Evanston, IL Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Evanston's approach to home occupations is primarily through zoning compliance rather than a separate permit system. Home businesses that meet all conditions of the Zoning Ordinance (no outside employees, no signage, limited area, no excessive traffic) operate as permitted accessory uses without needing a specific home occupation permit. However, all persons conducting business within Evanston must obtain a city business license through the Revenue and Licensing Division. The business license applies to home businesses just as it does to commercial operations. The annual business license fee varies by business type and revenue. The license application requires the business name, type of activity, and location. When applying with a residential address, the city verifies that the business qualifies as a home occupation under zoning. If the proposed business does not meet home occupation conditions (for example, it requires outside employees or generates significant traffic), the applicant would need to seek a zoning variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Some professional practices (such as real estate agents, insurance agents, freelance writers, and consultants) that primarily work offsite and use the home as an administrative base are considered minimal home occupations. A home occupation must not require the resident to hold a retail food license, auto dealer license, or other commercial license that implies a non-residential use.