Evanston council considers vacation rental moratorium amid policy clarifications

The Planning and Development Committee meeting held on July 14, 2025, by the City Council of Evanston, IL, focused on the ongoing issue of vacation rentals in the city. Council members expressed concerns about the impact of vacation rentals on the availability of housing for local residents.

During the meeting, a council member raised the issue of approving vacation rentals, suggesting that these rentals take away housing units from Evanstonians. The member questioned whether it would be appropriate to implement a moratorium on vacation rentals until a clearer policy could be established. This discussion highlighted the need for a more defined approach to managing vacation rental applications.

Andrew San Roman, the building and development services manager, responded by noting that a previous moratorium on non-owner-occupied vacation rentals had ended. This moratorium was lifted after the city acquired software to better identify and manage vacation rentals in operation. San Roman explained that the city council had approved sending notices to vacation rental owners, allowing them to apply for licenses under the current ordinance.

The meeting underscored the ongoing debate about balancing the interests of vacation rental owners with the housing needs of local residents. As the city moves forward, the council plans to revisit the policies governing vacation rentals to ensure they align with the community's needs.