Elmhurst May Avoid Heavy Hand On Airbnbs

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst officials are looking at a policy that would involve a few regulations for Airbnbs and other short-term rentals.

But the city appears to be avoiding the heavier hand of other suburbs, including Hinsdale and Darien.

On Monday, the City Council's public safety committee plans to look at a proposal for requiring Airbnbs and other short-term rentals to get annual business licenses.

The other proposed rules call for short-term rental operators to keep registers of guests that Elmhurst officials could access. And they would also be required to provide proof of $1 million homeowner's or host protection insurance policies.

Last year, Hinsdale banned all short-term rentals that are less than three months. Other suburbs, including Darien, have gone with one month.

The towns have justified the bans by saying that rentals such as Airbnbs draw parties that disrupt neighborhoods. They also say that residents want to know who lives next door.

Many suburbs have no prohibitions, including La Grange and Western Springs.

Under its proposal, Elmhurst would bar rentals of homes that are less than 24 hours. But Airbnbs and other such services are nearly always for longer than that.

Last year, Elmhurst's Ward 7 aldermen, Mike Brennan and Rex Irby, asked the council to look into the possibility of regulating short-term rentals.

In a memo, the aldermen referred to an incident at a short-term rental in the 700 block of Hillside Avenue, which they represent. They said Elmhurst police were called, but gave no other details.

The public safety committee's meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall.