Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Galena?

**Yes**, Galena requires a Guest Accommodation License for short-term rentals. You need to obtain this permit to legally operate a short-term rental within the city limits. Permits are generally restricted to commercial zones or specific residential areas with an overlay, so check zoning. *(54 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Galena?

**5% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Galena. You are responsible for collecting this tax from your guests and remitting it to the city. Ensure you comply with all local tax regulations to avoid penalties and maintain compliance. *(48 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Galena?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Galena, but with restrictions. Permits are generally restricted to commercial zones or specific residential areas with an overlay. It's important to verify that your property is located in a properly zoned area before operating a short-term rental in Galena. *(51 words)*

How much does an STR permit cost in Galena?

**$250** is the cost of the Guest Accommodation License required for short-term rentals in Galena. You must pay this fee to obtain the necessary permit to legally operate. Note that there is a limit of one license per owner, so plan accordingly. *(51 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in Galena?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Galena. Only property owners are eligible to apply for and receive a Guest Accommodation License. Renters cannot sublet their units as short-term rentals under the city's regulations. *(50 words)*

Galena, IL Short-Term Rental Laws &...

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The City of Galena strictly regulates short-term rentals under its 'Guest Accommodation' ordinance. Permits are generally restricted to commercial zones or specific residential areas with an overlay, and there is a limit of one license per owner.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 36 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $250
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Galena, you must first ensure your property is in a zone that allows 'Guest Accommodations.' If it is, you'll need to apply for an annual license, which involves a safety inspection and an annual fee starting at $250. Be aware that the city typically allows only one license per owner and requires you to collect a 5% local hotel tax on top of any state taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

30-60 days

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Galena strictly limits Guest Accommodations to specific zones; many residential neighborhoods (R-1, R-2) are excluded.
2.A single person or entity can only hold ONE Guest Accommodation license in the city.
3.The 5% city tax is NOT collected by Airbnb and must be filed quarterly with the City Finance Department.
4.An annual life-safety inspection is required to maintain the license.
5.Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, up to a maximum of 10.
6.Operating a rental in an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is generally prohibited.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•Galena: Operating a rental in an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is generally prohibited.
•Galena does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Galena limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Galena, IL: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(18)

•Galena STR warning: An annual life-safety inspection is required to maintain the license.
•Galena STR warning: Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, up to a maximum of 10.
•Galena STR warning: The 5% city tax is NOT collected by Airbnb and must be filed quarterly with the City Finance Department.

Application Process(10)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Galena: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Confirm your property is in a zone that allows Guest Accommodations (typically Commercial or specific PUDs). Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.cityofgalena.org/en/departments/building_and_zoning/ Step 2: Submit Application - Complete the Guest Accommodation License application and pay the applicable fee based on bedroom count. Documents needed: Floor plan, Proof of Insurance. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 250. More info: https://www.cityofgalena.org/documents/building_zoning/guest_accommodation_application.pdf Step 3: Inspection - Schedule and pass a life-safety inspection by the Galena Building Department. Estimated time: 2 weeks.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Galena charges a registration fee of $250 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $450 (Fee is $250 for up to 2 bedrooms; $350 for 3-5 bedrooms; $450 for 6+ bedrooms.).

Taxes(3)

•Galena charges a Hotel and Guest Accommodation Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Hosts must manually remit the 5% city tax even if Airbnb collects state/county taxes.
•Galena: The 5% city tax is NOT collected by Airbnb and must be filed quarterly with the City Finance Department.

Limits & Restrictions(9)

•Galena: Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, up to a maximum of 10.
•Galena: Galena strictly limits Guest Accommodations to specific zones; many residential neighborhoods (R-1, R-2) are excluded.
•Galena: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Galena requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Interconnected smoke alarms.
•Galena: An annual life-safety inspection is required to maintain the license.

Penalties(3)

•Galena: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Galena, IL: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

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

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.

Other Illinois Markets

Schaumburg

Illinois

Prohibited

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

Illinois

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

Illinois

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

Galena

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(10)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(9)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Galena

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Galena?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Galena?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Galena?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Galena?

Related Content

Other Illinois Markets

Schaumburg

Dekalb

Naperville

Chicago