Open a Business

It is our intention to make the process of opening your business in the City of Palos Heights as easy as possible.  This page will help in that process by providing you with all of the necessary information, documents, contacts, and resources to get your new business up and running.

If questions come up as you're reviewing the information below or you need something clarified or explained, please feel free to contact our City Administrator, Dan Nisavic, at (708) 361-1800.

Find a Location We maintain and update a list of available commercial properties listing the address, owner or realtor contact information, rent rates, links to online listings (if available), and a map of each location.  Available Commercial Properties

Check the Zoning Once you've found a location for your business, check the zoning to make sure your business is permitted on that parcel of property.  Luckily for you, we have our City's Zoning Map and Code of Ordinances online.  The City has two basic commercial zoning classifications, B Business and B-1 Restricted Business.  Their definitions and permitted uses can be found in the zoning code under Title XV: Land Usage, Chapter 153: Zoning Code, Sub-chapters 150 and 160 respectively.  Please contact our Community Development and Zoning Coordinator if you'd like to apply for a Special Use.   Zoning Map Zoning Code

Apply for a Business License and Commercial Occupancy Permit With your location selected and zoning verified, it's time to apply for a Business License and Commercial Occupancy Permit.  Both of these documents need to be successfully obtained before opening your retail business.  Some professional services are licensed by the State of Illinois and do not require a Business License.

The Commercial Occupancy Permit Application carries a $150 fee and includes up to 5 inspections along with it including Building, Fire, Plumbing, Electrical, and, if you serve and prepare food, Cook County Health.  Once completely filled out, this document should be submitted to the Palos Heights Building Department, located on the west side of City Hall, along with your Business License Application.  Commercial Occupancy Permit Application

The Business License Application carries a fee that varies from $75 to $375 depending on the square footage of your commercial space.  There may also be additional fees for businesses that prepare and sell food products.  The Business License Application should be submitted to the Palos Heights Building Department, located on the west side of City Hall, along with your Commercial Occupancy Permit Application.  Business License Application

Need any other Permits? In opening your business, you will likely be performing some type of build-out including electrical or plumbing work, erecting signage, putting up walls, demolition, and more.  Performing this type of work requires that proper permits be obtained.  Work should only be performed by contractors that are licensed with the Palos Heights Building Department.  If you have any questions in regards to the permitting process or if you would like a list of licensed contractors, please contact our Building Department at (708) 361-1804.  Building Department and Various Permit Applications

Open Your Doors Once you receive both your Business License and Commercial Occupancy Permit from the City of Palos Heights, you're ready to open your doors for business!  Congratulations!

Promote Your Business Now that you're officially open for business, let people know about it!  Palos Heights businesses can often get some free press and promotion from local news outlets including the local cable station, PHTV Channel 4, and local news outlets including Palos Patch, The Regional News, The Southtown Star and Trib Local. PHTV Channel 4  Palos Patch  The Regional News  Southtown Star  Trib Local  Palos Area Chamber of Commerce