Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Clair County, IL

Airbnb listings are allowed in St. Clair County, IL, but with restrictions. St. Clair County Zoning Code treats 'transient lodgings' under standard zoning use tables and Airport Overlay/Noise Zones where they are expressly prohibited in certain subareas (AO-2 safety zones and higher-noise AO-4 zones). County rules require zoning compliance and may prohibit overnight lodging uses in specified overlay/noise/safety zones; municipalities within the county (e.g., Belleville) may have separate STR licensing/inspection requirements that apply within city limits. 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.

St. Clair County Zoning Code treats 'transient lodgings' under standard zoning use tables and Airport Overlay/Noise Zones where they are expressly prohibited in certain subareas (AO-2 safety zones and higher-noise AO-4 zones). County rules require zoning compliance and may prohibit overnight lodging uses in specified overlay/noise/safety zones; municipalities within the county (e.g., Belleville) may have separate STR licensing/inspection requirements that apply within city limits.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Clair County. 1) For properties outside municipalities: confirm applicable zoning and apply to the St. Clair County Zoning Administrator for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance ($30 fee). 2) If the use is not permitted by right or is within restricted overlay zones, apply for a Special Use Permit ($500-$1,000 fee) involving a public hearing and site plan review. 3) Comply with required inspections and other agency approvals (building code, health department, airport overlay consultation) before occupancy.

1) For properties outside municipalities: confirm applicable zoning and apply to the St. Clair County Zoning Administrator for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance ($30 fee). 2) If the use is not permitted by right or is within restricted overlay zones, apply for a Special Use Permit ($500-$1,000 fee) involving a public hearing and site plan review. 3) Comply with required inspections and other agency approvals (building code, health department, airport overlay consultation) before occupancy.

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