Home Business in Arlington Heights, IL (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Arlington Heights, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Arlington Heights allows home occupations in residential zoning districts subject to conditions in the Village's zoning ordinance. Home businesses must be incidental to the residential use, may not alter the residential character, and cannot generate customer traffic, outdoor storage, or signage. Certain business types including auto repair, manufacturing, and retail sales from the premises are prohibited.
Arlington Heights Home Business Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Arlington Heights prohibits all signage for home-based businesses. The zoning ordinance requires home occupations to have no exterior evidence of business activity, which includes signs of any type. This restriction applies across all residential zoning districts in the Village.
Arlington Heights Home Business Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Arlington Heights restricts or prohibits customer, client, and patient visits to home-based businesses in residential zones. The zoning ordinance requires that home occupations not generate traffic beyond normal residential levels. Deliveries must be limited to what is typical for a residential property. The purpose is to preserve neighborhood character and prevent commercial activity in residential areas.
Arlington Heights Home Business Customer Traffic Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Arlington Heights residents may operate cottage food businesses under the Illinois Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act. Illinois law permits the sale of certain homemade food products directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen or health department inspection. Annual sales are capped at $75,000 for cottage food operations. The Village may require a business license.
Arlington Heights Cottage Food Operations
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Arlington Heights permits home daycare operations subject to Illinois state licensing requirements and local zoning provisions. Illinois DCFS licenses home daycares as either Day Care Homes (up to 8 children) or Group Day Care Homes (up to 16 children). The Village's zoning ordinance addresses home daycare as a permitted home occupation or special use depending on the number of children served.
Arlington Heights Home Daycare Regulations
Some RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Arlington Heights may require a business license for home occupations depending on the nature of the business activity. The Village's home occupation provisions in the zoning ordinance establish the conditions under which businesses may operate from residential properties. Compliance with zoning conditions is required whether or not a separate business license is obtained.
Arlington Heights Home Occupation Permits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arlington Heights city rules.
Home Business in Cook County →