The Village of Bartlett is a community committed to the success of business. It offers both its residents and businesses well-planned sustainable growth.

How Do I Open a New Business?
Are you starting a business OR moving your business into an existing building? This guide will help you through the process to ensure you are on your way to opening your business.

A change of use occurs when there is any change in the occupancy of a building that could trigger a change in the code requirements that apply to the location.

In some cases, this is a change to a completely different use than that which previously occupied the building. In other instances, this is a change in use within the same occupancy classification, but at a different occupancy level. It is important for these changes to be reviewed by the county to ensure that the site can accommodate the type of use that is proposed, and most importantly, that the building meets all requirements for public safety.

STEP 1: Identify Potential Location
Helpful Tip #1. Contact the Economic Development Coordinator at 630-540-5937 and ask about available sites, new business resources, such as the Bartlett Economic Development Assistance (BEDA) Program, incentives and other business support.

Helpful Tip #2. Check out the interactive Available Sites Map to view all available Commercial/Office Space, Industrial Space and Development Sites

STEP 2: Contact Planning & Development Services
When looking for an existing building for your business, it is important to know what a property is zoned. The zoning of a property will determine whether a use is permitted, specially permitted, or not permitted. You can find out the zoning district of any property by looking the property up on the interactive Bartlett Address Reference Map. 

The permitted and specially permitted uses in each district are identified in the Bartlett Municipal and
Zoning Code. Please contact Planning and Development Services at 630-540-5920 to verify your use is allowed at the desired location.

When you have found a site you think would be suitable for your business, it is extremely important to contact the village and share your plans. The Planning & Development Services Department will verify the use is permitted, there is adequate parking, utilities and fire safety, and if there are conditions associated with the property. If you are planning to make improvements to the exterior of the property, the village can help you with the conceptual plan review process.

STEP 3: Apply for for Zoning Relief (if necessary)
Helpful Tip #3. Each location and business need is unique, so the steps may vary. By contacting the Planning & Zoning Office, you will be advised as to which steps are required for your particular needs and site.

Helpful Tip #4. It is important that you collect the information noted above BEFORE signing a lease or purchasing property, so you can be sure the location you choose allows your type of business.

STEP 4: Apply for a Building Permit(s) and Business License
The Village of Bartlett Building Code designates every building according to its intended use. The uses are divided into specific categories based on several factors, including fire hazard, number of persons and general public safety. When the use of a building changes, the building requirements may also change. Therefore, a building permit is necessary in order to verify that these requirements have been met. If the building does not meet the requirements for the proposed use, the necessary changes must be made before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. A building permit must also be obtained for any optional changes you wish to make to the building.

Helpful Tip #5. If your business will need a liquor license, it is important to apply for that in conjunction with your building permits (Step 4) due to the time required for liquor license approval.

STEP 5: Receive a Certificate of Occupancy
Once all inspections have passed, the building division will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) allowing you to move into the space.

Helpful Tip #6. Because any number of factors could delay the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the village strongly recommends that you do not schedule or announce grand openings prior to actual receipt of a C.O.

STEP 6: Obtain a Business License
Before your business is operational, you must obtain a business license. If you submitted your application in conjunction with "Step 4," then once the C.O. is granted, you will be prompted for payment for your business license. Once payment is received, a license will be issued.

You can scan the QR code to access the portal for correct permits, certificates and licenses or visit Opening a Business in Bartlett on the Village of Bartlett Permitting & Licensing Portal.

Other Information
If you are having difficulty finding a potential location for your business, the Economic Development Coordinator ,630-540-5937, may be able to assist you in finding properties that are available.

Planning and Development Services, 630-540-5920
Economic Development Coordinator, 630-540-5937
Main Office, 630-837-0800