Short Term Rentals

Short-term rental businesses located within the Town of Normal should register with the Town and receive a Business License. There is no fee for business licensing; however, you are required to keep the Clerk’s office informed of any and all changes in your business, such as change of management, remodeling, alarm system, contact information and so on.

In order to apply for a short-term rental business license, please copy and paste the link listed below to access the electronic form. Please note, it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the inspections office to notify them of your application. Instructions are included within the form. Please allow 48 business hours after submission to receive a submission confirmation email. Our office is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm.

https://forms.office.com/g/xVj7EABEKC       

Please note, this form is also listed under the home-based business section under the Business Licenses tab.

Further, you should complete the Short-Term Rental Tax Return form as required under Ordinance No. 5756, approved by Normal Town Council on November 19, 2018. This ordinance imposes a tax of 6% of the rental charge for rentals within the Town of Normal. Tax forms should be submitted by the 25th day of each month following collection.

Once your initial Business License Application and Short-Term Rental Tax Return have been completed and returned it will be forwarded to the Inspections Department for zoning approval. A home-based business intended to be used as a Short-Term Rental is an authorized use in a residential zoning district. Once both forms have been approved, your Business License will be issued.

In an effort to assist you in understanding the requirements of operating a Short-Term Rental, you may refer to the documents linked on this page, which outlines frequently asked questions, supporting ordinances, and municipal code requirements for your business. 

Should you have any questions you can contact the following:   

Business Licensing:             Clerk's Office                                309.454.9508                                                                  Short-Term Rental Tax:      Finance Department                309.454.9513                                                                  Zoning Requirements:       Inspections Department        309.454.9580

                 Short Term Rental                     Documents and Forms

Short Term Rental FAQ's

  • What is the Short-Term Rental Tax (STRT): This 6.0% tax is applied to the gross rental charge on all or part of a dwelling within the City that is rented to anyone who occupies overnight accommodations for a period of less than 30 consecutive days.
  • What kind of rental property is subject to STRT: The tax is applied to any building designed or used principally for residential occupancy, including without limitation, single family dwellings, two family dwellings, and multiple family dwellings.
  • What does the STRT apply to: The City’s tax applies to the total consideration paid for the rental of a Short-Term Residential Rental Unit. This includes cleaning fees and other miscellaneous fees charged to the renter.
  • Are there any exemptions to the STRT: There are no exemptions.
  • Are there any registration requirements: The property operator is required to obtain a business license thru the Town Clerk’s office. There is no charge for a business license, and it is renewed yearly.
  • Who is liable to collect and remit the STRT: Ultimately, it is the responsibility of any property operator who thinks they may be subject to the Short-Term Rental Tax to implement, collect, and remit this tax to the City.
  • Can I submit STRT on the same form as other local taxes: No. Short Term Rental Taxes must be submitted separately from any other tax for which you may be liable.
  • Can I submit and pay STRT online: Not at this time. Monthly Tax Remittance Form with payment (check or money order) must be mailed or hand delivered (cash accepted).                                                                                                                                                                                            BY MAIL:  Town of Normal Town of Normal                                                                                                                                                                                              ATTN: Short Term Rental Tax Collections                                                                                                                                                                                              PO BOX 589                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Normal, IL 61761-0589                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   IN-PERSON:  Town of Normal                                                                                                                                                                                                            Finance Department, 3rd Floor                                                                                                                                                                                                                   11 Uptown Circle                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Normal, IL 61761
  • When do I file the STRT: The Short-Term Rental Form and Tax must be remitted by the 25th day of the month following the month of collection.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1. If you remit by mail, it must be postmarked by the 25th.                                                                                                                                                               2. If you bring in your form to City Hall, we must receive it on the 25th.                                                                                                                      For example, Short Term Rental Taxes collected in the month of June must be remitted on or before the 25th of July.                                       Note: If the 25th falls on a weekend and/or Holiday, then the postmark or payment is due the first business day afterwards.
  • What happens if Short Term Rental Tax is remitted after the 25th of the month: If taxes are remitted after the 25th of the month:                  1. A 5% late payment penalty fee is applied, AND                                                                                                                                                                                    2. A 2% interest charge is applied immediately and, afterward, an additional 2% for each month payment is not received.