Business Services

Originating with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and based on the federal Community Development Block Grant program, the Village’s Section 108 Loan Program is open and accepting applications from qualifying businesses. Prior to applying, prospective loan applicants should first meet with Village staff in order to better understand the loan program. Eligible Section 108 Loan activities include land acquisition, structure rehabilitation, operating capital, and the purchase and installation of equipment. Interest rates are favorable.

Each Section 108 activity must be Community Development Block Grant-eligible and must create and/or retain permanent full-time jobs, at least 51% of which must be held by or made available to low and moderate income persons. Also, one low and moderate income full-time equivalent job must be created or retained for every $35,000 invested for a Section 108 loan activity.

Businesses seeking a Section 108 loan are expected to have additional sources of funding for the proposed economic development activity, and each loan application will go through an intensive and thorough review process based on accepted underwriting standards and Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines.

See the Section 108 Loan Program Basics flyer and the most recent HUD Income Limits table indicating what constitutes low and moderate income persons. For more information, email grants@oak-park.us.

Businesses occupying commercial space in Oak Park, including those licensed by the state or other entities, must register with the Business Services office. Licenses must be renewed annually by March 31. Late fees and citations may apply to late payments.

• Click here to see a list of businesses that have received a business license from the Village and opened in 2021-2023.

The Business Services office is responsible for registering home occupations and the Zoning Officer ensures compliance with code standards.

Home occupations are permitted in any dwelling unit as an accessory use within the limits of standards found in the Zoning Ordinance. Home occupations standards allow only one non-family member employee and only if off-street parking is provided for that employee. No home occupation can occupy more than 25 percent of the total heated floor area in the dwelling unit where it is located.

Some types of uses do not qualify as a home occupation due to the potential impact on a residential area. Prohibited home occupations include manufacturing, animal hospitals, barber shops and beauty salons, clinics, repair shops and restaurants.

Under Illinois law, liquor is a controlled substance and its distribution is strictly regulated. A license is required to sell or serve liquor in Oak Park. Special events also require licenses to serve liquor.

All license applications are considered by the Liquor Control Review Board and the Village Board. Detailed information on licensing process, which can take up to four months, is available from the Business Services office.

In addition to the standard general business license, the Business Services office issues more than 70 miscellaneous types of licenses, including for chauffeurs and cab drivers. In addition, a Multiple Family Dwelling License is required of owners of multifamily properties of four or more units.

Effective June 1, 2022, the Village will require that all short-term rental operations in Oak Park be licensed as businesses.

Click here for more information

Anyone engaging in peddling, commercial soliciting or itinerant vending must obtain a license through the Business Services office. In addition to business licensing information required by Village Code, the applicant also must provide specific, detailed information to ensure the legitimacy of the operation, preclude deceptive practices and information for follow-up if there is a problem.

These regulations are in place to protect the community. If you are suspicious about persons soliciting or peddling, contact the Police Department or the Business Services office to verify that the person is engaging in a licensed activity.

You also may request no-soliciting stickers from the Business Services office to place on or near the main entrance of your property.

Licenses for taxi cab drivers are arranged through local licensed taxi dispatch services. Please contact the Business License Officer for more details.