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 &...

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

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).

Galena

Gold Standard Verification

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

At a Glance

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

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

At a Glance

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?

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Other Illinois Markets

Dekalb

Naperville

Bloomington Normal

Chicago