Kane County Moves to Rein in Short-Term Rentals

Kane County is poised to step into the short-term rental debate, with county officials set to vote next week on a package of regulations aimed at Airbnb and Vrbo-style rentals in unincorporated areas.

The proposed rules are headed to the northeastern Illinois county’s board for a final vote Tuesday after months of committee debate, resident testimony and revisions prompted by complaints about noise, parking and safety. The Chicago Tribune reported that if approved, the ordinance would mark the county’s first formal framework for regulating short-term rentals — a growing slice of the housing market that’s increasingly colliding with suburban quality of life concerns.

The push gained momentum last fall, when residents from a quiet cul-de-sac urged the county to intervene. Susan Blassick told the county’s Development Committee in October that a nearby short-term rental had brought loud parties, party buses and clogged street parking to her block.

“We all bought homes here because of the serene environment,” she said at the meeting, “never envisioning that a short-term rental would be on our street.”

In response, Kane County staff drafted amendments to the county code that would require short-term rentals to obtain a license from the Development and Community Services Department and comply with a long list of operational standards. Similar debates are playing out across the region. St. Charles opted for new taxes and regulations last year; Lake County banned short-term rentals in unincorporated areas, while Skokie and Chicago have explored tighter controls.

Under the Kane County proposal, operators would pay a $200 licensing fee, cap occupancy at two guests per bedroom with a maximum of 16 guests, and limit rentals to 12 contracts or 180 rental days per year, whichever is greater. Commercial vehicles would be barred, as would parking campers, food trucks or portable hot tubs. Owners would also need to provide proof of insurance, pass safety inspections, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and designate a 24-hour local contact.

The ordinance would require owners to notify adjoining neighbors by mail before the first rental of each year and post the license visibly inside the property. Violations could result in license suspension or revocation, while operating without a license could trigger fines of up to $1,000. Enforcement would fall to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, according to the publication.

Not everyone is satisfied. One community member urged county leaders this week to halt the measure, arguing it effectively legitimizes short-term rentals rather than curbing them. County officials counter that an outright ban wouldn’t touch existing rentals and would leave them unregulated.

After clearing the Executive Committee on Wednesday, the ordinance — as well as companion measures on noise and trespassing — are now headed to the full board. — Eric Weilbacher