Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do customer traffic restrictions rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago has fewer restrictions than Des Plaines.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago limits customer and client visits to home occupations under Zoning Ordinance Section 17-9-0202 and Municipal Code Section 4-6-270. Restrictions on patrons, clients, and non-resident employees apply cumulatively to all home businesses in one dwelling.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
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.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Client Limits | Apply to all businesses in unit combined | - |
| Traffic Impact | Must not be unusual for residential area | - |
| Deliveries | Must not disrupt neighborhood | Residential volume only |
| Exterior Evidence | None permitted | - |
| Customer Visits | - | Generally prohibited |
| Retail Sales | - | Not from premises |
| Parking Impact | - | Cannot exceed normal |
| Enforcement | - | (847) 391-5300 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can customers visit my home business in Chicago?
Yes, but the number of patrons, clients, and non-resident employees is limited. The limits are cumulative across all home businesses operating in the unit.
What if I have multiple home businesses?
Client and employee limits under Section 4-6-270 apply to the total across all home occupations in the dwelling unit, not per business.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can clients come to my home business in Des Plaines?
Generally no. Home occupation rules require traffic not exceed normal residential levels. Customer, client, and patient visits creating extra traffic or parking demand are not permitted.
Can I sell products directly from my home?
No. Retail sales from the premises are prohibited. You may sell online and ship to customers, but in-person pickup at the residence is not permitted under City zoning rules.
What home businesses fit best in Des Plaines?
Remote work, consulting, accounting, graphic design, programming, writing, and other professional services that operate by phone or online are the easiest to comply with the zoning rules.
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