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

Section 1244.04(D) of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances lets residents run a small business from home in the eight districts it names: C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4. The code lists artist, consultant, counselor, craftsperson, designer, tutor, writer, and instructor of music, craft, or fine art as examples of allowed home occupations.

The work itself carries hard limits. No more than 25% of the total square footage of the dwelling unit can be used for the business, and every activity must occur entirely within the dwelling unit, so a detached garage, shed, or other accessory structure cannot house it. The operator must reside in the dwelling unit where the business is located, and one additional nonresident employee is allowed. Signs must comply with Chapter 1476 (Signs).

Before opening, the operator needs a home occupation business regulation certificate. Section 802.15 sets the fee at $50. It also says a business that starts as a small home occupation must not impinge on the rights and privileges of abutting and adjoining homeowners and must be conducted so that it does not change in any way the neighborhood atmosphere of any residential district. Every home occupation must comply with the Planning and Zoning Code of the city.

The Zoning Administrator enforces the Zoning Code under § 1240.06(A). Visitor caps, hours, parking, and delivery limits sit in the same division and are covered on the Berwyn customer traffic page. Division (D) has been amended by Ord. 17-31, Ord. 24-19, and Ord. 25-17, the most recent passed 8-26-2025.