Executive Summary: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Antioch, IL?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Antioch, Illinois. However, it is important to note that the village does not currently have specific laws governing short-term rentals. Instead, Airbnb hosts and STR operators must comply with standard residential zoning laws. If your STR operation is considered a business activity, you may need to secure a special use permit from the village. Additionally, all hosts must comply with Illinois state law requirements, including collecting a 6% hotel operators' occupation tax from guests and ensuring properties meet all applicable health, safety, and building codes.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Antioch, IL

Step 1: Property Zoning Verification

Before investing in or converting a property for STR use, verify that your property is located in a zoning district that allows short-term rental operations. Since Antioch lacks specific STR ordinances, the use must be compatible with standard residential zoning requirements in your district.

Step 2: Business Classification Assessment

Determine whether your STR operation will be classified as a business activity. If yes, you will need to:

• Apply for a special use permit through the village's Community Development Department
• Submit documentation demonstrating how the operation will comply with residential character standards
• Attend any required public hearings or approval processes

Step 3: Tax Registration and Compliance

Register for and begin collecting the Illinois hotel operators' occupation tax at 6% of the rental price. This is a state-level requirement for all short-term rental operators in Illinois.

Step 4: Building and Safety Compliance

Ensure your property meets all applicable health, safety, and building codes. This may include:

• Smoke detector installation and maintenance
• Carbon monoxide detector requirements
• Fire safety equipment compliance
• Local housing and occupancy standards

Step 5: Business Licensing

Contact the village clerk or business licensing department to determine if any additional business licenses or registrations are required for your STR operation.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits

• Special Use Permit: Required if your STR operation is classified as a business activity (Administered by Community Development Department)

Licenses

• Business License: May be required depending on the classification of your STR operation
• Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Registration: Required for state tax collection purposes

Compliance Documentation

• Tax Registration: Illinois Department of Revenue registration for hotel operators' occupation tax
• Property Insurance: Comprehensive liability and property insurance policies
• Safety Inspection Documentation: Proof of compliance with health, safety, and building codes

Operational Guidelines

• Guest Policies: Clear house rules and policies for guests
• Emergency Contact Information: Local contact person available 24/7
• Waste Management: Compliance with local garbage and recycling requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Village of Antioch Level

• No Specific STR Ordinance: Antioch does not currently have specific short-term rental laws
• Residential Zoning Compliance: Must comply with standard residential zoning requirements
• Special Use Permit: Required if operation is deemed a business activity
• Health, Safety, and Building Codes: All properties must meet applicable codes

County Level (Lake County)

• Standard county health and safety requirements apply
• No specific county-level STR regulations identified in the provided content

State Level (Illinois)

• Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax: 6% of the rental price must be collected from guests
• Business Registration: May be required depending on operation structure
• Health and Safety Standards: Properties must meet state housing and safety standards

Contact Information

Village of Antioch - Community Development Department

Primary Contact for STR Permits and Zoning Questions

• Phone: (847) 395-1000
• Email: Contact through village website or specific department
• Address: 935 Skidmore Drive, Antioch, IL 60002
• Website: www.antioch.il.gov/

Department-Specific Contacts

Building and Code Enforcement

• Phone: (847) 395-1000
• Email: Contact through Community Development Department

Planning & Zoning

• Phone: (847) 395-1000
• Email: Contact through Community Development Department

Village Clerk

• Phone: (847) 395-1000
• Email: lromine@antioch.il.gov

State-Level Contacts

Illinois Department of Revenue

• For hotel operators' occupation tax questions and registration
• Website: tax.illinois.gov

Important Notes for STR Investors

1. Regulatory Environment: Antioch's lack of specific STR regulations creates both opportunities and challenges. While there are fewer restrictions, the absence of clear guidelines means operators must be proactive in ensuring compliance.

2. Zoning Sensitivity: Since STR operations must comply with residential zoning standards, investors should carefully research property zoning before purchase and consider potential impacts on neighboring properties.

3. Tax Implications: The 6% state hotel operators' occupation tax will impact your pricing strategy and guest experience expectations.

4. Permit Process: If a special use permit is required, factor in the time and potential costs associated with the approval process, including possible public hearings.

5. Future Regulation Risk: As STR regulations become more common across Illinois municipalities, Antioch may develop specific STR ordinances in the future. Stay informed about potential regulatory changes.

Source Pages

• Summer.com Antioch STR Guide: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/antioch-illinois
• Village of Antioch Official Website: www.antioch.il.gov/
• Village Code and Ordinances: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/antiochil/latest/overview
• Community Development Department: www.antioch.il.gov/community-development
• Building and Code Enforcement: www.antioch.il.gov/building-and-code-enforcement

Disclaimer: This guide is based on information available as of the content provided. Regulations may change, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with any STR investment or operation.