Are there rental limits in Rockford?

Hard Occupancy Limit: No more than 10 people total are allowed on the premises (including guests and visitors), regardless of the number of bedrooms.

What are the key requirements for Rockford hosts?

Parking Restriction: Overnight guest parking must be on-site. Street parking is strictly prohibited for STR guests unless the property lacks a driveway large enough for four vehicles.

What are the key requirements for Rockford hosts?

Neighbor Notice: You must deliver written notice to neighbors every year before the first rental.

What should Rockford hosts know about no events: weddings, parties, and?

No Events: Weddings, parties, and large social gatherings are explicitly prohibited by the ordinance.

Rockford

Permissive

STRs Allowed

IllinoisLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Rockford requires short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit, register with the city's rental registry, and adhere to strict occupancy and parking regulations.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb or VRBO in Rockford, you must apply for a city permit and register your property with the local rental registry. You are limited to 10 guests maximum regardless of house size, and you must provide on-site parking for all guests. You also need to notify your neighbors in writing every year before you begin renting.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Hard Occupancy Limit: No more than 10 people total are allowed on the premises (including guests and visitors), regardless of the number of bedrooms.
2.Parking Restriction: Overnight guest parking must be on-site. Street parking is strictly prohibited for STR guests unless the property lacks a driveway large enough for four vehicles.
3.Neighbor Notice: You must deliver written notice to neighbors every year before the first rental.
4.No Events: Weddings, parties, and large social gatherings are explicitly prohibited by the ordinance.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Rockford: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Rockford: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Rockford: No Events: Weddings, parties, and large social gatherings are explicitly prohibited by the ordinance.

Requirements(10)

•Rockford STR warning: Neighbor Notice: You must deliver written notice to neighbors every year before the first rental.
•Rockford requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Community and Economic Development Department. Processing time: 4-6 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Rockford: Step 1: Register with Rental Registry - Create an account on the City of Rockford’s Rental Registry website and identify the unit as a short-term rental. There is currently no cost for this registration. Documents needed: Property address, Owner contact details. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://rockfordil.gov/306/Rental-Property-Registration Step 2: Submit STR Permit Application - Apply for the specific Short-Term Rental Permit via the City's online system. This requires providing details on local contacts and property management. Documents needed: Proof of ownership, Liability insurance document. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 100. More info: https://rockfordil.gov/170/Construction-Development-Services Step 3: Notify Neighboring Properties - Provide written notice to all neighboring properties within a specific radius (typically adjacent properties) including key contact information and your rental registration number. Documents needed: Neighbor notification letter. Estimated time: 1-2 days. Step 4: Pass Inspections - The City’s Community Development and Fire Departments reserve the right to inspect the property for compliance with building and fire codes. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Rockford charges a registration fee of $100 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Rockford charges a Hotel/Motel Tourism Tax of 0.05%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb collects and remits the 5% city tax; other platforms may vary.
•Illinois has a state sales tax of 0.0625% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Rockford occupancy calculation: Maximum 10 persons regardless of bedroom count. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Rockford enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Rockford limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Rockford: Hard Occupancy Limit: No more than 10 people total are allowed on the premises (including guests and visitors), regardless of the number of bedrooms.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Rockford requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Guest log with names and dates of stay, Posting of Ordinance Sections 12, 13, and 14 regarding parking and noise.

Penalties(2)

•Rockford enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $50 fine. Second offense: $250 fine. Third offense: $750 fine. Daily fine: $750 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Rockford: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

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Schaumburg requires an annual short-term rental license, mandatory safety inspections, and a crime-free housing seminar, with strict limits on corporate ownership and density.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Dekalb

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Permissive

Short-term rentals with five or fewer rooms are currently exempt from City of DeKalb licensing and hotel-motel tax requirements.

0.1% total tax

Naperville

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Prohibited

Short-term rentals of residential properties for periods of less than 30 consecutive days are strictly prohibited in the City of Naperville.

Night limits

0.1% total tax

Chicago

Illinois

Moderate

Chicago strictly regulates short-term rentals through a dual system of 'Shared Housing' registrations (for platform users) and 'Vacation Rental' licenses. Hosts must pay a combined tax rate of 17.4% (including state and county portions) and ensure their building is not on the City's 'Prohibited Buildings List'.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Rockford

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(6)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Rockford

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 Rockford?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rockford?

3What are the occupancy and parking rules in Rockford?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Rockford?

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