HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale trustees appeared to agree Tuesday to ban short-term rentals such as Airbnbs that are less than three months.
Meanwhile, a Hinsdale resident told the Village Board that such a prohibition would end his business model.
Earlier this year, Village President Tom Cauley pushed for a six-month threshold. But the Plan Commission later recommended three months as a compromise among its members.
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At Tuesday’s meeting, Cauley acknowledged that six months was an outlier among Illinois towns. But he said three months was in the “sweet spot.”
In May, Patch found that three months would be more rigid than surveyed communities.
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During hearings, Airbnb landlords urged Hinsdale to go with one month, the threshold for other DuPage County towns.
But neighbors of Airbnbs contended they endure noise and other issues with short-term renters. They said they are at risk because they have no idea who lives next door.
During public comments Tuesday, Hinsdale resident Rahul Visal said the village should go with one month.
“Most of my clients are Hinsdale residents,” he said. “They are coming in for four to six weeks. They’re not coming in for 90 days.”
When people rent for a few days, Visal said, they are coming in for parties, which is why he has a 30-day policy. He added that his neighbors have no problem with his rentals.
“That’s my business model,” Visal said. “I’m requesting to keep 30 days to be consistent with surrounding communities.”
In an email to Cauley this week, Hinsdale residents Ashley and Brittany Hill also pushed one month. They presented messages from Hinsdale residents interested in rentals for over a month.
They said people are looking for a safe place to live during home emergencies. Also, new Hinsdale residents need a place to stay while their houses are being renovated before they move in, they said.
Last year, Hinsdale cited the Hills for having a short-term rental when the village had no ordinance banning them. A DuPage County judge threw out the citation.
“We believe that a 30-day ordinance is in accordance with similar codes in nearby counties and that it not only secures a safe place for those locals looking for an emergency rental, but also repels renters just looking for an overnight party location,” the Hills said.
At the meeting, though, Trustee Luke Stifflear said he wouldn’t want a hotel as a next-door neighbor.
“I understand it crushes a business model,” he said. “I think the majority of people in this community will back this.”
The Plan Commission recommended registering rental homes. But Cauley rejected such a process.
“It would be a great idea if we had a bigger staff,” he said
The board is expected to vote on the ban next month.
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