unincorporated vacation rental beyond the by-right caps without a conditional use permit is a UDO zoning violation subject to enforcement and daily fines. Woodstock STR certificate violations carry escalating fines of $500, $750, then $1,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to Airbnb my rural McHenry County home?
Not if you stay within 12 rental periods and 90 days per year in an allowed zoning district. Exceed either limit and you must obtain a conditional use permit first.
Are STR permits handled by the county or my city?
If your property is inside a city or village, that municipality's code controls. The county UDO applies only to unincorporated land outside municipal boundaries.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSignificant RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All McHenry County rules

How McHenry County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois short-term rentals overview

Get notified when Short-Term Rental Permits in McHenry County, IL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.