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

Section 216-36 of the McLean County Code makes it "unlawful for any person to operate a bed-and-breakfast establishment which serves breakfast within the County of McLean's jurisdiction who does not possess a valid permit which shall be issued annually to him or her by the Health Department." Only an applicant who complies with Article IV's requirements can receive and keep the permit, and permits cannot be transferred from one person or location to another; a valid permit must be framed and posted in conspicuous public view.

To get a permit, an operator must file a written application on Health Department forms at least one week before the proposed opening date; the Department then inspects the property before opening to confirm compliance. A full-time permit runs through December 31 of the year it is issued, while a seasonal permit expires six months after issuance or on December 31, whichever comes first. Anyone who has not paid the annual renewal fee by January 1 is treated as operating without a valid permit, though seasonal operators must pay at least one week before reopening.

Permits fall into two classes: Class H for establishments serving more than a continental breakfast and Class I for those serving only a continental breakfast (coffee, tea, juice, and commercially prepared sweet baked goods). Permit fees run through Chapter 205's fee schedule, with a 40% surcharge on an owner's first permit at a given location, half-fee reductions for permits issued after June 30 or for seasonal six-month permits, and late penalty fees for renewals paid after January 7, increasing again after January 21.