Normal imposes temporary ban on new short-term rentals

NORMAL ( 25News Now ) - For six months, new short-term rentals won't be allowed in Normal to give the government time to consider new regulations.

The Normal Town Council's unanimous vote for a temporary moratorium came after listening to a suggestion from owners of a local Airbnb, who believe they know how to deal with various problems that have developed.

The problems include too many people living in short-term rental properties, creating noise and too much traffic in single-family neighborhoods.

Tammy Hansen and her husband Garth Piercy appeared at Monday night's council meeting. Hansen acknowledged "bad apples" are ruining the short-term rental business for owners who follow the rules.

Hansen and Piercy said they live in their Airbnb. They suggest other owners live in their short-term rentals too. Hansen said they should also be required obtain a government-issued identification proving their place of residence.

"This way, I think it would be an effective way to ensure accountability, while allowing responsible hosts like us to continue contributing positively to our community," Hansen said.

As part of the moratorium, the town is requiring owners of existing short-term rentals to obtain a license from the government by the end of this month.

Town officials said there are 63 short-term rentals in Normal, but only 21 of them are registered and paying taxes.

The moratorium expires June 1, 2025.