Short-Term Rental Debate Heats Up in Des Plaines

The Issue of Short-Term Rentals

The popularity of short-term home rentals through sites like Airbnb and VRBO has led to debates in communities nationwide about whether and how to regulate them. This conversation is now taking place in Des Plaines, Illinois. Earlier this week, the city council informally revisited a 2017 proposal to require licenses and limit rental days for short-term housing after increasing questions on the issue.

The old proposal, which was drafted but never voted on, would mandate $100 annual licenses for short-term rental operators. It would also cap rentals at just ten days per year. With Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms continuing to grow, the city faces renewed interest in finally putting rules on the books.

Arguments For and Against Regulation

Proponents of regulations cite concerns raised by neighbors of existing short-term rentals. Their grievances around parking, trash, and care for the properties are fueling council members to take action. The city already requires licenses for long-term rentals, so creating a special permit for short-term leases seems a natural extension.

However, other city leaders argue Des Plaines does not have serious problems caused by short-term housing. They view imposing limits as unnecessary government overreach into property rights. One vocal council member believes the city should not enact "arbitrary regulations" and questions whether short-term rentals should be banned entirely.

Resident and City Council Perspectives

Informal polls show residents themselves are divided. Some feel the potential nuisance of pseudo-hotels next door outweighs any economic perks. But others appreciate the extra income from renting out their home or a room for a few nights or weeks at a time.

Cities around the Chicago suburbs have already picked sides in the debate. Towns like West Chicago, Palatine, and Vernon Hills have rules curtailing short-term housing. But without statewide legislation, the patchwork of local policies means rentals prohibited on one block could be completely legal across the street if the neighboring town has not acted.

Path Forward for Des Plaines

As Des Plaines opens up this conversation, officials plan to involve the public more and eventually hold a formal vote. The city council has a tough balance to strike between allowing economic opportunity and maintaining neighborhood quality of life. Their decision in Des Plaines could influence how other Chicagoland municipalities handle calls to regulate short-term rentals. With thoughtful discussion on all sides, hopefully, an equitable compromise can emerge. But without action, the disputes around short-term rentals seem unlikely to resolve themselves anytime soon.