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Village Licenses & Permits
The Village issues a number of different kinds of licenses and permits to residents, businesses and others who live or work within the Village. In order to help
Business License
The Village of Northbrook requires a general business license of only specific businesses. Contact the Village Clerk to find out which businesses are required to obtain a license. Also, the State of Illinois requires certain types of businesses to obtain a license or permit to operate.
Contact
Village Clerk’s Office: 847-664-4013
Commercial Solicitation Permit
Any business that wishes to go door to door, whether to a business or residence, may only do so after securing a permit for commercial solicitation.
Contact
Police Department: 847-564-2060
Commercial Vehicle Overnight Parking Regulations
It is unlawful to park any business vehicle within a residential neighborhood for a period that is longer than necessary for the loading or unloading of such vehicle or the completion of authorized business. Also, one cannot park any business vehicle or trailer on any public street within the Village between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.for a period longer than necessary for the loading and unloading of said vehicle, except as authorized by the Village Manager for unique and specific circumstances.
Contact
- Police Department: 847-564-2060
- Village Manager’s Office: 847-664-4013
Construction Trade
In the Village of Northbrook, plumbing, electrical, concrete, and general construction work must be performed under the direct supervision of contractors licensed by the Village of Northbrook for that particular trade. Licenses are issued through the Development and Planning Services Department. An application, an application fee, and a yearly renewal fee are required for all of the above licenses.
Contact
Development and Planning Services Department: 847-664-4050
Home Occupation
Home occupations in Northbrook are regulated to allow only those businesses or uses that are limited in extent, do not detract from the residential character of the neighborhood and are clearly subordinate to the residential use. There are limitations regarding:
- Number of employees and customers that can be on site
- Structural changes that can be made to the home
- How the business operates
- Type of impact it can have on the neighborhood
Contact
Development and Planning Services Department: 847-664-4050
Liquor Licenses
Businesses involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages must secure a liquor license. Prior to the issuance of a license, specific requirements must be met. A checklist of village requirements specific to liquor licenses can be obtained from the Village Clerk.
Contact
Village Clerk’s Office: 847-664-4013
Mobile Food Vendors (Food Trucks)
Mobile food service establishments (i.e. Food Trucks) must secure a business license to operate in the Village of Northbrook. The license is intended for mobile food vendors that utilize a truck, cart, or trailer to dispense pre-packaged or prepared food intended for immediate consumption. A checklist of the Village requirements specific to Mobile Food Vendor Licenses (PDF) can be obtained from the Village Clerk.
Contact
Village Clerk’s Office: 847-664-4013
Outdoor Seating Area License
An annual license is required to operate any outdoor seating area accessory to a restaurant.
Contact
Village Clerk's Office: 847-664-4013
Restaurant, Food, or Vending Machine
A permit is required for any kind of food-related business, including grocery stores, restaurants, food carts, catering, certain home-based products, and vending machines. The Village Clerk’s Office processes the permits for food carts, catering, and vending machines, while the Development and Planning Services Department processes all other food-related business permits. If you are interested in opening a new restaurant or retail food establishment in Northbrook, please download and view our Guide to Opening a New Restaurant (PDF).
Contact
- Development and Planning Services: 847-664-4050
- Village Clerk's Office: 847-664-4013
Special Event Permits
A Special Event Permit is required for all unique events for a period of time not to exceed 14 days. Anyone seeking permission to organize a Special Event shall write a letter to the Village Manager describing the event, its likely effect on traffic, safety precautions, liability provisions and, if applicable, the community benefits to be obtained from the authorization of such event.
Contact
Village Manager's Office: 847-664-4019
Tobacco License
A cigarette permit is required to sell cigarettes. The application is available online or at the Village Clerk's Office.
Contact
Village Clerk's Office: 847-664-4013
Taxicab & Limousine Service
A taxicab vehicle license is required to operate a motorized passenger vehicle within the jurisdiction of Northbrook. This passenger vehicle operator is required to have a current Chauffeur license. In order to dispatch within the Northbrook boundaries, taxicab and limousines firms are required to have a dispatch license. Taxicab operators and vehicle are processed through the Northbrook Police Department. Limousine drivers are regulated by the Secretary of State.
Contact
Police Department: 847-564-2060
Vehicle License for Business-Owned Vehicles
All motorized vehicles owned by a business having its principal place of business in Northbrook must annually apply for a vehicle license for each motorized vehicle.
Contact
Finance Department: 847-664-4171