Planning committee approves vacation-rental license for 1111 Pitner Avenue

The Planning and Development Committee of the City of Evanston voted to approve a vacation rental license for units 1 and 2 at 1111 Pitner Avenue on April 14, 2025.

The applicant described the two units as identical three-bedroom, one-bath units on the middle and top floors, and said they are “minutes from Downtown Evanston and Northwestern University.” The applicant told the committee the short-term listings had generated “Just over $1,200 in local taxes benefiting the community.”

Committee members raised neighborhood concerns around parking, the character of long-term housing and how many short-term rentals are operating without licenses. Council member Harris said the corner in question “does have parking issues,” and asked whether the units’ garage would be available to guests; the applicant replied the garage is currently rented separately but “that’s something that could be considered going forward.”

Council member Kelly said she was “somewhat uncomfortable with this” and urged staff to publish a roster of licensed vacation rentals so neighbors can check compliance. Council member Nussbaum argued enforcement should not penalize applicants who followed the proper procedures: “I don't think it's fair to penalize somebody who has followed the proper procedures and is doing something right here.”

Chair Devon Reed called the vote after discussion. The motion to approve was moved by Council member Ravel and seconded by Council member Nussbaum. The committee voted in favor; the chair announced, “The ayes have it. PD 1 is passed.”

The license approved by the committee moves to the full City Council for final action, per staff procedure discussed later in the meeting.