The City of Highland Park is committed to assisting entrepreneurs interested in opening a business in Highland Park. To help you through the regulatory and permit process, and to eliminate costly delays during your new business’ start-up period, Highland Park has appointed a "Economic Development Assistant". As the primary local government contact for businesses, the Economic Development Assistant can answer your specific questions about the permit process and City regulations. To contact the Economic Development Assistant, please call (847) 926-1027.

This Web page provides general guidelines which highlight the permit process and some of the economic development services provided by the City.

Choosing a Site for Your New Business
Highland Park offers a variety of commercial areas, including traditional neighborhood districts, a pedestrian-friendly downtown featuring specialty retail shops and sidewalk cafes, and three auto-oriented retail and service districts along the Skokie Highway Corridor. Whatever your business type, the City’s Economic Development Assistant can help you find an ideal location in Highland Park.

The Economic Development Assistant offers knowledge of local market trends, the City’s zoning restrictions, and Highland Park’s existing business mix, and can also provide up-to-date information on available commercial space.

Site Specific Requirements
Once you have selected a site for your business, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the City before you can move in and begin operations. The process begins when you execute a "Letter of Intent" with the Highland Park Building Division. This letter tells the City what type of business you plan to operate and the location of your intended business site.

A representative from the Building Division will assist you with filling out a "Letter of Intent" form and will schedule the required site inspections to be performed by various City Departments to ensure that your intended site meets safety regulations. After the site inspections have been conducted, the Building Division will issue a "Letter of Intent Inspection Report" specifying any legal requirements which must be met before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. The report will indicate whether the proposed business is permitted, the number of parking spaces which must be provided, any special licenses required, and building and/or fire code regulations which must be met. To execute a Letter of Intent, please contact the Building Division at (847) 432-0808.

Customizing Your Business Site
If you are planning to physically alter your chosen structure to suit your needs, you will need to obtain building permits from the Building Division before beginning the work. You should hire an architect and contractors immediately so that they can complete plans to be included with the building permit application.

To install a new business sign, or to make other changes to the external structure and/or appearance of the building or site through landscaping, lighting, awnings, or paint color, you will also need approval from the Design Review Commission (DRC). This seven member Commission of architects and designers works closely with business operators and developers to ensure a high standard of appearance which makes our business districts attractive and pleasing to shoppers and other customers. The DRC meets on the first and third Mondays of each month and is assisted by the City’s Urban Designer. The Urban Designer can meet with you to review your proposal, explain City regulations, and help you prepare for your meeting with the DRC.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with the City’s Urban Designer to discuss preliminary plans, or if you have any questions about the design review process, please call the Department of Community Development at (847) 432-0867.

Selecting Your Business Sign
As indicated above, the Community Development Department and the Design Review Commission will work with you to ensure that your business sign is attractive and appropriate for your selected site. When selecting a sign, take special note of the colors and materials of your building facade. Take a close look at other buildings on the street and choose a design which is compatible with adjacent businesses. For more information contact the Community Development Department at (847) 926-1614.

Let People Know Your Business is Coming to Town
Once Design Review Commission approval is achieved, the building permit will be issued, and you may proceed with your construction plans. To let the community know that your business will soon be opening, the Urban Designer can approve a temporary sign which you can place in your front window. To further advertise your new business, you will want to install your permanent business sign as early as possible. Once you have received approval, direct your sign contractor to get a sign permit and install the sign right away.

When the construction work is completed, your contractor should call the Building Division to schedule a final inspection to ensure that the construction work has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and the permit issued. Once a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, and have you have obtained all applicable City, State and County licenses/permits, you are ready to open your new business. The Economic Development Assistant will announce your grand opening in the City newsletter to inform Highland Park residents that your business has come to town.

Local Licenses You May Need
In order to open your business, you may need to obtain one or more local licenses from the City. For example:

• Any business which sells alcoholic beverages must obtain a liquor license from the Local Liquor Control Commissioner through the City Clerk’s Office. Contact the City Clerk's Office at (847) 926-1034.
• Restaurants and food vendors must obtain a food service license from the City Clerk's Office. Contact the City Clerk's Office at (847) 926-1036.
• Cigarette and tobacco retailers must obtain a license from the City Clerk's Office. Contact the City Clerk's Office at (847) 926-1036.

County & State Requirements
You may also need to obtain permits from other governmental agencies prior to opening. For example, if you plan to sell food, you will need a Health Department Certificate from Lake County. Call (847) 360-5970 for more information. You will need a State of Illinois liquor license if you plan to sell alcohol. Call (312) 814-2206 for more information. Retailers must obtain a Business Tax Identification Number from the Illinois Department of Revenue, and register the business’ name with the Secretary of State’s office as well. For the Department of Revenue, call (312) 814-5258. For the Office of the Secretary of State, call (312) 793-3380.

Highland Park has a very active Chamber of Commerce which also offers assistance to new businesses. For more information, contact Mark Neumann, President, at (847) 432-0284 or visit the Chamber office at 508 Central Avenue, Suite 206.

* This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace any Highland Park ordinance. In the event of any conflict between this information and a Highland Park ordinance, the ordinance shall prevail.

The Planning & Economic Development Division has primary responsibility for coordination of long-range planning; administration of appropriate City ordinances to preserve neighborhood character and enhance the City's quality of life within the context of the City's Comprehensive Master Plan; education of the community on the importance of the City's historic and cultural resources; and development of cultural arts programs. Planning & Economic Development staff serve as a resource to elected and appointed officials, and the community at-large. Additionally, the staff serves to support the Business and Economic Development Commission, Cultural Arts Commission, Design Review Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Commission, Lakefront Commission, Plan Commission, Ravinia Festival Community Relations Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.