Are there rental limits in Charleston?

Occupancy is limited to 2 adults per bedroom; children under 12 are counted separately (up to 2 per room).

What are the key requirements for Charleston hosts?

A local manager must be designated and available to respond to issues in a timely manner.

What should Charleston hosts know about off-street parking is strictly required?

Off-street parking is strictly required (1 space per unit) in addition to the property's existing parking needs.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Charleston?

Non-owner occupied units in residential zones require a Conditional Use Permit through the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Charleston, IL Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permit Guide

Summary

Short-term rentals in Charleston are governed by a 2025 ordinance requiring a zoning use permit and adherence to specific occupancy and safety standards.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

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

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb or similar rental in Charleston, you must obtain a permit from the Building and Development Services department and follow strict occupancy limits (2 adults per bedroom). You are also required to designate a local manager and provide at least one off-street parking space for your guests.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Occupancy is limited to 2 adults per bedroom; children under 12 are counted separately (up to 2 per room).
2.A local manager must be designated and available to respond to issues in a timely manner.
3.Off-street parking is strictly required (1 space per unit) in addition to the property's existing parking needs.
4.Non-owner occupied units in residential zones require a Conditional Use Permit through the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Charleston allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Apartment, Condo, Duplex, Cottage.
•Charleston: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Charleston: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(13)

•Charleston: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Charleston STR warning: A local manager must be designated and available to respond to issues in a timely manner.
•Charleston requires liability insurance for STR hosts. General business liability insurance is typically required for commercial operations.

Application Process(9)

•How to set up an STR in Charleston: To host an Airbnb or similar rental in Charleston, you must obtain a permit from the Building and Development Services department and follow strict occupancy limits (2 adults per bedroom). You are also required to designate a local manager and provide at least one off-street parking space for your guests.

Fees & Costs(1)

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

Taxes(2)

•Illinois has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Charleston charges a Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax of 0.05%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Note: Operators are encouraged to file via Localgov; marketplace collection varies.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Charleston: Occupancy is limited to 2 adults per bedroom; children under 12 are counted separately (up to 2 per room).
•Charleston occupancy calculation: 2 transient guests per guest room plus 2 children (12 or younger) per room. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Charleston enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Charleston limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Charleston requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Operable window or door in each bedroom, No visible electrical hazards, Visible address numbers.

Penalties(3)

•Charleston: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Charleston enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Misdemeanor fine. Second offense: Increased daily fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: Per day per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Charleston exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts.
•Charleston: 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.

Charleston

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(4)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

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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Charleston

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 Charleston?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Charleston?

3What are the occupancy and parking rules in Charleston?

4Are there penalties for non-compliance in Charleston?

Related Content

Other Illinois Markets

Schaumburg

Dekalb

Naperville

Chicago