Prospective Business Owner

Choosing the Right Location

Before choosing your new business location it is important to check the zoning code and the presence of liquor moratoria. Certain types of business-uses may be restricted depending on what type of zone the property is in. If you have any questions about a particular address, please email info@aldermanmartin.com. If you are seeking a zoning change for your business, you can read more about our office’s zoning process here. For assistance finding a location that best suits your needs, we recommend you reach out to the local Chambers of Commerce, which maintain up to date listings of available properties in their respective areas.

Starting Your license application

To begin your license application, create an account on Chicago Business Direct. Once you begin your application, you will be paired with a Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) business consultant. While they will be your main point of contact while navigating the licensing process, you can find additional support by either contacting our office at info@aldermanmartin.com or the Northside Business Center. Our office is best suited for general business-related questions. The Northside Business Center is your best point of contact for technical licensing questions and for support navigating the online portal. 

Special Uses

In some circumstances, a business use is permitted by the zoning code only with a Special Use. This means that you may not need a zoning change, but you will need to complete a few extra steps including sending written notice of your application to residents and businesses within 250 feet of the prospective location. Because of this requirement, we recommend contacting the Chamber of Commerce and the Neighborhood Organization that represents the area. Please note that a Special Use does not require Aldermanic approval.