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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jackson County, IL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Jackson County regulates Bed & Breakfast Establishments in unincorporated areas as operator-occupied residences with no more than five (5) guest rooms; operators must reside in the establishment (or contiguous property), comply with Health Department and fire requirements, and maintain minimum liability insurance. Municipalities within Jackson County (e.g., Carbondale) have separate vacation-rental chapters that limit vacation rental units to permitted zoning districts and generally require the operator to reside on the property (primary residency defined as at least six months/year) and limit transient stays to 24–29 days.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) For unincorporated-county B&Bs: submit a written license application to the Jackson County Health Department at least one month prior to opening including owner/operator contact, property legal description, site drawing (structures, parking), and floor plans; 2) undergo Health Department review and onsite inspections (health and fire/State Fire Marshal requirements) and cure any deficiencies; 3) submit required documentation (certificate of liability insurance, tax registration) and pay the annual B&B license fee ($50 as stated in the county ordinance); licenses are inspected at least annually.

Official Resources

Official Jackson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Jackson County, IL?
Jackson County regulates Bed & Breakfast Establishments in unincorporated areas as operator-occupied residences with no more than five (5) guest rooms; operators must reside in the establishment (or contiguous property), comply with Health Department and fire requirements, and maintain minimum liability insurance. Municipalities within Jackson County (e.g., Carbondale) have separate vacation-rental chapters that limit vacation rental units to permitted zoning districts and generally require the operator to reside on the property (primary residency defined as at least six months/year) and limit transient stays to 24–29 days.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Jackson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jackson County. 1) For unincorporated-county B&Bs: submit a written license application to the Jackson County Health Department at least one month prior to opening including owner/operator contact, property legal description, site drawing (structures, parking), and floor plans; 2) undergo Health Department review and onsite inspections (health and fire/State Fire Marshal requirements) and cure any deficiencies; 3) submit required documentation (certificate of liability insurance, tax registration) and pay the annual B&B license fee ($50 as stated in the county ordinance); licenses are inspected at least annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Jackson County?
1) For unincorporated-county B&Bs: submit a written license application to the Jackson County Health Department at least one month prior to opening including owner/operator contact, property legal description, site drawing (structures, parking), and floor plans; 2) undergo Health Department review and onsite inspections (health and fire/State Fire Marshal requirements) and cure any deficiencies; 3) submit required documentation (certificate of liability insurance, tax registration) and pay the annual B&B license fee ($50 as stated in the county ordinance); licenses are inspected at least annually.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction