In late February, the Village of Barrington Hills became aware of a home in our jurisdiction that was being marketed as a short-term rental space for uses such as vacations, conference centers and weddings, by accommodation facilitators such as Evolve, Vrbo and Airbnb.  The advertised use of the home suggested that it was not in compliance with an individual’s residential use of a home. 

The use of a residential property for purely commercial purposes is not allowed in Barrington Hills under the Village’s zoning regulations.   On March 5, 2020, at the direction of the Village Board and Administration, the Village Attorney contacted one of the Property Owners and notified them that the advertised use of the home is strictly prohibited under the Village’s zoning regulations and could not lawfully occur. 

On March 6, 2020, the Property Owners’ Attorney contacted our Village Attorney to address this matter who, in turn, reiterated that the advertised use of the home was illegal and informed the Property Owners’ Attorney that the online Vrbo and Airbnb advertisements, as well as signage on the Property aldi near me now, should be immediately removed.  The Attorney for the Property Owner concurred with the Village Attorney’s assessment and stated he would advise the Property Owner that such use was prohibited and that the advertisements and signage must be removed. 

At no time was the Village aware that the Property Owners had a scheduled event for Friday, March 6, 2020.  The Property Owners did not cancel the event, despite the advanced notice from the Village that such use is strictly prohibited under the Village’s zoning regulations.   In the early morning of March 7, 2020, the Barrington Hills Police Department responded to call of shots fired at the Property.

The Village of Barrington Hills is deeply saddened by the events that occurred. Our current zoning codes exist to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and to guard against the use of property in the Village which is not in keeping with the Village’s residential standards. Please be aware, this is an ongoing investigation and the Village can only release limited information. The Village will remain vigilant to halt such other uses as it becomes aware of any other property being used for short term rental.  The Barrington Hills Police Department would like to remind and encourage residents to never refrain from reporting suspicious activity or requesting assistance or service.