Short-term rental ban upheld in Vernon Hills

Vernon Hills trustees have upheld a zoning rule prohibiting short-term rentals in residential areas.

Village officials first discussed such rentals, such as those advertised on www.airbnb, in July 2016 but opted not to change the restriction. The matter resurfaced after officials became aware a home in the upscale Gregg's Landing subdivision had been advertised and used as a short-term rental.

Property owners Asmah and Masood Ahmed stopped the practice after being notified they were in violation. But they made their case to the village board Tuesday, asking to be allowed to continue until further guidelines are instituted.

The couple said they are empty nesters with an apartment in Chicago. They've rented their home on Royal Birkdale Drive for $700 a night to visitors from several states who otherwise would not have come to Vernon Hills.

The couple outlined various aspects of the practice, including rules and precautions they have in place, such as requiring names and IDs for all guests and being able to view a front door camera remotely.

Renters are those seeking a high-end experience in the area while attending functions like graduations, reunions or events such as the BMW Championship golf tournament, the couple said. The village benefits, they added, because the renters spend money at restaurants and other businesses in town.

However, the village board was not swayed, in part because of the potential complexity of making and enforcing rules to fit various circumstances.

Trustee Jim Schultz said he has a second home and periodically is out of town.

"I have no desire to do that nor do I have any desire to let my neighbors do that," he said.

"Short-term, long-term, I'm not for it," Trustee Thom Koch added.

By not changing the rule, the village zoning code prohibiting the use remains in place. Like any zoning violation, the village can fine violators from $100 to $1,000 for each day the violation continues.

Building Commissioner Mike Atkinson said this was the first instance of a short-term rental brought to his attention this year.

"We've identified 16 other properties and we'll be figuring out who the owners are and will be sending notifications to those properties to cease and desist short-term rentals," he said.