Springfield, IL Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Springfield Zoning Code Sec. 155.045; 155.001 (definition)
- Max Business Area
- 200 sq ft of residence (incl. storage)
- Outdoor Storage Cap
- 25 sq ft
- Customers
- 1 at a time; max 8 per day
- Customer Hours
- 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- State Authority
- 65 ILCS 5/11-13-1
Summary
Springfield Zoning Code Section 155.045 allows a home occupation only as an accessory use that is clearly incidental and secondary to residential use, capping the business at 200 square feet of the residence (including storage), limiting outdoor material storage to 25 square feet, and barring any change to the appearance of the dwelling. The City's zoning authority derives from the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/11-13-1.
The corporate authorities in each municipality ... [have power] ... to classify, regulate and restrict the location of trades and industries and the location of buildings designed for specified industrial, business, residential, and other uses ... to the end that adequate light, pure air, and safety from fire and other dangers may be secured, that the taxable value of land and buildings throughout the municipality may be conserved, that congestion in the public streets may be lessened or avoided, and that the public health, safety, comfort, morals, and welfare may otherwise be promoted.
Full Breakdown
045, conducted entirely within a dwelling unit by persons who reside therein. m. Home occupations are listed among permitted uses in the City's residential zoning districts. Springfield's power to enact these zoning standards comes from the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/11-13-1, which authorizes municipalities to classify, regulate, and restrict the location of trades, industries, and buildings for residential, business, and other uses.
Violations & Fines
A home occupation that exceeds the 200-square-foot area, the 25-square-foot storage limit, the customer or hours limits, or otherwise fails the Section 155.045(c) standards is not a permitted accessory use and is subject to City zoning enforcement, including the City Code's general penalty provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my Springfield home can I use for a home business?
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What kinds of home businesses are allowed in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Illinois home business overview
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