Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in McHenry County

McHenry County, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing code: McHenry County Code § 5.32.050, .060
Annual license fee: $200 per year
License term: May 1 through April 30
Pre-requisite: Conditional Use Permit required first
Background check: Fingerprints and photo by Sheriff
Max daily fine: $500 per offense

Summary

Every adult business in unincorporated McHenry County needs a Conditional Use Permit and a $200 annual license before opening, per Code § 5.32.050 and § 5.32.060. Applicants are fingerprinted and photographed by the Sheriff's Police, and violations draw up to $500 per day.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 5.32.050 ADULT BUSINESS LICENSE. An applicant for the operation of an adult business must obtain an adult business license after obtaining the proper zoning for the subject property. No person, firm, partnership, association or corporation shall operate or manage an adult business without first having obtained a license as provided for herein. § 5.32.060 LICENSE FEE. A. The Commissioner shall have powers to grant an adult business license for a period beginning on the first (1st) day of May of any year and ending on the thirtieth (30th) day of April of the next year. The adult business license fee is $200 per year...C. All applicants shall be finger printed and photographed by the McHenry County Sheriff's Police Department.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-5: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. A25-0037, passed 8-19-2025 | State legislation current through ALS 2025 Pamphlet No. 1).

Full Breakdown

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Violations & Fines

Failure to comply with any requirement of Chapter 5.32 is a petty offense punishable by a fine of not more than $500 per offense, with each day of continued violation a separate offense (§ 5.32.140). The Commission may also suspend or revoke a license if the licensee knowingly or negligently furnished false or misleading information, or if the licensee commits a specified criminal act, such as a sex offense or contributing to a minor's delinquency, on the licensed premises (§ 5.32.130A).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need zoning approval before I can license an adult business in McHenry County?

Yes. Section 5.32.050 requires an applicant to obtain the proper zoning, a Conditional Use Permit under § 5.32.020.11, before the county will even process an adult business license application for that location.

How much does an adult business license cost in unincorporated McHenry County?

The license fee is $200 per year, running from May 1 through April 30, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable once paid, per § 5.32.060A and B.

Will I be fingerprinted to get an adult business license?

Yes. Section 5.32.060C requires every applicant to be fingerprinted and photographed by the McHenry County Sheriff's Police Department as part of the licensing process, with the photographs kept on file by the Commission.

What happens if the county never responds to my license application?

If the Commissioner does not issue or deny the license within forty-five business days of a properly completed application, the license is deemed issued for a consecutive license period under § 5.32.100C.3.

Sources & Official References

[1]McHenry County Code Ch. 5.32, Adult Businesses

Other rules in McHenry County

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight Restrictions Tattoo & Body ModificationSignificant Restrictions Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All McHenry County rules

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