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After debate, Kane County limits short-term rentals to one per parcel
Summary
The commission approved Ordinance O-2025-29 to prohibit more than one short-term (vacation) rental per lot and remove conditional-use exceptions that previously allowed two on larger lots; the measure passed 2-1 following an extensive debate about rural character, housing supply and local control.
The Kane County Commission on Dec. 16 approved Ordinance O-2025-29, revising Chapter 6 of the county land-use code to limit short-term or vacation rentals to one per parcel. The ordinance also removes the conditional-use pathway that had allowed two short-term rentals on larger lots (2-acre and 5-acre zones).
Commissioner Gwen Brown, who sponsored the change, said the update is meant to protect the rural character of the countys residential zones and reduce the conversion of multiple dwellings on a single lot into commercial-style vacation operations. "I think we need to protect our residential zones out in the rural area," Brown said during the hearing, arguing the move would help prevent neighborhoods from becoming effectively resorts.
Opponents said the revision is a broad countywide approach to a problem that has been concentrated in specific subdivisions and warned of unintended consequences for property owners. Commissioner Celeste Myers said she was concerned about expanding regulation across all unincorporated areas and noted the county already restricts short-term rentals in smaller lot zones and requires a conditional-use process for some larger lots. "I do want to add that it is completely expected, welcomed, for people to have a commercial operation within a residential area," Myers said, stressing that a mix of uses has long existed in American communities.
Key clarifications recorded during the hearing: the definition of a dwelling for the code (typically identified by a kitchen and bathroom) means accessory or connected units can count as separate dwellings; bed-and-breakfast operations are defined separately and are treated as a distinct conditional use in some zones, not automatically affected by this change.
Vote: The ordinance passed by a 2-1 roll-call vote; the transcript records Commissioners Brown and Cabea voting aye and Commissioner Myers voting nay.
Why it matters: The change removes one pathway that allowed multiple short-term rentals on a single parcel and will reduce the number of properties that can be marketed as multiple vacation units in unincorporated Kane County. Supporters said that shift should preserve neighborhood character and help encourage longer-term rentals, while opponents warned the effect on supply and on property owners rights is uncertain.
Next steps: The ordinance takes effect according to the county adoption timeline; staff will process appeals or conditional-use inquiries under the updated code.
