Politics
Old Town Chi Council Passes Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance, Matching Standards in Nearby Suburbs
The July 7 vote requires property owners in Old Town Chi to register listings with the city and limits rentals to 90 days per year, bringing local rules in line with Evanston and Oak Park.
How we reported this
The Old Town Chi City Council approved a short-term rental licensing ordinance on a 7-2 vote during its July 7 regular meeting. The measure requires owners of properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo to obtain an annual city permit, pay a $250 fee, and cap rentals at 90 days annually. It applies to all residential zones within the city's 2.3 square mile boundaries and takes effect September 1.
Why the ordinance reached the floor now
City records show short-term rental listings in Old Town Chi rose from 680 in 2022 to 1,150 in 2025, according to data compiled by the Department of Housing and Community Development. Council members cited resident complaints about noise and parking shortages near Lincoln Park and North Avenue as factors prompting the July vote. The ordinance mirrors measures already in place in Evanston, which enacted a 120-day cap in 2024, and Oak Park, which began requiring permits in 2023.
Local residents who rent out rooms or entire homes will need to submit proof of primary residency and maintain liability insurance of at least $1 million. Those who fail to register face fines starting at $500 per violation. Property managers in the 60614 and 60610 zip codes report that roughly 40 percent of current listings exceed the new 90-day limit and will require adjustments before September.
How the rules align with surrounding municipalities
Under the new ordinance, Old Town Chi joins six other Cook County municipalities that have adopted similar caps since 2023. The city's housing department estimates the changes will affect approximately 480 active listings. Revenue from permit fees is projected to reach $120,000 in the first year and will be directed to code enforcement staffing. Next steps include a public information session scheduled for August 12 at the Old Town Chi Public Library branch on North Wells Street, followed by the release of an online registration portal on August 15.