A good rule of thumb is if it involves adding, moving, or exposing water, gas, electricity or walls, or it involves your property lines, it is going to need a permit! For any Building Permit Questions, please call us at 847-870-5675 or email permit@mountprospect.org.
Your business may need the following:
Business Licenses – A Business License is required for all businesses operating in the Village of Mount Prospect, with the exception of Home Occupations. Visit the ONLINE PORTAL to apply electronically. Business License Questions: Call 847-818-5328 or email businesslicense@mountprospect.org.
Contractor Licenses - A Contractor's License is required for all general contractors, electricians, plumbers, fire alarm, fire sprinkler, roofers and HVAC. Your company is considered a general contractor when they are the ONLY contractor on a project or overseeing multiple trades on a project. Visit the ONLINE PORTAL to apply electronically. Contractor License Questions: Call 847-870-5675 or email permit@mountprospect.org.
Liquor Licenses and Gaming Terminal Licenses – An application for a liquor license or gaming terminal license is available through the Village Manager’s Office upon request. Liquor License / Gaming Terminal Questions: 847-818-5300 or email VMO@mountprospect.org.
Sign Permits – All installation of new signs, including sign faces, requires a permit. Please do not contract for your sign until you and/or your sign company have received an approved permit from the Village. Visit the ONLINE PORTAL to apply electronically. Sign Permit Questions: Call 847-870-5675 or email permit@mountprospect.org.
Outdoor Dining Permit - A permit is required if the proposed outdoor dining area will be located on public property (i.e. public right-of-way). Permits for outdoor dining are valid for one year and businesses are required to reapply each year. Outdoor Dining Permit Questions: 847-818-5328 or email achoi@mountprospect.org.
Business Alarm License - Security alarm licenses are registered with the business license. If you need to add or remove a security alarm from your business license, please email businesslicense@mountprospect.org.
Contractor Licenses shall be applied for or renewed electronically through our Online Portal. The following is an overview of some of the contractor licensing requirements:
- For all Contractors that are general or specialized trade. If you are the ONLY contactor on a project or are OVERSEEING multiple trades on a project, your company is considered a General Contractor.
- State Licensed Roofers, Fire Alarm, Sprinklers, Plumbing, and Electrical Contractors must submit Required State Licenses and Registrations and complete our Application, through our Online Portal,
- The fee for a Contractor's License is $200.00 and all licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance.
If you would like a printed copy of the application and apply in person, stop by the Building Division on the second floor of Village Hall, Community Development, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect, IL 60056; and you may pay with cash, check, or credit card.
In order to promote a healthy relationship between your business, your customers, and the surrounding property owners, the Village has adopted specific regulations relating to outdoor dining.
Outdoor Dining on Private Property
Outdoor Dining is permitted on the same zoning lot in conjunction with an established restaurant in the B3, B4, or B5/B5C zoning districts. A license agreement is not required if the dining area complies with Section 14.311 (B) (1) of the Zoning Code and is located entirely on private property.
Outdoor Dining on Public Property
A license agreement is required if the proposed outdoor dining area will be located on public property (i.e. pubic right-of-way).
Not all businesses are able to provide outdoor dining due to the geographic constraints of their particular business. To determine if your business is able to provide outdoor dining, consult Section 14.311 of the Zoning Code, or contact the Community Development Department's Planning Division at (847) 818-5328.
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. Chapter 7 of the Village Code [Signs] is available online, or view our Sign Guidelines Brochure for quick reference.
- Permitted Sign Regulations - such as Freestanding, Wall, and Awning signs, refer to Section 7.302 of the Village Code.
- Prohibited Signs - such as pennants/streamers, roof-mounted signs, and inflatable signs, refer to Section 7.201 of the Village Code.
Temporary Signs - such as for sale/lease, special sales, special event balloon or searchlight devices, refer to Section 7.301 of the Village Code.- Illumination- Refer to Section 7.401 of the Village Code for more details.
Exempt Signs
A few sign types are exempt from sign permits, including Banners, Flags, For Sale/Lease, and Window signs. However, there are regulations related to these sign types. For a complete list of signs exempt from permit and their associated regulations, review Section 7.202 of the Village Code.
For additional information on sign regulations, contact the Community Development Department at (847) 818-5328.