Starting a Business

The Villa Park Community Development Department offers assistance to businesses regarding building and zoning questions, property maintenance problems, specific construction questions, site location information, commercial and industrial building inspections, and occupancy permits.

Choose a Business Name: If you will be conducting business in Illinois under an assumed or corporate name, you need to file for a certificate with the county. Lists of current business names are available at DuPage County (www.co.dupage.il.us).

Develop a comprehensive Business Plan which is needed for loan and leasing applications. The Small Business Development Center at COD can help you with this process.

Obtaining State and Federal Numbers

If you will engage in a type of retail sales business, you must have a sales tax number (either an Illinois Business Tax number or a Retailer's Occupational Tax number). This sales tax number can be obtained by contacting the Illinois Department of Revenue at 312-814-5258 or visiting www.revenue.state.il.us.

If you are incorporating your business or establishing a limited partnership, you must register with the State of Illinois at: Secretary of State (312) 793-3380 or visit www.sos.state.il.us. Corporations and partnerships also require a Federal Employer Identification Numbers (FEIN). A Sole Proprietorship may be able to use its Social Security Number. You can obtain your FEIN at: Federal Taxpayer Service (800) 829-1040 or talk to your accountant.

Pick a location for your business. Contact the Community Development Department or visit the Village of Villa Park's website ""Available Space"" link for available commercial space information.

Check zoning with the Community Development Department to be sure your type of business is a permitted use for the property prior to the purchase or lease.

If you would like a pre-inspection of an existing building prior to a purchase or signing of a lease, call the Community Development Department to set-up an inspection to determine if the building meets all current codes. There will be a minimal fee required for this inspection.

Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy with the Village of Villa Park. This certificate if required before you can open your business. This is issued by the Community Development Department after a building and fire inspection have been completed and approved. These inspections will be scheduled when you bring in your application and fee.

PLEASE NOTE: Some businesses may require additional inspections and licensing, dependent on the nature of the business, i.e. Health Department inspections, Liquor License, etc.

If you are planning on making any renovations, remodeling or sign changes to your location, you are required to apply for a building permit and/or sign permit through the Community Development Department.

Home-Based Businesses

While Villa Park does not require home-based businesses be registered with the village, it does however have restrictions and requirements by which a home-based business must be conducted.

In general, no home-based business shall unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring residential properties.

No visible evidence of the home-based business shall be apparent from the street not surrounding area.

A home-based business is not to be deemed a substitute for activities customarily conducts in commercial districts within the Village.

To receive a copy of the Village's regulations for home-based businesses, please contact the Community Development Department at (630) 592-6072.

Graffiti Removal Program

This is a no-cost service to residents and businesses. Village staff will remove the graffiti within 3 working days.

1. Call 9-1-1 - a police officer will come to the site to photograph and catalogue the incident.
2. Sign a Graffiti Removal Waiver at the Police or Community Development Department. This form authorizes the Village to come into private property and remove the graffiti. The waiver is active for one year and must be signed by the property owner or agent.