Doing Business

2018 SOUTH ELGIN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS!                    

Rookie of the Year – Honest One Auto Care

Business of the Year – OrangeTheory Fitness

Chairman’s Choice – Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

October 2019 Event

Business, Building, Bikes and Beyond; South Elgin Updates from Village Administrator, Steve Super

Thursday – October 17. 2019

7:30 AM -9:30 AM

The Annual Economic Development Breakfast will be held at the Village of South Elgin’s Public Works Building located at 1000 Bowes Rd., South Elgin, IL 60177.

April 2019 Event

Unleashing Google for Your Business

Wednesday – April 17, 2019

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Join us for this “Lunch & Learn” event sponsored by SEED at the Village of South Elgin’s Public Works Building located at 1000 Bowes Rd., South Elgin, IL 60177.

2017 SOUTH ELGIN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS!                    

Rookie of the Year – Cer’a Una Volta

Business of the Year – Visiting Angels

Chairman’s Choice – Hoffer Plastics

____________________________________________________________________

If you are opening a business there are a few steps to lawfully operate a business within the Village. Businesses do not need a general business license; however, there is a required New Business Process. Separate regulations apply for home-based businesses to legally operate within the Village. If you have any questions, call the Community Development Department at (847)-741-3894.

Opening a New Business?

All new businesses must go through the New Business process. All businesses owners interested in locating in the Village and plan to move into an existing building must complete a New Business Worksheet.

If a business is planning on changing their name only, complete the Business Name Change Worksheet.

Opening a Home-Based Business?

Home Based Business

The Village does not require a business license, however, if you are thinking of operating a business from your home there are important regulations you need to know. Home-based businesses can only be established in a residential district if they meet the following limitations. A home-based business is permitted within any dwelling unit in the Village as part of a principal or accessory structure provided that the following standards are met.

  • Residential Character. The location and operation of the home–based business shall not alter the residential character of the dwelling.
  • Uses. Examples of allowed home-based businesses include, but are not limited to, artist, consultant, counselor, craftsperson, designer, tutor, writer, and instructor of music, craft, or fine art.
  • Sales. No on-site retail or wholesale transactions are allowed.
  • Hours of Operation. Home-based businesses with outside visitors may be allowed to operate from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • Residency of Operator. The operator of the home–based business shall reside in the dwelling unit in which the home occupation is located.
  • Employees. One additional employee who does not reside in the dwelling unit is allowed for a home-based business.
  • Visitors. A maximum of four visitors (clients, customers, pupils, etc.) associated with the home–based business may be present at any given time.
  • Parking. Any parking needs associated with the home-based business shall be accommodated on-site within an existing driveway or garage.
  • Deliveries. Deliveries and shipments are not allowed to or from the premises, with the exception of carriers that typically provide service to residential neighborhoods, such as the U.S. Postal Service and/or express shipping services (UPS, FedEx, DHL).
  • Signs. Signs for home-based businesses are permitted in accordance with § 156.10.D.1 (Permanent Signs Exempt from Permit Requirement).

Limitations on home-based businesses are listed in the Village’s Zoning Ordinance 156.07.D.5 . If you suspect someone may be violating the home-based business regulations discussed above please call the Community Development Department.

SEED’s Annual Economic Development Breakfast

Thursday Morning  – October 18, 2018 @ 7:30 AM

The Annual Economic Development Breakfast will be held at the Village of South Elgin’s Public Works Building located at 1000 Bowes Rd., South Elgin, IL 60177.

SEED at South Elgin’s National Night Out Event

August 7, 2018

2017 SOUTH ELGIN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS!  

Rookie of the Year – Cer’a Una Volta

Business of the Year – Visiting Angels

Chairman’s Choice – Hoffer Plastics

HAUMILLER INNOVATIVE AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS

April 2017

SEED Board Member, Tim Kolb, welcomes Haumiller Innovative Automation Solutions to South Elgin.

If you are opening a business there are a few steps to lawfully operate a business within the Village. Businesses do not need a general business license; however, there is a required New Business Process. For more information about required licenses click here. Separate regulations apply for home-based businesses to legally operate within the Village. If you have any questions, call the Community Development Department at (847)-741-3894.

Opening a New Business? All new businesses must go through the New Business process. All businesses owners interested in locating in the Village and plan to move into an existing building must complete a New Business Worksheet.

If a business is planning on changing their name only, complete the Business Name Change Worksheet.

Opening a Home-Based Business? Home-based businesses can be established in a residential district if they meet the following limitations:

  • The business cannot change the character of the residential dwelling; it cannot alter the building nor have signs posted.
  • The business must be located in the garage or home; a maximum of 25% of the home can be used for the business.
  • There can be no equipment that would not normally be used in a residential area and there should be no outside storage of materials or equipment.
  • Only one person from the immediate family can work for that business on the premises.
  • Retail businesses can only operate by mail or phone with no storing or shipping of merchandise on the premises.
  • The business cannot cause road congestion and the home must be used primarily as a residence.

Beyond the above limitations the following businesses cannot operate from a home:

  • Funeral Homes
  • Barber Shops & Beauty Shops
  • Catering
  • Antique Shops or Sales
  • Restaurants
  • Dance Schools
  • Motor Vehicle Body & Repair Shops
  • Nursery Schools & Day Care Center
  • Stables, Kennels or Animal Hospitals
  • Tourist Homes & Lodging Houses
  • Medical or Dental Offices, Clinics or Hospitals

Limitations on home-based businesses are listed in the Village’s Zoning Ordinance 154.047. If you suspect someone may be violating the home-based business regulations discussed above please call the Community Development Department.

Sign up for our e-newsletter