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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Carroll County, IL

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals, referred to as 'Guest Homes,' are allowed for residential homes in unincorporated areas. Non-residential structures and campers are explicitly prohibited from being used as guest home rentals. A yearly license is required to operate.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an application via the Carroll County online portal, by phone (815-244-0284), or in person. 2. Provide required support documents, including a site plan and building plan. 3. Pay the $100 yearly license fee upon receipt of an invoice.

Official Resources

Official Carroll County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Carroll County, IL?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Carroll County, IL, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals, referred to as 'Guest Homes,' are allowed for residential homes in unincorporated areas. Non-residential structures and campers are explicitly prohibited from being used as guest home rentals. A yearly license is required to operate. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Carroll County, IL?
Short-term rentals, referred to as 'Guest Homes,' are allowed for residential homes in unincorporated areas. Non-residential structures and campers are explicitly prohibited from being used as guest home rentals. A yearly license is required to operate.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Carroll County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Carroll County. 1. Submit an application via the Carroll County online portal, by phone (815-244-0284), or in person. 2. Provide required support documents, including a site plan and building plan. 3. Pay the $100 yearly license fee upon receipt of an invoice.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Carroll County?
1. Submit an application via the Carroll County online portal, by phone (815-244-0284), or in person. 2. Provide required support documents, including a site plan and building plan. 3. Pay the $100 yearly license fee upon receipt of an invoice.
Is Vrbo legal in Carroll County, IL?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Carroll County, IL, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Carroll County?
Short-term rental hosts in Carroll County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Carroll County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Carroll County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction