Business Resources - City of Chicago
City of Chicago Resources
Below is a list of key PDFs individuals will need to start their own business, obtain a liquor license or public way permits in the City of Chicago.
Business License Information
Public Use Permits
Collection Bin Permit
Sidewalk Cafe Permit
Public Use Costs
Liquor License Guide
Liquor License Financial Statement
Liquor License Packaged Goods Distribution
Liquor License Late Hour Consent
Liquor License Late Hour Aldermanic Notification
Liquor License Late Hour Community Notification
2011 Retail Rules & Regulations
For a complete list of all permits necessary to operate a business in Chicago, please call 3-1-1 or visit the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).
Sidewalk Sales
In the City of Chicago business organizations and commercial districts are welcome to further promote their shops and more with a sidewalk sale. Approval is first required by the local Alderman in the area wishing to hold a sidewalk sale. Below is the form necessary for Aldermanic approval as well as a sample of the Certificate of Insurance you will need for your event.
City of Chicago Sidewalk Sale Permit
Sidewalk Sale Certificate of Insurance (Sample)
The Solution Station
Get the help you need today! Don’t do it alone, let an expert help you in solving common business problems at no cost to you. Visit the City of Chicago's Small Business Solution Station - launched in early 2010 - every Tuesday (business counseling), Wednesday (legal assistance) and Thursday (financial assistance/loans) and get free business counseling, legal assistance and financial and loan assistance from trusted non-profit partner agencies. Stop by the Solution Station between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., located at BACP City Hall, Room 805 or make an appointment by calling (312) 744-5506.
LPCC members have a resource in the chamber as well as the City of Chicago. The following video is from the City of Chicago's Chicago Works Channel 23 and highlights the benefits of both chamber membership and active participation with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Footage for this segment was shot during the LPCC's ribbon-cutting at Furtastik:
Parking Information
Easy access to parking and simple delivery of your product are two key aspects of a successful business. Below is information on loading zones, parking meters, Residential Parking Permits and more to help you better serve your customers. For more information, please contact your alderman or the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection or City Clerk.
Loading Zones
Loading Zones are designated areas in the parking lane for the loading and unloading of deliveries to businesses. These zones are for commercial vehicles or vehicles that hold a valid non-commercial loading zone permit only and are not designated to reserve parking for business patrons.
Loading Zones are request by merchants or building owners through the alderman's office. Several considerations are involved in requesting a loading zone. These considerations include: availability of alleys in the area; location, length and hours of the loading zone; delivery frequency and delivery volume.
15-Minute Standing Zones
Standing zones are designated areas in the parking lane for temporary parking. Vehicles parking in standing zones must have their hazards flashing while the driver is away from the vehicle. The process for determining a standing zone and approval is similar to that of a loading zone. Please note: Even though the standing zone is placed adjacent to your business, vehicles standing int he zone are not obligated to patronize your business.
Valet Zones
Valet Zones are special loading zone areas in the parking lane for the operation of a valet service. The process for determining a valet zone and approval is also similar to that of a loading zone. Active hours will be limited to the hours of operation of the valet service. If your business establishment wishes to conduct valet services independently, you must obtain a valet parking service license from the Department of Consumer Services.
Application Process: Applications are available at your alderman's office. With your application, you'll be responsible for providing a letter on company letterhead requesting the signage and two photos of the proposed location. The Alderman then introduces an ordinance to the City Council requesting that the zone be approved. Upon approval, the Department of Transporation, Bureau of Signs and Markings will survey the location and the Department of Revenue will bill you for the sign. Typical charges include: $70 per sign and 25 feet of space, $7 per additional foot; $100 if meters are removed and an annual maintenance fee.
Pay and Display Boxes
Most of Lincoln Park's key commercial districts feature pay-and-display boxes for paid parking. The LPCC supports parking meters to encourage turnover for your business and others in the neighborhood. At this time, most parking meters in Lincoln Park cost $1.25/hour. Meters closer to downtown cost as much as $4.25 an hour. After the 75-year lease of the city's parking meters in December 2008, an outside firm will control the prices of parking meters moving forward.
Residential Permit Parking
Chicago residential parking permits limit parking on many city streets - most notably in North Side neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview - to residents and their guests during designated hours. A few notes about residential permit parking:
- You must purchase a City of Chicago vehicle sticker to qualify for a residential parking permit;
- Residential parking zones offer differ block by block;
- Only vehicles parking on city streets within a residential parking permit zone are required to purchase these stickers. Residents who park their vehicles in a garage every night are exempt;
- Cars parked in residential permit zones without the proper permit will be subject to fines
The current fee is $25. Residential permits can be purchased online or in-person. A receipt of purchase of your City of Chicago vehicle sticker and proof of residency is required. In-person transactions can be completed at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle. For more information, contact the City Clerk of Chicago at (312) 744-7848 or www.chicityclerk.com.
Key Contact Information
Emergency Police, Fire and Medical Services
911
City Services, Non-Emergency Police Services, and Information on City Programs and Events
311
www.cityofchicago.org/oemc
Cook County General Information
(312) 443-5500
www.co.cook.il.us
Chicago Police Department
www.cityofchicago.org/police
18th District
1160 N. Larrabee
(312) 742-5870
Neighborhood Relations Office
(312) 742-5778
19th District
2452 W. Belmont
(312) 744-5983
Neighborhood Relations Office
(312) 744-5574
23rd District
3600 N. Halsted
(312) 744-8320
Neighborhood Relations Office
(312) 744-0064
Chicago Park District
(312) 742-PLAY
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
Chicago Public Library, Lincoln Park Branch
1150 W. Fullerton
(312) 744-1926
www.chipublib.org/branch/details/library/lincoln-park
U.S. Post Office, Lincoln Park Branch
2405 N. Sheffield
(773) 929-7041 or (800) ASK-USPS
www.usps.com
Chicago Transit Authority
(888) YOUR-CTA
www.transitchicago.com
Regional Transportation Authority
(312) 836-7000 (Travel Information Line)
www.rtachicago.com
City Clerk of Chicago
(312) 744-6861
www.chicityclerk.com
Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation
www.cityofchicago.org/streetsandsanitation
32nd Ward Office
(312) 744-8618
43rd Ward Office
(312) 744-4555
Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
(312) 744-6249
www.cityofchicago.org/businessaffairs
Mayor Rahm Emanuel
(312) 744-3300
www.cityofchicago.org/mayor
Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward)
(773) 248-1330
www.cityofchicago.org/ward32
Alderman Michele Smith (43rd Ward)
(773) 348-9500
www.ward43.org
Chicago Public Schools
(773) 553-1000
www.cps.k12.il.us
DePaul University
(312) 362-8000
www.depaul.edu
Illinois State Board of Education
(866) 262-6663
www.isbe.state.il.us
Mayor's Office of Special Events
(312) 744-3315
www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents
Chicago Office of Tourism
(312) 744-2400
www.cityofchicago.org/tourism
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
(312) 744-6630
www.cityofchicago.org/culturalaffairs
Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau
(312) 567-8500
www.choosechicago.com
Illinois Bureau of Tourism
(800) 2CONNECT
www.enjoyillinois.com
