Crystal Lake, Illinois

Short-Term Rental Regulations — McHenry County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredTax: 7%
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/8/2026
7%Tax Rate
70 ftBuffer Distance

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap70 ft
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT7%

Zoning Restrictions

  • F, E, RE, R-1, R-2, R-3A, R-3B, R-O, or B-4 Zoning Districts only

Official Sources

crystallake.org/your-government/departments/community-development/planning-and-economic-development/short-term-rentals
Data confidence: 95%Last updated: June 8, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Crystal Lake, Illinois are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit. A lodging/occupancy tax of 7% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Crystal Lake, Illinois?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Crystal Lake?

A short-term rental permit is required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Crystal Lake?

Short-term rentals in Crystal Lake are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 7%.

Where do these Crystal Lake short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Crystal Lake's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Crystal Lake, McHenry County, or Illinois authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.