City ordinance requires all individuals and corporations operating a business in Chicago to obtain an annual license from the city. If you are interested in starting a business, visit the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection website or call (312) 744-6260.

The City’s Guide to Starting a Business provides invaluable information for business owners new and old. Click here to access and download the Department of Business Affairs and Licensing Forms.

Applications are required for all projects that affect the public way and must be pre-approved by Alderman Reilly, including: signs, canopies and awnings; poles; outdoor pay-phones and vending machines; sidewalk vaults and utility boxes; and outdoor sidewalk cafes.

Please submit your application with copies of supporting documentation (maps, drawings, architectural plans, etc.) to our constituent office, located at 325 West Huron Street, Suite 510. If your application is approved by the Alderman, you will then need to submit it to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

For more information about Public Way Use Permits, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, or to download required application forms please contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, (312) 744- 6260.

Standing or Loading zones are occasionally granted for downtown businesses and residential buildings. If you would like to apply for a standing, loading or no parking zone designation, please download and complete the required standing / loading zone application. Please submit your request to our office via fax to (312) 642-0420. Please be sure to include days and hours of operation, address, length of space requested, and federal tax ID number.

Please note: The request will be introduced to City Council and then forwarded on to the Department of Transportation (CDOT). CDOT will conduct a study to determine if it recommends the issuance of a standing / loading zone. This response will be forwarded to the Alderman’s office.

If CDOT recommends the standing / loading zone, the application will pass and will be confirmed at the next City Council meeting. Once CDOT has the certified ordinance, they will follow up with the applicant for installation and payment options. This process frequently takes between 6-9 months from request to installation.

If you are interested in applying for a sign permit, please submit your building permit application, pictures or drawings of the requested sign, as well as sign specifications from the sign company. Upon review of your submittal, the Alderman’s office will contact you.

Please submit all information to:

Alderman Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward
325 West Huron Street, Suite 510
Chicago, IL 60654
312-642-0420 (fax)
office@ward42chicago.com

If you are interested in applying for a liquor license in the 42nd Ward, please fully complete this form and submit to:

Alderman Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward
325 West Huron Street, Suite 510
Chicago, IL 60654
312-642-0420 (fax)
office@ward42chicago.com

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has compiled a Guide to the Liquor License Application Process. Application forms are available for download here.

If you need a permit for a special event (street closure, fair, parade, block party, sidewalk sale, etc), please click here to download an application or contact the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Bureau of Special Events at (312) 744-3315. Applications must be pre-approved by Alderman Reilly, and completed applications or letters of request should be faxed to our office at (312) 642-0420.

For more information about the special event permit process, or to download the required application please visit the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events website or download the Special Events Permit Package and the Special Events Resource Guide or call (312) 744-3315.

Alderman Reilly works with the Chicago Hospitality Resource Partnership (HRP) to strengthen downtown Chicago’s hospitality industry – including local bars, restaurants, nightclubs and entertainment venues. The HRP is an alliance comprised of local business owners, law enforcement officials and neighborhood organizations that are committed to ensuring businesses and residents work together to keep our neighborhoods vibrant, safe and livable.

The HRP provides a forum for all interested parties to be represented in local decision-making and problem-solving, and coordinates government and private sector resources to efficiently and effectively assist neighborhoods in the planning and management of hospitality corridors.