Grow

Growing your business can be a large or small project, depending on the type of growth you are planning on. When it comes to working with the City of Elgin to grow your business, we are here to help you. The City is currently working to update the permitting and licensing process to ensure that it is transparent and accessible. In order to that efficiently, these applications have been updated and are available in our document center here. Additionally, a new online portal and mobile are being created to better enable you to apply for and track your applications. Currently you can create an account for yourself and your business, link and pay water bills, and submit a Zoning Inquiry or 311 Request. You can track all of your activity and update you account directly from the portal or mobile app. As the permitting and licensing applications are moved online, you will see more of that activity in the portal.

Resources and Maps 

You can always check our Business Resources page to find a partner that will meet your needs. We also have a continuously updated mapping hub accessible through the portal. You can view any number of dashboards enabled to help you search for zoning information, community resources, historical districts, parks, public safety and more. 

Leasing Opportunities

While the City doesn't maintain an updated list of available properties, we encourage you to work with our partners to find a space to meet your needs. 

Adding or Changing Services

Adding a service is different from adding a product. An example of adding a service would be if you are a retail shop that is now doing classes or if you are a restaurant that will be doing private parties. If you are adding a service to your existing operations, you will need to complete the Business Application and submit the fee along with your application. You are welcome to complete the free Zoning Inquiry to get a general idea of what would be allowed before proceeding to the Business Application.

Expanding Your Building

If your brick and mortar building is changing, you will need to complete the Business Application. Once we review that, we will let you know if you need to complete the General Permit or the Construciton Permit, deepening on the type of work being done. The fees associated with these permit applications depend on the type of work being done. You will get an estimate of the fees when we respond to your Business Application. You are welcome to complete the free Zoning Inquiry to get a general idea of what would be allowed before proceeding to the Business Application.