Licenses & Permits
The Village issues a number of different kinds of licenses and permits for a variety of different activities in the Village. This page is meant to help residents and businesses quickly locate the information they're locating for in one centralized spot. For any questions regarding a license or permit, please refer to the applicable Department listed with the permit type.
Bicycle License
While not required, a bicycle license can increase the likelihood of it being returned if it is lost or stolen. This is a free service the Police Department offers to the public. To register your bicycle, please use this form.
Contact
Police Department: 847-564-2060
Block Party Permits
For convenience, residents can how submit the Block Party application entirely online! Click the link below to submit an application.
Contact
Public Works Department: 847-272-4711
Building Permits
The Village issues a number of different kinds of building permits depending on the project and work being completed. Below are the major categories of permits (grouped by type of project):
Homeowners and design professionals can now apply online for the following permit types: Fences, Driveway Remove/Replace, and Water Heater Replacements.
Do I Need a Building Permit?
Permits shall NOT be required for the following work:
- Residential Re-roofing (replacement of shingles/shakes)
- Residential/Commercial painting
- Residential drywall repair
- Residential floor covering installation or removal such as carpet, tile or laminate.
- Residential low voltage installations, including security, cable TV and phone.
- Residential pergolas provided they are a single, free standing (not attached to any other structure) having a maximum dimension of 12 ft. x 12 ft. with no footings required, with no roofing or sheathing, with no electric or plumbing and which complies with the Zoning Ordinance (please call Zoning at 847/664-4050).
- Prefabricated sheds that do not exceed 80 square feet in area do not require a permit. However, make sure that the shed location meets with applicable Zoning Requirements (please call Zoning at 847/664-4050).
- Residential siding installation.
- Residential soffits replacement.
- Residential stucco installation.
- Residential Asphalt sealcoating (Sealcoating Contractor requires license and signed affidavit)
- Electrical fixture replacements, like for like.
- Plumbing fixture replacements, like for like
Contact
Development and Planning Services Department: 847-664-4050Business License
The Village of Northbrook requires a general business license for a number of specific businesses. Also, the State of Illinois requires certain types of businesses to obtain a license or permit to operate.
Do I Need a Business License?
See a list of businesses requiring a business license at this link. Please note: A business may require multiple licenses. For establishments that sell/serve food and nursing homes, business licenses are not transferable under new ownership, new licenses will not be issued, and occupancy cannot take place until inspections have been completed.
See the business license page for more information.
Contact
Village Clerk’s Office: 847-664-4010
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. Please contact the Police Department directly for information.
Contact
Police Department: 847-564-2060
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. Learn more about this license on this page.
Contact
Development and Planning Services Department: 847-664-4050
Filming Permit
This PDF provides guidance about what notifications need to be made prior to filming in Northbrook.
Contact
Police Department Community Relations Supervisor: 847-664-4427
Home Occupation (for home businesses)
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. Click here for the applications and instructions for completing a new liquor license, liquor license renewal, temporary liquor license, and a temporary liquor license for a non-corporation. For any questions, please contact the Village Clerk's office. Please note: Those applying for liquor licenses for a special event should use the liquor license form linked under the "Special Event Permits" heading.
Contact
Village Clerk’s Office: 847-664-4010
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 this license can be found here: Mobile Food Vendor Licenses (PDF).
Additional Information:
- Mobile Food Service Establishment Operations & Parking Map - General Restrictions
- Mobile Food Service Establishment Operations & Parking Map - Special Event Restrictions
- Ordinance 2014-30
- Ordinance 2015-23
Contact
Village Clerk’s Office: 847-664-4010
Outdoor Seating Area License
An annual license is required to operate any outdoor seating area accessory to a restaurant. The application and instructions for applying for or renewing an outdoor seating area license can be found on the Business Licenses page.
Contact
Village Clerk's Office: 847-664-4010
Oversized/Overweight Permits
The village issues permits through Oxcart Permit Systems for oversized and/or overweight vehicles driving on village roadways. Please use the link below to submit a permit application:
https://www.oxcartpermits.com.
When planning the route, it is the responsibility of the applicant to determine if a roadway has a restriction. The approved permit must be with the vehicle at all times while operating on the streets within the village and shall be presented upon demand to any enforcement officer. Physical copies, as well as digital copies displayed on a smart device shall be accepted.
Contact
Pet Tags
Per the Municipal Code, all cats and dogs must be licensed annually. To obtain license tags, you must provide a current rabies certificate for each animal. Breeders or hobbyists must also obtain an additional permit. To learn about animal licenses and breeder or hobbyist permits, visit this page.
Contact
Finance Department: 847-272-5050
Public Forum Display
A reservation request is required to utilize the Public Forum Display (the Triangle). Individuals seeking to request use of the Display can submit their request using the online Shermer-Walters Public Forum Reservation portal. This submittal should include the below Affidavit.
Public Forum Standard Operating Procedure
Raffle License
For information on raffle licenses, please see the "Special Event Permits" section below.
Restaurant, Food, or Vending Machine Permits
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: 847-664-4010
Short Term Rental Registration
Registration is required prior to the first rental of a short-term rental in any calendar year. The owner or long-term tenant of the dwelling unit must deliver written notice by mail or personal delivery to the owners of all parcels that abut the property on which the short-term rental will be located of the owner’s or long term tenant’s intent to offer their dwelling unit as a short-term rental. The written notice must include the rental registration number of the property, as provided by the Village Manager, and contact information for the owner or long-term tenant of the short-term rental.
Please download and view the Short Term Rental Registration and Ordinance 2021-7 below:
Contact
Village Clerk's Office: 847-664-4010
Special Event Permits
From time to time, a number of organizations hold special events (including large gatherings, festivals, fairs, etc.) in the Village. Special event permits help ensure the safety of the public during these times. Since there a number of different potential permits, please visit the Special Event Permit page for a detailed listing of permits as well as instructions on how to determine which permits may be needed.
Contact
Village Manager's Office: 847-664-4010
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
Tree Removal Permits
The Village requires those seeking to remove trees to submit an application prior to removing any trees with a diameter equal to or greater than six (6) inches in diameter (twelve inches for clump trees). To learn more about tree preservation and removals, please see this webpage.
Contact
Public Works Department: 847-272-4711
Tobacco License
A tobacco permit is required to sell tobacco. The application is available at the Village Clerk's Office and can be issued as part of a business license.
Contact
Village Clerk's Office: 847-664-4010
Vehicle Stickers
Under the municipal code, all motor vehicles owned by a Village resident or by a person or entity (including associations, clubs. societies, firms, partnerships and bodies politic and corporate) having its principle place of business in the Village requires a Village vehicle license (often called a "vehicle sticker"). Learn how to apply for a license for your vehicle on the vehicle stickers page.
Contact
Finance Department: 847-272-5050