Short-Term Rentals Banned In Darien

DARIEN, IL – Darien aldermen this week unanimously voted to ban the renting of homes for less than 30 days.

This follows complaints from residents that Airbnbs were causing problems in their neighborhoods, with some places becoming party houses.

The new prohibition is similar to those in other suburbs, including Naperville.

"The community has been looking at this for some time," Alderman Joe Kenny said. "It limits Airbnbs from coming into town. I'm very, very behind this."

Alderman Eric Gustafson said Naperville solved its problem with disruptive short-term rentals with its ban.

"They never had to issue a ticket at all," he said. "I think this process works. I think 30 days is an appropriate time to get this process started."

In agreeing to 30 days, the council rejected the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation that the city ban rentals that last up to a year.

Aldermen did not mention the commission's recommendation, but Alderman Gerry Leganski said he would be open to revisiting the 30 days.

"I think it's good for the community to know that if the 30 days don't work, it will be readdressed as well. We'll start with this, and if more is needed, we're willing to do it," Leganski said.