Arlington Heights, IL Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

16-1 defines a home occupation as "an accessory use of a dwelling unit carried on by members of the immediate family residing on the premises," one that stays "clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes" and does not change the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood. Five standards apply to every home occupation: (a) only immediate family members residing on the premises may be involved or employed; (b) the only allowed sign is a nameplate of one square foot or less; (c) no outdoor storage of materials or supplies related to the business; (d) no increased noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference; and (e) no exterior aspect of the residence may let the home occupation be reasonably recognized as a non-residential use.

16-2 then lists the occupations allowed outright, sales and manufacturer's representative offices, licensed professional offices, telephone answering and office services, instructional services, painting and home crafts, and home product retail sales taken by order (with no on-site production). 16-3 separately bars catering services, barber shops and beauty salons, motor vehicle repair, restaurants and tea rooms, and commercial stables or kennels from qualifying as home occupations at all. 16-4, reviewed by the Plan Commission and approved by the Village Board.