Should Airbnb Rentals Be Allowed In Crystal Lake?

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Crystal Lake officials are looking at updating wording in its unified development ordinance to address tourist homes, including Airbnb rentals, in the city

The city currently does not have any regulations in place regarding short-term rentals and "treats these like any other single-family or multi-family residence," according to city documents. Complaints made by several residents living near one of the city's eight Airbnb rentals is prompting the discussion.

Last month, the city's planning and zoning commission voted down proposed updates to the wording of the city's UDO, with most commissioners wanting more restrictions in place for the short-term rentals or wanting to see tourist homes prohibited.

Under the city's original proposal, language added to the UDO would focus on making sure a new tourist home is not be allowed within 250 feet of an existing tourist home, and that short-term rentals could not have more than six adult guests — and all of their related children — staying within the residence at anytime.

Following the planning and zoning commission's denial of the proposal, the Crystal Lake City Council voted Tuesday in favor of reviewing the proposal and sending it back to the commission for a March 1 vote, according to city documents.

Before then, staff will research what area communities are doing regarding regulating, prohibiting or putting restrictions on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals. City officials will also work with city attorneys on updating the UDO language to address concerns from planning and zoning commissioners, according to city documents.

The discussion over short-term rentals comes after a "close-knit" group of neighbors on College Street drafted a letter to the city, which outlined concerns over an Airbnb in the neighborhood. They wrote in a letter to the city they did not know who is staying there and noticed people constantly "coming and going" at the rental, which offers "nightly lodging."

Short-term rentals are allowed in Cary, where tourist homes require a conditional use permit, and McHenry, where no regulations are currently in place. In Algonquin, St. Charles, and Naperville, tourist homes are prohibited.

This matter is expected to be addressed at the next planning and zoning commission meeting, which will be held starting at 7 p.m. on March 1 at city hall, 100 W. Woodstock St.