Cook County, IL Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Cook County only
- Owner-occupancy required?
- No, for Non-Supervised rentals
- Non-Supervised permit needed
- Special use + business occupancy
- Max guest bedrooms (Non-Supervised)
- Six bedrooms
- Permit voided if ownership changes
- 10% or more
Summary
Cook County's zoning ordinance sets no primary-residence requirement for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas: a host-absent Non-Supervised rental is legal with a special use permit instead of owner occupancy.
A dwelling unit that is used as a Short-term Rental where the host is not present during a Short-term Rental Guest's length of stay. Non-Supervised Short-term Rentals shall obtain a special use in accordance with the Codes of Ordinances of Cook County, Illinois, in addition to a business occupancy.
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Cook County, Zoning Ordinance Section 8.7.11 splits short-term rentals into Supervised, where the host is present, and Non-Supervised, where the host is not present during a guest's stay. Non-Supervised rentals do not have to be the operator's primary residence; instead they must obtain a special use permit plus a business occupancy, are capped at six guest bedrooms, and lose that special use automatically if ownership of the dwelling changes by ten percent or more.
Violations & Fines
Operating a Non-Supervised short-term rental without the required special use permit violates the zoning ordinance; the County can fine the owner $100 to $1,000 per offense, with each day of continued violation a separate offense and fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must the host live at a Cook County short-term rental?
Does this apply inside Chicago or other Cook County towns?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois short-term rentals overview
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