Zoning & Business Licensing
Does the Property Fit Your Proposed Use?
Before investing in a property or signing a lease, it is critically important to confirm that your proposed business is compatible with the zoning regulations guiding use of the property. Use the zoning tools below to do an initial assessment of any potential business locations. Once you think you have a good fit for your business that meets Village requirements, submit a Business Compliance Certificate (BCC) application and Village staff will confirm zoning compliance. If you have any questions or would like to discuss zoning requirements, contact the Zoning Administrator at 847-663-3062 or by email commdev@mortongroveil.org.
- What zoning district is the property located in? Determine the zoning district classification of any Morton Grove property using the Interactive Zoning Map or PDF Zoning Map.
- Does the zoning district allow my proposed business, organization, or development? The Unified Development Code (Title 12) established whether a use is a Permitted Use, Special Use, or prohibited use in each zoning district. You can view use matrices for the Village’s Residential Districts, Commercial Districts, and Manufacturing Districts online.
- Does the property meet the off-street parking requirement? Off-street parking requirements are listed by use in Chapter 12-7 of the Unified Development Code. Effective June 1, 2026, the State of Illinois People Over Parking Act impacts off-street parking requirements in select areas of the Village. Learn more about the Act and view a map of impacted areas in Morton Grove using the following links:
Other zoning and applicable code requirements may apply. The Department of Community and Economic Development helps guide applicants through the land use and development review process. Call 847-663-3063 or email commdev@mortongroveil.org.
Zoning Applications
Residents, property owners, developers, and businesses can use the following zoning applications and related resources for proposed property improvements, development projects, zoning changes, and requests for relief from applicable zoning regulations.
- Appearance Commission Application
- Design Workbook – Commercial
- Design Workbook – Residential
- Map Amendment Application
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) Application
- Special Use Application
- Subdivision Application
- Text Amendment Application
- Vacation Application
- Variation Application
Variations Applications: The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) provides property owners with a process to request relief from certain zoning requirements when a proposed property improvement does not fully meet the applicable zoning regulations. Residents may seek a zoning variation for projects such as:
- Home additions or expansions
- Garages and accessory structures
- Setback or lot-area variations
- Building height or lot-coverage requests
- Fences, decks, porches, or other site improvements
- Other property improvements that require relief from zoning regulations
A variation is a request for permission to deviate from a specific zoning requirement. Each application is reviewed by the ZBA based on the applicable zoning regulations, the standards for variation set forth in the Unified Development Code, and the circumstances of the property.
The ZBA process includes submitting a Variation Application along with plans and supporting documents, the Village notifying neighboring property owners by mail, signage posted on the subject property, and the applicant attending and presenting at a public hearing. For questions about the process of review, call 848-663-3062 or email commdev@mortongroveil.org.
Business Licensing
- Business License Application (Compliance Certificate Application)
- Regulations and Guidelines for Home-Based Businesses
All industrial, commercial, and home-based businesses and non-residential uses located in the Village are required to maintain an active business license and renew it annually. This license does not regulate the manner in which you do business, but verifies that your business is in compliance with all local zoning, building, health, and fire codes and other applicable Village regulations. Chapter 4-4 of the Municipal Code establishes business licensing requirements. Acceptance of a business license is an acknowledgement of the business owner’s responsibility to comply with all Village ordinances, including the maintenance of the public right-of-way immediately adjacent to the place of business.
The annual fee for this license is based on the size of your business operation. Additional fees are assessed for various businesses and activities. An additional license is also required for the sale of tobacco products and the sale or dispensing of liquor. The licensing period extends from January 1 to December 31. Existing business licenses must be renewed annually. Current fees can be viewed under Section 1-11-4 of the Municipal Code.
For additional information on business licensing, contact the Department of Community and Economic Development at 847-663-3063 or by email at commdev@mortongroveil.org.
Business Signage
Business signage is subject to the requirements of Title 10, Chapter 10. The installation of any permanent signage on private property requires a Sign Permit, which may be obtained by submitting a Sign Permit Application. The installation of any temporary signage only requires Village authorization, which may be made by submission of a Temporary Signage Application. Signage applications can be obtained from Building and Inspectional Services.
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