Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Fox Lake, IL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Fox Lake, IL, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are allowed only as a special use authorized by the Village Board with an annual license. Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, a maximum of 10 guests per night, a limit of 60 total licenses village-wide, and a prohibition on using residential parcels for events like weddings. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are allowed only as a special use authorized by the Village Board with an annual license. Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, a maximum of 10 guests per night, a limit of 60 total licenses village-wide, and a prohibition on using residential parcels for events like weddings.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Fox Lake. 1) Apply for and obtain a Special Use Permit from the Village Board, which includes a public hearing and neighbor notification within 300 feet. 2) Submit an annual Short-Term Housing Rental License application to the Village Clerk with proof of insurance, 24-hour contact info, and a $100 fee. 3) Pass a safety inspection to receive a certificate of compliance before beginning operations.

1) Apply for and obtain a Special Use Permit from the Village Board, which includes a public hearing and neighbor notification within 300 feet. 2) Submit an annual Short-Term Housing Rental License application to the Village Clerk with proof of insurance, 24-hour contact info, and a $100 fee. 3) Pass a safety inspection to receive a certificate of compliance before beginning operations.

Vrbo is permitted in Fox Lake, IL under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Fox Lake 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Fox Lake. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.