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

Strict

IllinoisUpdated Apr 19, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 7, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 76

Classification

Strict

Severity

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

What this means for you

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

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$250

Processing time4-8 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

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

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements13 rules

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 process9 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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.).

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions3 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties3 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Bloomington Normal

0/5

steps completed

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.

1 weekFree

Official resource

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.

4-8 weeks$250

Documents needed

Application Form
Site Plan
Filing Fee

Official resource

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.

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

Business Information
Security Contact Info

Official resource

Step 4

Register for Rental Property Program

2 weeks$65

Documents needed

Registration Form

Official resource

Step 5

Register for STR Tax

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Tax Registration Form

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Bloomington Normal

Strict

IllinoisUpdated Apr 19, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 7, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 76

Classification

Strict

Severity

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

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$250

Processing time4-8 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

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

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements13 rules

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 process9 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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.).

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions3 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties3 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Bloomington Normal

0/5

steps completed

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.

1 weekFree

Official resource

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.

4-8 weeks$250

Documents needed

Application Form
Site Plan
Filing Fee

Official resource

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.

1-2 weeksFree

Documents needed

Business Information
Security Contact Info

Official resource

Step 4

Register for Rental Property Program

2 weeks$65

Documents needed

Registration Form

Official resource

Step 5

Register for STR Tax

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Tax Registration Form

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Eligibility

Apply for Conditional Use Permit (Bloomington Only)

Obtain Town Business License (Normal Only)

Register for Rental Property Program

Register for STR Tax

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?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Eligibility

Apply for Conditional Use Permit (Bloomington Only)

Obtain Town Business License (Normal Only)

Register for Rental Property Program

Register for STR Tax

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?

Disclaimer