What zoning rules apply to STRs in Bloomington Normal?

Normal prohibits new non-owner occupied STRs in R-1 and R-2 zones as of 2025; existing ones must phase out within 5 years.

What violations should Bloomington Normal hosts avoid?

Taxes are due monthly by the 25th day of the following month; late filings incur a 5% penalty plus 2% interest.

What are the key requirements for Bloomington Normal hosts?

Rental registrations must be renewed annually by December 31st.

Bloomington Normal, IL Short-Term Rental Regulation Guide

Summary

Short-term rentals in Bloomington and Normal require city registration, monthly tax remittance, and must comply with strict zoning restrictions, including owner-occupancy requirements in specific residential zones in Normal.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 76 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Standard permit fee: $250
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

In Bloomington, you must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which involves a public hearing, and register for an annual rental license. In Normal, new rentals in single-family (R-1/R-2) zones are generally prohibited unless the owner lives there for at least nine months of the year. Both cities require you to pay a 6% local short-term rental tax in addition to state taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Normal prohibits new non-owner occupied STRs in R-1 and R-2 zones as of 2025; existing ones must phase out within 5 years.
2.Bloomington requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which involves a public hearing and neighbor notification.
3.Taxes are due monthly by the 25th day of the following month; late filings incur a 5% penalty plus 2% interest.
4.Rental registrations must be renewed annually by December 31st.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Bloomington Normal allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Multi-Family, Condo, Townhouse.
•Bloomington Normal: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Bloomington Normal does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements(13)

•Bloomington Normal STR warning: Taxes are due monthly by the 25th day of the following month; late filings incur a 5% penalty plus 2% interest.
•Bloomington Normal: Normal prohibits new non-owner occupied STRs in R-1 and R-2 zones as of 2025; existing ones must phase out within 5 years.

Application Process(9)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Bloomington Normal: Step 1: Verify Zoning and Eligibility - Confirm the property zoning. In Normal, new STRs are prohibited in R-1/R-2 unless owner-occupied. In Bloomington, identify if a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for the specific zone. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.normalil.gov/113/Planning-Zoning Step 2: Apply for Conditional Use Permit (Bloomington Only) - Submit a CUP application to the Planning and Zoning Department. This requires a public hearing and City Council approval. Documents needed: Application Form, Site Plan, Filing Fee. Estimated time: 4-8 weeks. Cost: 250. More info: https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-zoning Step 3: Obtain Town Business License (Normal Only) - Apply for a Business License through the Town Clerk's office. Note that a moratorium on new licenses in certain areas may apply. Documents needed: Business Information, Security Contact Info. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.normalil.gov/112/Business-Licenses Step 4: Register for Rental Property Program - Register the property with the city's rental inspection program to ensure the unit meets safety standards. Documents needed: Registration Form. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Cost: 65. More info: https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/government/departments/community-development/rental-property-registration Step 5: Register for STR Tax - Register with the Finance Department to collect and remit the 6% Short-Term Rental Tax. Documents needed: Tax Registration Form. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/government/departments/finance/taxes/short-term-rental-tax

Fees & Costs(1)

•Bloomington Normal charges a registration fee of $250 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $65 (Annual rental property registration fee of $65 per building is also required in Bloomington.).

Taxes(2)

•Illinois has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Bloomington Normal charges a Short-Term Rental Tax (STRT) of 0.06%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms may collect but host is ultimately responsible for ensuring monthly certification forms are filed with the city.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Bloomington Normal limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Bloomington Normal occupancy calculation: Subject to life safety code and unrelated person limits (typically 3 unrelated persons in Normal).. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Bloomington Normal enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Bloomington Normal requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in sleeping areas, Life safety inspection, Compliance with Rental Property Inspection Program standards.

Penalties(3)

•Bloomington Normal: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Bloomington Normal: Taxes are due monthly by the 25th day of the following month; late filings incur a 5% penalty plus 2% interest.

Exemptions(2)

•Bloomington Normal exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Bloomington Normal: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Bloomington Normal

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Bloomington Normal

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bloomington Normal?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bloomington Normal?

3Are there owner-occupancy requirements in Normal, IL?

4What is the process for Bloomington rental registration?

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