How Des Plaines Handles Home Business: A Practical Guide
Des Plaines maintains 37 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with home business. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Des Plaines falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Des Plaines City Code Section 12-8-8 permits a home occupation as an accessory use of a dwelling unit so long as it is incidental and secondary to the residence, conducted entirely within the dwelling or accessory structures, and operated by a resident. The City's authority to confine business uses to designated districts comes from the Illinois zoning grant in 65 ILCS 5/11-13-1.
Key details: Code Section: City Code 12-8-8. Use Type: Accessory use, incidental and secondary. Location: Entirely within dwelling or accessory structure. Visitor Hours: No visitors 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM. Outdoor Storage: Prohibited.
A home occupation that exceeds the Section 12-8-8 standards is no longer an allowed accessory use and may be ordered to cease. Enforcement is under Title 12, Chapter 4; the general penalty under City Code Section 1-4-1 is a fine of up to $750.00 per offense, with each day a separate offense.
Signage Rules
Des Plaines City Code Section 12-8-8 prohibits any exterior sign, advertising, or display that indicates a home occupation. A home business may not post a sign or any indication of the business in any yard, on the exterior of the dwelling, or in any location visible from outside the dwelling.
Key details: Code Section: City Code 12-8-8. Exterior Signs: Prohibited. Visible Display: Not allowed outside dwelling. General Sign Rules: Title 12, Chapter 11. Penalty: Up to $750/day (1-4-1).
Posting a prohibited home-occupation sign is a zoning violation enforceable under Title 12, Chapter 4. Under City Code Section 1-4-1 the fine is up to $750.00 per offense, and each day the sign remains is a separate offense; the City may also order removal.
Compared to other cities, Des Plaines takes a harder line on signage rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Des Plaines's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Des Plaines is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Des Plaines's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.