Home Business in Des Plaines, IL (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Des Plaines, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Des Plaines permits home occupations as accessory uses in residential zoning districts under the City's zoning ordinance. The business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling by household members, and may not alter the residential character of the property. No outdoor storage, signage, or excessive customer traffic is permitted.
Des Plaines Home Occupation Zoning
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Des Plaines prohibits commercial signage for home-based businesses in residential districts. The City's home occupation regulations require no exterior evidence of the business, including signs of any type. The sign code restricts business signage to commercially-zoned properties.
Des Plaines Home Business Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Des Plaines's home occupation regulations restrict customer, client, and patient visits to home-based businesses. The City requires that home occupations not generate vehicular or pedestrian traffic beyond what is normal for a residential area. Retail sales from the premises are generally prohibited.
Des Plaines Home Business Customer Traffic Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Illinois's Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act allows Des Plaines residents to sell certain homemade shelf-stable foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen. Cottage food annual gross sales are capped at $75,000 with required labeling. Cook County Department of Public Health registration is required, and Des Plaines home occupation rules still apply to signage and traffic.
Des Plaines Cottage Food Operations
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Home daycare in Des Plaines is regulated primarily by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) under 89 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 406 and 408. Family child care homes may serve up to 8 children; group homes up to 12 children with an assistant. The City permits licensed home daycare as a home occupation with conditions on traffic and outdoor play areas.
Des Plaines Home Daycare Regulations
Some RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Des Plaines requires home-based business operators to obtain a home occupation registration or permit through the Department of Community and Economic Development. The registration confirms the business meets City zoning conditions for accessory home use.
Des Plaines Home Occupation Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Plaines city rules.
Home Business in Cook County →