Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Galena, IL

Airbnb listings are allowed in Galena, IL, but with restrictions. Vacation rentals are restricted to those with a special use permit and an operating license; the city currently has a cap on licenses and maintains a waitlist. Occupancy is generally limited to two people per bedroom plus two additional persons, with a 16-person maximum for homes with seven or more bedrooms. 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.

Vacation rentals are restricted to those with a special use permit and an operating license; the city currently has a cap on licenses and maintains a waitlist. Occupancy is generally limited to two people per bedroom plus two additional persons, with a 16-person maximum for homes with seven or more bedrooms.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Galena. 1. For the City of Galena, contact the Zoning Administrator to be placed on the license waitlist as the cap is currently reached. 2. For Jo Daviess County, submit a completed Guest Accommodations License application with the required fee ($400 initial). 3. Schedule and pass a property inspection.

1. For the City of Galena, contact the Zoning Administrator to be placed on the license waitlist as the cap is currently reached. 2. For Jo Daviess County, submit a completed Guest Accommodations License application with the required fee ($400 initial). 3. Schedule and pass a property inspection.

Vrbo is permitted in Galena, 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 Galena 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 Galena. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.