Zoning Restrictions: Downers Grove vs Naperville
How do zoning 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, residents may operate a home occupation in a residence under Section 37-3.2 of the DuPage County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 37). The use must be clearly incidental and secondary to residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling by residents, and must not change the residential character of the property. Customer traffic, outside storage, and exterior signage are restricted.
View full Downers Grove rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under Title 6 zoning regulations. The business must not exceed 25% of the dwelling's gross floor area and must be undetectable by the average neighbor except for a permitted sign.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downers Grove | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Max Floor Area | - | 25% of dwelling |
| Visibility | - | Must be undetectable |
| Daycare Exempt | - | 7 or fewer individuals |
| Code | - | Title 6 Zoning |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downers Grove FAQ
Can I run a business from my home in unincorporated DuPage County?
Yes, subject to Section 37-3.2 of the DuPage County Zoning Ordinance. The business must be incidental and subordinate to residential use, conducted entirely inside the dwelling by residents, and produce no exterior evidence (signage, traffic, outdoor storage) of the business.
Where is the home occupation rule for DuPage County?
Section 37-3.2 of Chapter 37 (DuPage County Zoning Ordinance). The residential district sections (Sec. 37-7.1 through 37-7.6, covering R-1 through R-6) cross-reference Sec. 37-3.2 as the home occupation authority.
Can I post a sign for my home business in unincorporated DuPage?
No. Section 37-3.2 requires that a home occupation produce no exterior evidence of the business, which includes exterior signage. Any sign identifying the dwelling as a place of business is prohibited.
Does the DuPage County rule apply if I live inside a city or village?
No. Section 37-3.2 applies in unincorporated DuPage County only. Inside an incorporated municipality (Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, etc.), the city or village zoning code controls home occupations, not the county ordinance.
Naperville FAQ
Can I run a business from home in Naperville?
Yes, as a home occupation that does not exceed 25% of the dwelling's floor area and is undetectable by neighbors except for a permitted sign. It must remain subordinate to the residential use.
Is home daycare allowed in Naperville?
Yes. Babysitting and home daycare for 7 or fewer individuals at any one time is considered a customary home occupation and is exempt from the 25% floor area restriction.
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