Downers Grove, IL Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Section 37-3.2 of the DuPage County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 37) governs home occupations in unincorporated DuPage County. The R-1 through R-6 residential districts (Sec. 37-7.1 through 37-7.6) cross-reference Section 37-3.2 as the permitted-use authority for home occupations, meaning a home business in unincorporated DuPage must satisfy the Sec. 37-3.2 standards regardless of which residential district applies.

Under Section 37-3.2, a home occupation must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the principal residential use of the dwelling. The activity must be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit, by members of the family residing there, and must not change the outward residential appearance or character of the structure. The ordinance prohibits outdoor display or storage of goods, materials, or equipment connected to the business and bars exterior signage that would identify the property as a place of business. Customer or client traffic that would alter neighborhood character is prohibited. Operators in unincorporated DuPage should contact the DuPage County Building & Zoning Department for current permit and registration requirements before starting a home-based business.