Short-Term Home Rentals May Be Regulated In Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park is one step closer to regulating short-term home rentals in move sparked by residents' complaints over infamous November party in a similar house that featured revelers with bagpipes and drums, and a horse that walked a neighborhood street.

Officials are considering an ordinance that would limit the rentals to owner-occupied homes, and licensing fees could be in line with what the village charges for long-term rentals — or $50 for a house with up to two bedrooms, or $100 for a house with three or more bedrooms, The Daily Southtown reported. Applications would go through the village's community development department, and the village manager would have the authority to deny or approve them.

The proposal would require guest registration and property inspections, and owners would need to provide adequate parking. Officials also are considering limiting the number of guests for each rental, the news organization reported. The zoning code also would need to be amended to permit short-term rentals.

Tinley Park would not be the first in the area to regulate short-term rentals. Several, including Naperville, already tax or license them.

Short-term rentals have become increasingly popular for people looking to supplement their income. By using a online service such as Airbnb or Vacation Rentals by Owner, they rent out rooms or their entire space to visitors in the area.

In November, a wedding party drew the ire of residents, who complained to police and village officials about such a rental, the Southtown reported. No one was arrested. But police reports show that dozens of cars lined a cul-de-sac and some blocked fire hydrants. Loud music, including the bagpipers, disturbed area residents, as well.

Photo via Ashley Ludwig/Patch.