Starting a New Business
Common questions about starting a new business in the Village of Hillside are listed below.
I am planning of opening a new business, what do I need to do?
Depending on the nature of your business, federal, state, and local licenses and permits may be required. In most areas, there are zoning restrictions that may prevent you from operating a business from a particular location, including your home.
The first step in getting licensed to do business in the Village of Hillside is to complete the Application for Zoning Certificate. Once the Application for Zoning Certificate is filed it will be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator. The disposition of the application will be sent to the applicant upon completion of the review process.
The second step is to apply for a Business License once the Application for Zoning is approved.
How do I get a business license?
Anyone who conducts business in the Village of Hillside must obtain a Village of Hillside Business License.
You may complete an application online:
- Business License Online Application
Business License fees must be paid before the business opens.
Licenses must be renewed prior to May 1of every year.
Payment methods:
- Mail (425 N. Hillside Avenue, Hillside, IL 60162)
- In Person at the Village Hall (425 N. Hillside Avenue)
Or to request an application, contact the Clerk at 708-202-4321 or come to the Village of Hillside located at 425 N. Hillside Avenue.
How can I find out about zoning restrictions in the Village of Hillside?
A list of Permitted Uses in Hillside Zoning Districts is available from the Zoning Administrator. For more information, contact the Zoning Administrator at 708-202-3452.
What are the common new business ordinances?
Sec. 22-36. – Fees.
In the absence of provisions to the contrary, all fees and charges for licenses or permits shall be paid in advance at the time application therefor is made to the village clerk. When an applicant has not engaged in the business until after the expiration of part of the current license year, the license fee shall be prorated by quarters and the fee paid for such quarter or fraction thereof during which the business has been or will be pursued. Except as otherwise provided all license fees shall become a part of the corporate fund.
(Code 1965, § 10.006)
Sec. 22-37. – Expiration of licenses.
(a) All annual licenses shall terminate on the last day of the fiscal year of the village where no provision to the contrary is made.
(b) The village clerk shall mail to all licensees of the village a statement at the time of the expiration of the license held by the licensee, three weeks prior to the date of such expiration. Provided that failure to send out such notice, or the failure of the licensee to receive it, shall not excuse a licensee from a failure to secure a new license or a renewal thereof, nor shall it be a defense in action for operation without a license.
(Code 1965, § 10.007)
Sec. 22-38. – Building and premises.
No license shall be issued for the conduct of any business and no permit shall be issued for any thing or act, if the premises and building to be used for the purpose do not fully comply with the requirements of the ordinances of the village. No such license or permit shall be issued for the conduct of any business or performance of any act which would involve a violation of the zoning ordinance of the village.
(Code 1965, § 10.008)
Sec. 22-39. – Change of location.
The location of any licensed business or occupation or of any permitted act may be changed, provided ten days’ notice thereof is given to the village clerk, in the absence of any provision to the contrary, provided that the building, zoning and frontage consent requirements of the ordinances are complied with.
(Code 1965, § 10.009)
Sec. 22-40. – Inspections.
(a) Whenever inspections of the premises used for or in connection with the operation of a licensed business or occupation are provided for or required by ordinance, or are reasonably necessary thereto to secure compliance with any ordinance provision or to detect violations thereof, it shall be the duty of the licensee, or the person in charge of the premises to be inspected, to admit thereto for the purpose of making the inspection any officer or employee of the village who is authorized or directed to make such inspection at any reasonable time that admission is requested.
(b) Whenever an analysis of any commodity or material is reasonably necessary to secure conformance with any ordinance provision or to detect violations thereof, it shall be the duty of the licensee of the village whose business is governed by the provision to give any authorized officer or employee of the village requesting the same, sufficient samples of such material or commodity for such analysis upon request.
(c) In addition to any other penalty which may be provided, the president and board of trustees may revoke the license of any licensed proprietor of any licensed business in the village who refuses to permit any such officer or employee who is authorized to make such inspection or take such sample to make the inspection or take an adequate sample of said commodity, or who interferes with such officer or employee while in the performance of his duty in making such inspection, provided that no license shall be revoked for such cause unless written demand is made upon the licensee or person in charge of the premises in the name of the village, stating that such inspection or sample is desired at the time it is sought to make the inspection or to obtain the sample.
(Code 1965, § 10.010)
Sec. 22-41. – Nuisances.
No business, licensed or not, shall be so conducted or operated as to amount to a nuisance in fact.
(Code 1965, § 10.011)
Sec. 22-42. – Revocation.
Any license or permit for a limited time may be revoked by the president and board of trustees during the life of such license or permit for the violation by the licensee or permittee of any ordinance provision relating to the license or permit, the subject of the license or permit, or the premises occupied; such revocation may be in addition to any fine imposed.
(Code 1965, § 10.012)
Sec. 22-43. – Posting of license.
It shall be the duty of any person conducting a licensed business in the village to keep his license posted in a prominent place on the premises used for such business at all times.
(Code 1965, § 10.013)
Sec. 22-44. – Vehicle tags.
Whenever the number of vehicles used is a basis of a license fee, the village clerk shall furnish each licensee with a tag or sticker for each vehicle covered by the license and such tag or sticker shall be posted in a conspicuous place on each such vehicle while it is in use.
(Code 1965, § 10.014)
Sec. 22-45. – Penalty.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this article shall be subject to punishment as provided in section 1-10 of this Code, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
(Code 1965, § 10.015)