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

The § 155-7.30 use table marks bed and breakfast with an "S" only in the A-1, A-2, E-1 and E-2 zoning districts, meaning it can be approved only through the special use permit procedure of § 155-16.40; the use carries a dash, meaning it is not allowed at all, in every R, C, I and SP-PO district. An applicant files with the Zoning Administrator, who must furnish a copy to the Will/South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District and cannot proceed to a hearing until that district responds or 30 days pass (§ 155-16.40(D)). The Zoning Administrator then reports to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which holds a public hearing after notice by newspaper publication, mailed notice to abutting owners and any municipality within one and one-half miles, and a posted sign on the property (§ 155-16.40(F)). The Commission recommends approval, conditional approval, or denial by majority vote, and the County Board takes final action; if the Board does not act within six months of receiving the Commission's report, the application is deemed denied (§ 155-16.40(H)).

Beyond the permit itself, § 155-9.30(F) imposes an owner-occupancy condition specific to bed and breakfasts: the dwelling in which the operation runs must be the operator/owner's principal residence, and the operator/owner must live on the premises, ruling out an absentee-owner short-term rental model under this use. An approved special use permit lapses two years after County Board approval unless a building permit or certificate of occupancy has issued or the use is already lawfully established, though the Board can grant up to four 180-day extensions for good cause without a new hearing or fee (§ 155-16.40(J)).