Business Resource Guide

Pre-development Conference

To best understand the requirements of Village ordinances and avoid any misunderstandings, it is important to schedule a meeting with Community Development Staff to discuss items related to Building, Health and Zoning requirements. Department staff is available to work with business owners in identifying and understanding applicable code requirements, utility connections, zoning and to assist you with any other questions. Staff also will provide the applications for any needed permits. Opening lines of communication with the department early so that you can follow the proper procedures will save you time and money. Building, Zoning, and Planning representatives from Community Development, and representatives from the Fire Department, and Public Works Department attend pre-development meetings. To schedule a meeting, contact the Village’s Long Range Planner at (847) 818-5328 or via email at .

Planning & Zoning Commission Review Process

After your Pre-Development Conference, a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission may be necessary to proceed with your building or business plans.

Business License - see Finance

Façade and Interior Build Out Grants

Businesses locating within the downtown TIF District may be eligible for a Façade Improvement and Interior Build Out Grant. To participate in the program, buildings must be older than 5 years. Eligible improvements include façade renovation, lights, signage, landscaping, awnings, parking improvements, security features, internal build-outs, and energy conservation improvements. For more information, contact the Director of Community Development at (847) 818-5328 or via email .

Home Occupation

As defined in section 14.2401 of the Village Code, a Home Occupation is: “An accessory use conducted completely within a dwelling unit and clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes. No home occupation or part of any home occupation shall be conducted in a garage. A home occupation may include a for profit home business or a home office for a resident who may work for another employer, or contract or consult with another company or individual. Any home occupation or home business is subject to the appropriate standards of this chapter.” Homeowners may operate a business in their home as long as they follow the standards as defined in the Village Code. These standards were designed to ensure business is conducted in a manner that does not have any adverse impact on a residential area, or infringe on the rights of adjoining property owners. For more information, contact the Planning Division at (847) 818-5328.

Landscaping

The purpose of the Village landscape requirements is to promote, protect and preserve the general health and safety of the people of the community and, as part of the general welfare, ensure aesthetic compatibility among land uses within the community. These regulations are intended to minimize the harmful or nuisance effects resulting from noise, dust, debris, motor headlight glare, artificial light intrusions, objectionable sights or activities, or similar incompatible impacts conducted or created by adjoining or nearby land use. These requirements are outlined in Chapter 14 of the Village Code.

Outdoor Dining Permits

Outdoor dining areas are permitted on the same zoning lot as and in conjunction with an established restaurant in the B-3, B-4, or B-5 district, subject to the requirements outlined in section 14.311B of the village code. If you have questions, or to obtain an application for an annual outdoor dining permit, please contact the Community Development Department (847) 818-5328 or via email at .

More information and Application

Outdoor Sales and Storage

Outside sales and service of seasonal retail merchandise is permitted only under the terms of the code. For example, outdoor sales must be as an accessory use and the sale of seasonal items must be during the time of the year when such items are normally used. Sales are restricted to private property, unless in the central business district and a path no less than five feet (5’) for pedestrian movements must be maintained. Consult section 14.311 of the Village Code for full information.

Signage

Signs have an impact on the overall character of the community; therefore the Village has an ordinance that establishes limits on the size, height, number, location and design of signs. Please do not contract for your sign until you and/or your sign company have received a sign permit. Sign permit applications are available from the Building Division.

1. Permissible signs: Please refer to Village Code Section 7.305

2. Non-permissible signs: Please refer to Village Code Section 7.301

Sign Permit Applications

Pre-submittal meetings

Review time of building permit applications is significantly decreased when a complete submission is made. Therefore the Village of Mount Prospect requires a Pre-submittal Meeting. At that time the Building Permit Coordinator will meet with you and review your plans to ensure completeness. A checklist is provided with the building permit application packet. To schedule a pre-submittal meeting, call the Building Division at (847) 870-5675 or via email at .

Pre-Construction Meetings

For large projects that include new utility connections or significant remodeling, a pre-construction meeting is recommended. You and your contractor will meet with representatives from the Building Division, Fire Department and Public Works to address any issues specific to your project. To schedule a pre-construction meeting, contact the Permit Coordinator at (847) 818-5396 or via email at .

Building Permits

When you are ready for construction, you will work with the Building Division of Community Development. A building permit is required for the construction of a new building, certain exterior improvements (involving driveways, fences, parking lots, roofs and sidewalks), and interior remodeling that involves changing plumbing, electrical, fire/sprinkler, HV/AC, walls, ceilings, floors, electrical, and plumbing. The permit review and inspection procedures protect the business’ investment by ensuring that the construction is sound and that the area will be safe for the public. For more information or to receive a building permit application, click here, or call the Building Division at (847) 870-5675.

Building Permit Inspections

As many of our amendments to the Building Code have changed, please contact the Building Division at (847) 870-5675 for the most recent information. You may also consult the Village Code 15.702.

Certificate of Occupancy

Per Village Code 15.703, no Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion shall be issued for any structure or building until a final inspection is performed. Certificates of Occupancy are issued by the Building Division through the Building Clerk Supervisor. For more information, contact the Building Division at (847) 818-5396 or the Building Clerk Supervisor via email at .

Commercial Vehicles
The Village Code contains specific guideline for the parking, number, location, size, exterior storage, commercial signage and storage of commercial vehicles in a residential neighborhood. For more details, see Section 14.2208 of the Village Code.

Commercial vehicles are also subject to the Village vehicle sticker requirement. Click here for more information on obtaining a vehicle sticker.

Construction Site Maintenance Requirements

Please be considerate of the neighborhood! Job sites must be kept clean at all times. Questions or concerns can be directed to the Building Division at (847) 870-5675. Village Code requires that every effort be made to protect the surrounding public and private area.

Contractor Licenses

All construction companies working within the Village of Mount Prospect must maintain a current contractor license and obtain valid building permits. This protects the property owner by assuring work is done properly. Contractor licenses must identify the owner and ownership structure of the company. For more information, contact the Building Division at (847) 870-5675.

Health Requirements

Businesses that include preparation of food must meet the requirements of the Village’s health code. This includes approval of the location and type of equipment such as stoves or sinks. The Village Environmental Health Division can be reached at (847) 870-5668 or via email at .

Property Maintenance

All businesses and residences in the Village of Mount Prospect are responsible for maintaining their property in accordance with the Village’s Property Maintenance Code. Contact the Environmental Health Division for additional information at (847) 870-5668 or via email at .

Finance Department

Village Hall, 50 South Emerson Street, 1st Floor

Telephone: (847) 392-6000, extension 5284

Business Licenses/Business Inspection Certificate

The application process involves contacting Community Development to pick up your application packet. The Community Development Staff can also help you regarding your proposed business location to verify appropriate zoning. Next, you complete all information on the application and return to Community Development Department. If you do not have a building permit, you may schedule the needed Business License inspections with the Fire Department. If you will be modifying the space (and/or constructing new space), apply for and receive a building a permit, receive your final Certificate of Occupancy, and then schedule your Business License inspection with the Fire Department. Once all of your inspections are complete and approved, the Finance Department will contact you with the cost of your license. You can then pick up your license from the Finance Department. Business Licenses must be renewed annually (see diagram below).

Business Licenses/Business Inspection Certificates

All businesses operating within the Village of Mount Prospect must maintain a current business license. By doing so, the Village is better able to monitor the business climate within the Village, and is able to provide you with more specialized services. Business applications are available at the Finance Department counter or on-line. If your business is regulated by the State of Illinois you must maintain a current Business Inspection Certificate. A complete list of State of Illinois regulated professions is found here. The purpose of the business license/registry program is to ensure the health and safety of the public, maintain current emergency contact information on each business property, identify hazardous materials within the Village limit, and ensure proper zoning.

Renewing a Business License

Renewing businesses may simply respond to the annual mailing from the Village Finance Department. If you are purchasing an existing business, and do not intend to change the operations, you will only need to update the Business License information on file with the Finance Department and pay a transfer fee. Business applications are available at the Finance Department counter or on-line at www.mountprospect.org/business. Questions may be directed to the Finance Department at (847) 392-6000 or via email at .

Transferring a Business Licenses

If you are purchasing an establishment that has a valid business license, then you may transfer the license, for a minimal fee, provided that the business location and the type of business remain the same. You must complete a business license application, and pay the transfer fee.

Sales Tax Registration

Sales tax in Mount Prospect is 8.5%, except for qualifying foods, drugs and medical which are taxed at 2%. The total sales tax for retail food and beverage tax is 9.5% which includes a 1% tax which is remitted directly to the Village. Click here to view more information on business taxes.

The Illinois Department of Revenue handles collection and reporting of sales. For more information visit the IDOR website. All businesses must file a report with the Department of Revenue for sales tax registration. An application form can be obtained from IDOR by calling (217)785-3707. Your Illinois Business Tax (IBT) Number is then registered with the Village Finance Department on your business license form.

Alarm Licenses

If your business is protected by a burglar alarm system, you must apply for an alarm license. Applications are available at the Finance Department counter. There is a charge for this license. Call the Finance Department at (847) 392-6000 for details.

Liquor Licenses

Questions pertaining to liquor licenses should be directed to the Local Liquor Control Commissioner, Village Manager’s Office, 50 South Emerson Street, 3rd Floor; telephone (847) 392-6000.

More Information and Application Packet

Vehicle Licenses

Any vehicles owned by your business and registered in Mount Prospect must have Village vehicle licenses (stickers). License applications are available at the Finance Department counter. Call the Finance Department at (847) 392-6000 for details.

Water Billing Registration

The new business owner must indicate to the Finance Department who is responsible for the payment of the water bill and the address where the bill is to be sent.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
1700 West Central Road

Telephone: (847) 870-5640

Village Engineering Division

Individuals constructing, expanding, or renovating a building and/or expanding a parking area may need to contact the Village Engineering Division at (847) 870-5640. The engineering office provides information on site development activities, the subdivision process, utility location and connections, storm water management and floodplain locations.

Village Street Division

The Street Division is responsible for most improvements within the right-of-way. This includes the sidewalks, curbs, streets, signs, and trees. Should you have any concerns, questions, or problems with any of these items please contact the Public Works Department at (847) 870-5640.

Village Water/Sewer Division

The Water/Sewer Division is responsible for Village water leaks, Village water meters, Village sewer replacement and repair, street light outages and utility locates. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (847) 870-5640.

Fire Flow Data

If your insurance carrier needs fire flow data, it may contact the Public Works Department. Operation of fire hydrants is prohibited unless previously authorized by the Director of Public Works.

Public Right-of-Way

You must contact the Public Works Department before making any changes to the public right-of-way. This includes sidewalk/driveway repair, digging, planting of trees or shrubs, sprinkling system installation, etc.

Snow Removal

Village Ordinances require that driveways and sidewalks be kept clear of snow and ice. Dumping of snow or ice onto the roadway, sidewalks or public right-of-way is strictly prohibited.

Sprinkling Restrictions

Even though a majority of the Village is served by Lake Michigan water, the Village implements certain water conservation measures. Details of sprinkling restrictions can be found here.

Tree Protection

The Village of Mount Prospect takes our trees seriously! Trees within the public right-of-way must be protected during construction. This includes fencing the drip line to protect the roots from any damage from digging or contractor vehicles. Also, there is a correct way to cut a root if it impacts the pouring of a driveway apron. All construction projects are reviewed to see if a Tree Protection Plan is necessary (based upon location of trees and proposed work). Contact the Village Forestry Division for more information at (847) 590-8822.

Additional Information

Parking

Parking is prohibited on Village streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Parking is not allowed on unpaved surfaces and is prohibited over sidewalks. There is no residential parking of commercial vehicles with Class D or higher license plates. Further information on Commercial Vehicles and Home Occupations may be found in the Village Code at 14.307.

Garbage Disposal

The business owner or his/her landlord is responsible for contracting for garbage disposal. You may contract with any Village-licensed scavenger service. Any unlicensed scavengers must apply for a business license from the Finance Department before collecting garbage within the Village limits.

Appeals
If you should have a difference of opinion regarding the way an ordinance or requirement is interpreted by a member of the Village staff, you should first appeal the decision directly to the department director having jurisdiction. If you are still unable to resolve your grievance with the department director, you may file an appeal in writing to the Village Manager’s Office for a final ruling.

POLICE DEPARTMENT – CRIME PREVENTION UNIT

Police and Fire Headquarters Building,

112 East Northwest Highway, 2nd Floor

Telephone: (847) 870-5650

The Mount Prospect Police Department wants to remind our business community that it provides numerous services above and beyond basic Law Enforcement.

The Crime Prevention Unit provides free building security surveys to protect your employees and business assets. The unit can also provide you and your staff useful information on personal safety and workplace violence prevention. Contact Officer Bill Roscop at (847) 818-5330 for more information.

A reminder - businesses with alarm systems are required to have the systems licensed through the Village of Mount Prospect. For more information on alarm licenses or to learn more about the many free services offered to the business community call the Crime Prevention Unit at (847) 870-5650.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU

Police and Fire Headquarters Building,

112 East Northwest Highway

Telephone: (847) 818-5253

Fire Prevention Surveys

Personnel from the Mount Prospect Fire Department will conduct annual fire prevention surveys and identify any deficiencies that may cause or contribute to the spread of fire. If the size or nature of your business requires the building to be protected by automatic sprinklers or a fire alarm system, personnel from the Fire Prevention Bureau will work jointly with your fire protection service contractor to ensure the systems are tested annually and maintained to function properly.

Fire Safety Education

Personnel from the Fire Department will conduct fire safety education presentations for your business, civic organization or school. Frequently requested topics include evacuation planning, fire extinguishers, burn prevention, CPR, smoke detectors and other fire safety topics. Requests for presentations are filled as scheduling permits.