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 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.
Home occupations allowed as accessory use in homes
Some RestrictionsIllinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/11-13-1(4) (zoning authority for Des Plaines City Code 12-8-8)
to classify, regulate and restrict the location of trades and industries and the location of buildings designed for specified industrial, business, residential, and other uses.
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.
No exterior signs or advertising for home occupations
Heavy RestrictionsDes Plaines City Code, Title 12, Sec. 12-8-8 (Home Occupations)
There shall be no advertising, signs, display, or other indications of a home occupation in any yard, on the exterior of the dwelling unit or visible from anywhere outside of the dwelling.
Customer 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 →