Short-Term Rental Regulations
in McLean County, IL

Airbnb listings are allowed in McLean County, IL, but with restrictions. In unincorporated McLean County, STRs are restricted to operator-occupied bed-and-breakfasts on at least one acre with a five-guestroom limit. The Town of Normal prohibits STRs in R-1 and R-2 zones unless it is the owner's primary residence, while the City of Bloomington requires rental registration, annual inspections, and a 6.0% Short-Term Rental Tax. 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.

In unincorporated McLean County, STRs are restricted to operator-occupied bed-and-breakfasts on at least one acre with a five-guestroom limit. The Town of Normal prohibits STRs in R-1 and R-2 zones unless it is the owner's primary residence, while the City of Bloomington requires rental registration, annual inspections, and a 6.0% Short-Term Rental Tax.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in McLean County. In unincorporated McLean County, file a special-use permit application with Building & Zoning and a food permit application with the Health Department. In the Town of Normal, submit a business license application to the Clerk’s Office (subject to current moratorium/zoning review). In Bloomington, register the property with the Code Enhancement Division and register for the 6.0% STR tax with the Finance Department.

In unincorporated McLean County, file a special-use permit application with Building & Zoning and a food permit application with the Health Department. In the Town of Normal, submit a business license application to the Clerk’s Office (subject to current moratorium/zoning review). In Bloomington, register the property with the Code Enhancement Division and register for the 6.0% STR tax with the Finance Department.

Vrbo is permitted in McLean County, 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 McLean 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.

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