Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines permits adult-use cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial zoning districts subject to City zoning rules and special use approval. Locations are restricted from being near schools, daycares, and other sensitive uses. The City levies a Municipal Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax of up to 3 percent on adult-use cannabis sales as authorized by the Illinois CRTA.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston allows licensed cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial zoning districts with a special use permit. Dispensaries must maintain 1,500-foot buffers from schools, daycares, and other dispensaries. The city collects a 3% local cannabis retailers' occupation tax on sales. Evanston was among the first Illinois communities to establish a cannabis equity program.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Dispensaries | Permitted with approval | - |
| Zoning | Special use required | Commercial districts, special use permit |
| State License | IDFPR required | - |
| Local Tax | Up to 3% MCROT | 3% cannabis retailers' tax |
| Separation | From schools/daycares | - |
| Buffer Distance | - | 1,500 feet from schools/daycares |
| Equity Program | - | Revenue directed to impacted communities |
| Community Dev | - | (847) 448-4311 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Are cannabis dispensaries allowed in Des Plaines?
Yes. The City permits adult-use cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial districts subject to special use zoning approval and state licensing through IDFPR.
What taxes apply to cannabis sales?
Illinois imposes excise taxes based on THC potency, plus the standard sales tax. Des Plaines also levies the Municipal Cannabis Retailers' Occupation Tax of up to 3 percent on adult-use sales.
Can I open a cultivation center in Des Plaines?
Cultivation centers, craft growers, and infusers require separate state licenses and would need specific zoning approval under Des Plaines's industrial zoning provisions, which may not currently allow these uses.
Evanston FAQ
Where can cannabis dispensaries operate in Evanston?
Dispensaries may operate in designated commercial and mixed-use zoning districts with a special use permit. They must maintain a 1,500-foot buffer from schools, daycare centers, and other dispensaries. Contact Community Development at (847) 448-4311.
Does Evanston tax cannabis sales?
Yes. Evanston imposes a 3% local cannabis retailers' occupation tax on top of state and Cook County taxes. A portion of the revenue supports the city's cannabis equity program.
Can I open a cannabis dispensary in Evanston?
You need both a state license from IDFPR and a local special use permit from the Evanston City Council. The process includes Plan Commission review, public hearings, and community notification. Contact Community Development to start.
Compare other topics
See how Des Plaines and Evanston compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool