Opening or expanding a business in Oak Park

A well-crafted business plan is the first step in creating and operating a successful enterprise. The Oak Park Economic Development Corporation (OPEDC), a non-profit corporation funded by the Village, and can help you develop or refine your business plan. OPEDC staff will work with you to identify your target customer, meet physical location requirements, measure financial needs and develop marketing strategies.

The OPEDC also can connect you to a range of resources and services to assist with a business startup or expansion, from banking contacts to mentoring services. For example, the Oak Park Public Library offers free mentoring services provided by current and former business executives through SCORE Chicago, a resource partner of the Small Business Administration.

For more information on the OPEDC, call 708.383.3838 or email contact@opedc.net.

Oak Park municipal government staff can help you navigate the processes of opening or expanding a business in the Village. Among the support available through the Village are the following:

• Site walk-throughs
• Renovation permits
• Liquor license consultations
• Zoning requirements
• Licensing requirements

Email business@oak-park.us more information. 

The right location can be the difference between success and failure. The Oak Park Economic Development Corporation (OPEDC) can help you assess your location needs and, if renting or leasing, help you reach an agreement.

For more information, call 708.383.3838 or email contact@opedc.net.

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish a building or structure. Erecting, installing, enlarging, altering, repairing, removing, converting or replacing any electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing or fire safety systems also requires a permit.

The local building permit application process is completed online at www.oak-park.us/villageview. A free guide to submitting building permit applications is available via email to permits@oak-park.us.

To ensure the most timely and cost-effective building permit process, the Village recommends that you consider the following:

• Hire a professional, state-licensed architect to prepare your remodeling/build-out plans
• Make sure your contractor is registered with the Village, is appropriately insured and has the type of experience needed to manage your project
• Make sure all subcontractors working on your project are registered with the Village before construction work begins

Once your building permit application and any required architectural drawings are submitted online, a certified Village plan examiner will review your drawings and provide a written report detailing any corrections that will need to be addressed. If all necessary corrections to your applications are made, the appropriate building permits can be approved.

For larger projects, a Village representative will meet with your architect and contractor to review the project before permit applications and plans are submitted.

For more information, email permits@oak-park.us.

Depending on the project, a number of professional inspections may be required, such as for plumbing, electrical, building, mechanical equipment, fire suppression and public health. Be sure your contractor understands all inspections that will be required. Once you have passed all of your final inspections, a Village Certificate of Occupancy will be issued verifying that all requirements needed to open for business have been completed.

To request an Occupancy Permit inspection, email business@oak-park.us . Please be sure to include your address and permit number in the email request. 

A local license is required for most types of businesses. The process is managed through the Village’s Business Services Division, where one-to-one guidance and assistance if offered.

While you may begin a business license application at any time, the license will not be issued until all building permit work is completed and required inspections have been passed.

Once you have received notice that your Village Certificate of Occupancy has been approved, email business@oak-park.us to set-up a final commercial inspection, the last step to opening a new business in Oak Park. 

The final commercial inspection is intended to ensure the site is safe for you and your customers. Once you have passed this final inspection, and paid your first annual business license fee, you will receive your Village of Oak Park Business License and be able to open your doors to your customers.

Once your new business is ready to open, consider getting connected with your peers and the community. Activities to consider include celebrating with a grand opening, meeting other business owners through the Chamber of Commerce, marketing your business to customers and tapping into vital information about running a business in Oak Park, in Cook County and Illinois.

The Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce can help you a range of business needs. Beginning January 1, 2022, all new Oak Park businesses receive a complimentary six-month membership to the Chamber that will be activated when your business license is issued.

Chamber membership offers access to a range of benefits and networking opportunities. The Chamber of Commerce also will provide a general orientation to doing business in the Village and host a ribbon cutting event. 

For more information, email info@oprfchamber.org or visit oprfchamber.org.