Short-Term Rentals Proposed For La Grange

LA GRANGE, IL – The La Grange Village Board on Monday is set to decide whether to let a local businessman offer short-term rentals in downtown.

Short-term rentals are typically under brand names such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

Dan Spain, owner of La Grange's The Elm restaurant, is proposing five short-term rental units on the second floor of 108 W. Calendar Ave.

According to a village memo, La Grange currently bans short-term rentals. Spain is asking the village to change its code to allow such housing on second floors in certain commercial areas.

At a Plan Commission meeting last month, three residents expressed concerns with the proposal over the impact on housing affordability and potential demands on village services.

In other towns, residents complain about parties and other issues with short-term rentals. They say police are needed at times.

The commission voted 3-2 for the proposal. But the threshold for approval is four. So the vote was effectively a recommendation for denial.

Under the proposal, the village would change its code to require that short-term rentals be for at least two days, with parties and other gatherings banned. Other requirements would be for insurance and life safety.

The rules would also require the 5 percent local hotel tax to apply to short-term rentals.

The Village Board meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Village Hall.