Evanston Council discusses Airbnb licensing amid rising unregistered rentals

A significant discussion on the future of vacation rentals in Evanston took center stage during the Planning and Development Committee meeting on June 9, 2025. Council members expressed growing concerns about the high percentage of unlicensed Airbnbs in the city, with estimates suggesting that 90% of these properties remain unregulated.

The meeting featured a resident who shared their experience of applying for a vacation rental license immediately after purchasing a home, emphasizing their commitment to compliance. "We did try to do the right thing right away when we got the home," they stated, highlighting their connection to the community and the importance of following city regulations.

Council Member Burns acknowledged the complexities surrounding vacation rentals, noting that the city has not yet established a clear process for approving these licenses. "We just have not had a thorough enough conversation about... under what circumstances this body would support vacation rentals," he remarked. This sentiment was echoed by other council members who expressed discomfort with the current ordinance, which they believe lacks concrete guidelines.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of vacation rentals on housing availability and community dynamics. Council Member Kelly recalled a previous moratorium on non-owner-occupied Airbnbs, which had expired earlier this year, and noted that the city is currently working to contact and license existing rentals.

As the council prepares to revisit the regulations governing vacation rentals, there is a clear call for more structured guidelines to ensure that the interests of the community are prioritized. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the future of short-term rentals in Evanston, balancing the needs of property owners with the concerns of residents about housing availability and neighborhood integrity.