All Businesses that operate in the Town of Cicero are required to obtain a business license prior to operating. If you are interested in opening a business in the Town of Cicero, be sure to follow these important steps:

• Choose a location best suited for your desired business;
• Come to the Business License Department and fill out a Business License Application, which includes a $125 non-refundable fee;
• Insert a contingency clause in your purchase or lease contract, before you sign, assuring that all monies will be returned to you if the location does not comply with all Town ordinances;
• Zoning for the intended business use must be approved by the Legal Department and you must be able to conform to the off-street parking requirements (defined as parking other than parking on the street), if applicable;
• You will be notified by the Business License Department after final approval is obtained. If approval is denied, you will be notified by certified mail, along with the reasons for denial;
• You must contact the Fire, Building, Electrical and Health departments and set Property Inspection appointments;
• You must correct/repair all violations found on inspection;
• You must call and schedule reinspections with the department(s) citing the violation(s). If the inspections confirm that all violations have been corrected satisfactorily, the License Department will receive the necessary approvals;
• You will be notified by the license department to come and fill out another application and you must provide copies of the following documentation
  • Certificate of insurance;
  • Annual report, or, the first three pages of the corporate papers with the names of the corporate officers;
  • Illinois Business Tax Number;
  • Current Real Estate Tax Bill and Evidence of Payment; i.e. a receipt or front and back of check
• Pay for your Business License in accordance with the schedule of costs set by Town ordinance.Contact the Business License office for an application for a Business License.