Kane County Launches Short-Term Rental Registration Program
Owners of short-term rental properties in unincorporated Kane County are now required to obtain a county license and register their properties under new regulations designed to ensure short-term rentals operate safely and responsibly.
The program follows regulations approved by the Kane County Board in January 2026 in response to concerns from residents about short-term rentals operating in residential neighborhoods. The ordinance establishes standards intended to balance property owners' ability to rent their homes while protecting the quality of life of neighboring residents.
Under the county ordinance, a short-term rental is a dwelling unit rented for temporary stays of up to 30 days.
Property owners operating a short-term rental in unincorporated Kane County must pay an initial $200 registration and license fee, provide proof of liability insurance and complete required safety inspections. Annual license renewals are $100.
The ordinance also establishes several operating requirements:
- Occupancy is limited to two guests per bedroom, with a maximum of 16 guests per property.
- Rental activity is limited to 12 rental contracts or 180 rental days per calendar year, whichever is greater.
- Overnight guest parking must be located on an improved hard surface on the rental property.
- Property owners must provide required notification to neighboring property owners.
- Operators must provide a local contact who is available 24 hours a day to respond to complaints or emergencies.
The ordinance also establishes requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency plans and other safety measures. Short-term rentals must comply with applicable county building and zoning requirements.
Kane County is working with Azora Software to administer the program, including identifying and verifying short-term rental properties, notifying owners of registration requirements, providing a 24-hour complaint hotline and managing the online registration and compliance system. To date, 37 notifications have been sent to short-term rental property owners.
When property owners access the online registration system, they will first be asked to log in using a Gmail address to verify their identity. Owners may use an existing Gmail account or create a new Gmail address specifically for the registration process. Once logged in, they can complete the required information and submit their short-term rental registration.
Find the link to the registration site here.
The $200 registration fee must be paid by paper check, either by mail or in person at the Kane County Development & Community Services Department, located at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Building A, in Geneva.
Property owners can complete the registration electronically or receive assistance in person at the Kane County Development & Community Services Department. Those seeking in-person assistance should bring all required documentation.
The licensing and registration requirement applies only to short-term rental properties located in unincorporated Kane County. Property owners are encouraged to register as soon as the online portal becomes available to ensure compliance with the new ordinance.
For more information, contact Kane County Code Enforcement at 630-232-5871.
