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  1. Home
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  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Illinois
  6. ·
  7. Champaign

Champaign

Moderate
IllinoisUpdated Mar 26, 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

Champaign requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual Rental License, pass safety inspections, and maintain a 200-foot separation distance in residential zones.

Restriction level

Severity 8
Classification
Moderate
8
Severity

Why this classification

  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement
  • Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

To host a short-term rental in Champaign, you must apply for a Rental License through the Neighborhood Services Department and pass a habitability inspection. In residential neighborhoods, your property must be at least 200 feet away from any other existing short-term rental. You are also required to collect and remit a combined 13% hotel/motel tax from your guests.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$50
Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1200-foot separation rule: Properties in traditional residential areas must be at least 200 feet from other STRs.
  2. 2Density limits: The city may limit the total number of STRs allowed per block.
  3. 3Mandatory Inspection: Every unit must pass a city habitability inspection before a license is issued.
  4. 4Permit Display: The license number must be included in all digital advertisements and listing descriptions.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility5 rules
  • Champaign does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
  • Champaign: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
  • Champaign: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Requirements12 rules
  • Champaign: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
  • Champaign: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
  • Champaign: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
Application process9 rules
  • Champaign extended permit requirement: Fees may vary slightly based on unit count or property type
Fees & costs2 rules
  • Champaign charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).
  • Champaign: 200-foot separation rule: Properties in traditional residential areas must be at least 200 feet from other STRs.
Taxes2 rules
  • Illinois has a state sales tax of 0.0625% that applies to STR rentals.
  • Champaign charges a Municipal Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms like Airbnb/VRBO collect and remit, but hosts must still register with the City Finance Department
Limits & restrictions4 rules
  • Champaign: Density limits: The city may limit the total number of STRs allowed per block.
  • Champaign occupancy calculation: Subject to habitability standards and floor plan dimensions. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Champaign enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
  • Champaign limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Champaign requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 1-inch deadbolt locks, Egress compliance, Heating (min 65°F Sep 15-May 15), Insect screens required May-Sep.
Penalties2 rules
  • Champaign: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Champaign enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by code violation; typically starts with a notice and fine. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: Varies. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Champaign exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
  • Champaign: 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 Champaign

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Zoning and Separation Distance

Ensure the property is not within 200 feet of an existing registered short-term rental in a residential zone.

1-3 daysFree
Official resource
Step 2

Apply for Rental License

Submit a Rental License application to the Neighborhood Services Department.

1 week$50
Documents needed
  • Proof of Ownership
  • Floor Plan
  • Insurance Certificate
Official resource
Step 3

Pass Habitability Inspection

Schedule and pass a mandatory safety and habitability inspection conducted by a city inspector.

1-2 weeksFree
Step 4

Register for Hotel/Motel Tax

Register your business with the City Finance Department to ensure appropriate collection and remittance of local lodging taxes.

1 weekFree
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

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