West Chicago homeowners must register for short-term home rentals

All West Chicago homeowners that currently use their home, or are intending to use their home, as a short-term home rental, such as an Airbnb or Vrbo, are required to register their home as a short-term home rental with the City of West Chicago and obtain a license for the rental.

The West Chicago City Council approved Ordinance 2021-O-0002 on March 15, 2021 which authorizes the city to regulate these types of rentals including requiring registration and licensing.

The cost of registration is $50 and requires an annual renewal each calendar year.

The registration form can be found at westchicago.org.

Proof of ownership in the form of a deed must accompany the registration form.

The completed registration form, proof of ownership, and required payment must be submitted to the West Chicago Community Development Department in city hall at 475 Main St.

West Chicago City Hall is currently open to the public from 8 a.m. until noon Tuesday through Thursday.

A license must be obtained before the home can be listed on a short-term home rental advertising platform.

Short-term home rentals are permitted only in single-family detached homes. Townhomes and duplexes may be eligible to register a short-term home rental but must first seek approval of a special use permit from the city council. All other rules and regulations for short-term home rentals can be found within the registration form.

Any questions related to the registration process should be directed to John Sterrett, city planner, at (630) 293-2200, ext. 158, or by email at jsterrett@westchicago.org.