Permits for a Contractor in Elgin, Illinois

All businesses operating in Chicago must obtain a business license from BACP (Business Affairs and Consumer Protection). The Limited Business License is the base license; additional activity licenses (e.g. Retail Food, Tavern) are added on. Fee increased to $500 for a 2-year license as of 2026.

General business license required for all businesses operating within Elgin city limits. Registers the business with the municipality for local tax and regulatory purposes. Must be obtained before commencing operations.

Required for all businesses with employees and for most business entity types. Obtained free from the IRS. Required before applying for many state and local licenses.

All Illinois LLCs and corporations must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. Fee is $75 for LLCs. Failure to file results in administrative dissolution.

Formation of a legal business entity (LLC or corporation) with the Illinois Secretary of State. LLC Articles of Organization cost $150; Corporation Articles of Incorporation cost $150 + franchise tax. Required before obtaining most other licenses.

Illinois requires state licensure only for roofing contractors through IDFPR. General contractors and most specialty contractors are licensed at the local/municipal level. Chicago requires general contractor licenses through the Department of Buildings.

Every Illinois employer must register with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) within 30 days of hiring the first employee. New employers pay 3.175% SUI rate (2026) on the first $13,271 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay 0.675%-6.875%. Registration done via MyTax Illinois or Form REG-UI-1.

Illinois requires workers' compensation insurance for any business with even one employee, regardless of full-time or part-time status. No employee threshold — coverage is mandatory from the first hire. Must be obtained from a licensed insurance carrier or through self-insurance (approved by IWCC). Regulated by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission.

Document confirming the premises is zoned for the intended business use, meets building codes, and is safe for occupancy. Required when opening a new establishment, changing use of a space, or completing major construction. Requires passing fire, plumbing, electrical, and building inspections.

Required fire safety inspection by local fire department or the Office of the State Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with the Illinois Fire Prevention Act and Life Safety Code. Covers proper exits, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and building code compliance. Must pass before opening and periodically thereafter.

Every food establishment in Illinois must have at least one CFPM on staff present during all hours of food preparation and service. Requires passing an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (e.g. ServSafe, National Registry). Replaced the older IDPH FSSMC program as of 2018. Certificate valid for 5 years.

Chicago-specific requirement: all food establishments must have a Person in Charge (PIC) holding a CDPH Food Service Sanitation Certificate present at all times that TCS food is prepared, held, or served. Requires completing a CDPH-approved course, passing a monitored exam, and paying a $45 certificate fee to CDPH.

All food handlers (other than CFPMs) must complete ANSI-accredited food handler training within 30 days of hire per Title 77, Part 750 of the Illinois Administrative Code. At least one option must be available at $15 or less. Renewal every 3 years.

Issued by the local county or city health department to authorize operation of a food establishment. IDPH sets the overarching Food Service Sanitation Code, but enforcement and permitting is at the local level. Requires passing a health inspection. Fees vary widely by jurisdiction.

Required for installation of exterior business signage. Regulated by local municipality zoning/building department. In Chicago, a zoning review fee of $200 (on-premise) or $500 (off-premise) is required, plus building permit fees based on sign square footage. Other municipalities have their own fee schedules.

Required for installing, replacing, or modifying exterior business signage within Elgin. Must comply with the city sign ordinance covering size, height, illumination, and placement. Applications typically require scaled drawings.

Every business selling tangible personal property (food, beverages, merchandise) must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue via Form REG-1 or MyTax Illinois. Required to collect and remit Retailers' Occupation Tax (state sales tax) and applicable local taxes. Registration is free.

Any employer withholding Illinois income tax from employees' wages must register with IDOR. Done simultaneously with sales tax registration via Form REG-1 or MyTax Illinois. Registration is free. Processing time 1-2 business days online, 4-6 weeks by mail.

Confirms the business location is properly zoned for the intended use (commercial, mixed-use, etc.). Restaurants are generally permitted in commercial zones; bars and alcohol-serving establishments may face additional zoning restrictions or moratorium areas. Required before obtaining building permits and liquor licenses. In Chicago, aldermanic sign-off may be needed for tavern licenses.