Customer Traffic Restrictions: Downers Grove vs Naperville
How do customer traffic restrictions rules compare between Downers Grove, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Downers Grove.
Downers Grove, IL
DuPage County
In unincorporated DuPage County, Chapter 37, Sec. 37-3.2 limits a Home Occupation to a use that is clearly incidental and secondary to residential use. The occupation must be carried on by members of the household (no outside employees on-site), generate no customer traffic, parking demand, noise, or commercial vehicle activity that would alter the residential character of the property or neighborhood.
View full Downers Grove rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville home occupations must not generate traffic inconsistent with the residential character of the neighborhood. The business must be undetectable by the average neighbor. Excessive customer visits, deliveries, or parking issues may trigger code enforcement action.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downers Grove | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Standard | - | Undetectable by neighbors |
| Traffic | - | Must match residential |
| Deliveries | - | Cannot be excessive |
| Code | - | Title 6 Zoning |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downers Grove FAQ
Can I have customers come to my home business in unincorporated DuPage County?
Generally no. Sec. 37-3.2 requires a home occupation to be "clearly incidental and secondary" to residential use, with no traffic, parking demand, or commercial activity that alters the residential character of the property. Regular customer or client visits typically take a use outside the permitted home-occupation definition.
Can I hire an employee to work at my home office?
Not on-site, if you are in unincorporated DuPage. The home occupation must be carried on by members of the household. On-site non-resident employees are inconsistent with the "incidental and secondary" residential character standard in Sec. 37-3.2. Remote employees working from their own homes are not affected by this rule.
I live in Naperville — does this DuPage County rule apply to me?
No. The DuPage County Zoning Ordinance applies only in unincorporated areas. If your DuPage address is inside a municipality (Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Addison, etc.), your city or village home-occupation ordinance controls.
Can I park a commercial van at my home in unincorporated DuPage?
Sec. 37-3.2 prohibits outside storage of materials or equipment associated with the home occupation, and the residential-character standard generally rules out parking a commercial vehicle (e.g., a contractor box truck or work van with signage) at the residence. Contact Building and Zoning at (630) 407-6700 for a specific determination.
Naperville FAQ
Can customers come to my home business in Naperville?
Limited customer visits are allowed, but the business must be undetectable by the average neighbor. Excessive traffic, parking congestion, or frequent deliveries would violate the home occupation standards.
What if neighbors complain about my home business traffic?
Code enforcement may investigate and determine whether the traffic exceeds residential character. Violations can result in orders to reduce activity or cease the home business.
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