Business License
For all businesses for which a license is not specifically required by the Municipal Code, there is a $25 fee to register with the City of Elmhurst. Please see the License Categories listed or consult Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code for additional fees and regulations associated with business registration and licensing.
All persons engaged in businesses or occupations operating within the City for which a license is not specifically required by the Municipal Code, shall register with the City Clerk. To find out if a license is needed for your business, view License Categories. A Business License / Registration must be obtained from the City Clerk's Office when:
- Starting a new business
- Relocating a business
- Expanding a business
- A change in ownership
Online Licensing: Citizen Self-Service PortalThe City's online Citizen Self-Service Portal allows users to apply for a business license, track their license, submit documents, schedule inspections, and communicate with staff. Anyone seeking a business license in the City of Elmhurst will be required to utilize the Citizen Self-Service Portal.
Sign up or access the Citizen Self-Service Portal here.
Instructions on how to create a Citizen Self-Service account.
View step-by-step directions on how to Apply online here.
If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk's office at (630)530-3010.
Registration Information
The complete conditions and regulations regarding obtaining a Business License / Registration are outlined in Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code. First, you must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. After the Certificate of Occupancy is submitted and approved, to apply, you must create an account or login to the Citizen Self-Service Portal to apply for the Business License / Registration.
For all businesses for which a license is not specifically required by the Municipal Code, there is a $25 fee to register with the City of Elmhurst. Please see the License Categories listed or consult Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code for additional fees and regulations associated with business registration and licensing.
For all businesses for which a license is not specifically required by the Municipal Code, there is a $25 fee to register with the City of Elmhurst. Please see the License Categories listed or consult Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code for additional fees and regulations associated with business registration and licensing.
To find out if a license is needed for your business, view License Categories. A Business License / Registration must be obtained from the City Clerk's Office when:
- Starting a new business
- Relocating a business
- Expanding a business
- A change in ownership
Business Registrations
Fees
Fees
Requirements
A license shall be required of any person who engages in the business of operating an ambulance from points within the City to points within the City without a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 31).
Fees
A license shall be required of any person who engages in the business of operating an ambulance from points within the City to points within the City without a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 31).
Fees
| Type of Ambulance | Yearly Cost Per Ambulance |
| Advanced life support | $50 |
| Other | $30 |
Requirements
A license shall be required for each coin-in-slot, mechanical and/or electronic amusement device, including jukeboxes (MCO Chapter 31, Section 40) .
Recreation Facility
A license shall be required for each coin-in-slot, mechanical and/or electronic amusement device, including jukeboxes (MCO Chapter 31, Section 40) .
Recreation Facility
- Maximum number of billiards / pool tables allowed is one per every 500 square feet of floor area
- Maximum number of coin-in-slot, mechanical, and/or electronic amusement devices, including jukeboxes is one per every 1,000 square feet of floor area
- Maximum number of Billiards / pool tables allowed is one per every 500 square feet of floor area
- Maximum number of coin-in-slot, mechanical and/or electronic amusement devices, including jukeboxes is one per every 500 square feet of floor area, not to exceed the cap of five total devices
| Device | Cost Per Device |
| Billiards / pool tables | $150 |
| Coin-in-slot | $150 |
Requirements
It shall be unlawful to operate an automobile repair establishment, express automobile service center, or automobile service station without first having obtained a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 151).
Fees
It shall be unlawful to operate an automobile repair establishment, express automobile service center, or automobile service station without first having obtained a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 151).
Fees
| Establishment | Yearly Fee |
| Automobile repair | $50 |
| Express service centers | $30 |
| Service stations | $50 |
Requirements
It shall be unlawful for any person to establish or operate within the City, a plant, plant store, branch in connection with any dry cleaning operation or business without having first obtained a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 31).
Fees
| Service | Yearly Fee |
|---|---|
| Dry cleaning establishment | $100 |
| Dry cleaning machine | $25 |
| Drop-off service only | $100 |
Requirements
It shall be unlawful for any food handler to engage in or do business in the city without having first secured a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 31).
Food and Beverage Tax
The City of Elmhurst will collect a 1% Food and Beverage Tax on the retail sale of food and beverage. This includes all food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are prepared for immediate consumption and which may be consumed either on and/or off the premises. Retail sales of packaged alcoholic liquor at any packaged liquor establishment are also included.
Please include a copy of your most recent DuPage County Health Inspection Report with your application.
Fees
It shall be unlawful for any food handler to engage in or do business in the city without having first secured a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 31).
Food and Beverage Tax
The City of Elmhurst will collect a 1% Food and Beverage Tax on the retail sale of food and beverage. This includes all food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are prepared for immediate consumption and which may be consumed either on and/or off the premises. Retail sales of packaged alcoholic liquor at any packaged liquor establishment are also included.
Please include a copy of your most recent DuPage County Health Inspection Report with your application.
Fees
| Liquor License Holder | Yearly Fee |
|---|---|
| Yes | $25 |
| No | $25 |
Requirements
It shall be unlawful to operate a flammable and hazardous materials dealer establishment or to use or store flammable or hazardous materials without having first obtained a license, provided that no license shall be required for the storage of less than 1,000 gallons of heating oil where the same is used for heating purposes (MCO Chapter 31, Section 121) .
Fees
| Type of Underground Tank | Fee Per Year |
|---|---|
| Heating oil storage tank only | $50 |
| 5,000 square feet or less | $50 |
| 5,001 through 20,000 square feet | $100 |
| Over 20,000 square feet | $250 |
Requirements
No person shall establish, conduct or maintain a lumber yard in the city without first obtaining a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 181) .
Fees
Lumber yards and lumber storehouse fees are $100 per year.
No person shall establish, conduct or maintain a lumber yard in the city without first obtaining a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 181) .
Fees
Lumber yards and lumber storehouse fees are $100 per year.
Fees
Theater (motion picture, dramatic or cabaret) are $100 per year.
Theater (motion picture, dramatic or cabaret) are $100 per year.
Requirements
For the purposes of this Article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
Tobacco dealer fees are $50 per year.
For the purposes of this Article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
- Tobacco products - any substance containing tobacco leaf, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco or dipping tobacco
- Vending machine - any mechanical, electric or electronic, self service device which, upon insertion of money, tokens or any other form of payment, dispenses tobacco products
- MCO Chapter 31, Section 281
Tobacco dealer fees are $50 per year.
Other Licenses and Permits
Requirements
Each individual mobile food vending operator and vehicle must be licensed before they are allowed to operate within the Elmhurst City limits. Vehicles must pass inspections at approved locations within 30 days of application. An original certificate of insurance must also accompany the application. Mobile food vendor operators are subject to a background check prior to approval. Operators must submit a Driving Abstract from the Secretary of State’s Office within 30 days of application. Mobile food units shall move from place to place upon the public ways and shall not be operated at a fixed location except as otherwise provided herein. Stops shall be made only to service customers and shall not exceed a total of 30 minutes in any one block. No such unit shall traverse any such block more often than twice on any given day. It shall be unlawful for a person or corporation to operate a mobile food unit unless such person or corporation possesses a valid license issued by the City Clerk. No operator of such unit shall park or stand such vehicle within 500 feet of a school or school playground while school is in session or during any time school activities are taking place. No sale shall be made from any such unit except when such vehicle is lawfully parked at the right-hand street curb. Sales shall not be made from the left-hand side of the vehicle (Chapter 31, Section 135).
Fees
Food and Beverage Tax
The City of Elmhurst will collect a 1% Food and Beverage Tax on the retail sale of food and beverage which includes all food, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are prepared for immediate consumption and which may be consumed either on and/or off the premises. Retail sales of packaged alcoholic liquor at any packaged liquor establishment are also included. Please contact the Finance Collections Office for more details at (630) 530-3117.
Each individual mobile food vending operator and vehicle must be licensed before they are allowed to operate within the Elmhurst City limits. Vehicles must pass inspections at approved locations within 30 days of application. An original certificate of insurance must also accompany the application. Mobile food vendor operators are subject to a background check prior to approval. Operators must submit a Driving Abstract from the Secretary of State’s Office within 30 days of application. Mobile food units shall move from place to place upon the public ways and shall not be operated at a fixed location except as otherwise provided herein. Stops shall be made only to service customers and shall not exceed a total of 30 minutes in any one block. No such unit shall traverse any such block more often than twice on any given day. It shall be unlawful for a person or corporation to operate a mobile food unit unless such person or corporation possesses a valid license issued by the City Clerk. No operator of such unit shall park or stand such vehicle within 500 feet of a school or school playground while school is in session or during any time school activities are taking place. No sale shall be made from any such unit except when such vehicle is lawfully parked at the right-hand street curb. Sales shall not be made from the left-hand side of the vehicle (Chapter 31, Section 135).
Fees
| Type of Fee | Yearly Fee |
|---|---|
| Operator | $75 |
| Vehicle | $25 |
Food and Beverage Tax
The City of Elmhurst will collect a 1% Food and Beverage Tax on the retail sale of food and beverage which includes all food, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are prepared for immediate consumption and which may be consumed either on and/or off the premises. Retail sales of packaged alcoholic liquor at any packaged liquor establishment are also included. Please contact the Finance Collections Office for more details at (630) 530-3117.
Requirements
An application for a pushcart food vendor license shall include a business plan. Such business plan shall state if the business is a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship, the identified vending location(s) sought, the hours during which business shall be conducted, the knowledge and experience of the applicant in operating a business such as or similar to that proposed, the provisions to be made for transporting and storing the pushcart and food items, a photograph and the dimensions of the type of pushcart to be used, accompanied by a statement signed by the applicant that he or she will operate the pushcart food vendor business in accordance with such plan and application.
Additional Requirements
Food and Beverage Tax
The City of Elmhurst will collect a 1% Food and Beverage Tax on the retail sale of food and beverage which includes all food, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are prepared for immediate consumption and which may be consumed either on and/or off the premises. Retail sales of packaged alcoholic liquor at any packed liquor establishment are also included. Please contact the Finance Collections Office for more details at (630) 530-3117.
An application for a pushcart food vendor license shall include a business plan. Such business plan shall state if the business is a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship, the identified vending location(s) sought, the hours during which business shall be conducted, the knowledge and experience of the applicant in operating a business such as or similar to that proposed, the provisions to be made for transporting and storing the pushcart and food items, a photograph and the dimensions of the type of pushcart to be used, accompanied by a statement signed by the applicant that he or she will operate the pushcart food vendor business in accordance with such plan and application.
Additional Requirements
- The pushcart shall be attended by the operator at all times except in case of an emergency.
- Pushcart food vendors shall operate only between the hours of 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Food and Beverage Tax
The City of Elmhurst will collect a 1% Food and Beverage Tax on the retail sale of food and beverage which includes all food, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are prepared for immediate consumption and which may be consumed either on and/or off the premises. Retail sales of packaged alcoholic liquor at any packed liquor establishment are also included. Please contact the Finance Collections Office for more details at (630) 530-3117.
Requirements
It shall be unlawful for any scavenger to engage in scavenging in the City of Elmhurst without first having obtained a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 221).
Residential
Residential scavenger's license which shall permit the collection of garbage, rubbish, brush, any other refuse, or recyclable materials from single, two, three and four-family residence dwellings (residential locations). There shall be no more than one such license in force in the city at any time.
Commercial
Commercial scavenger's license which shall permit the collection of garbage, rubbish, brush, any other refuse, or recyclable materials from all but residential locations. The number of such licenses shall be unlimited.
The following items must accompany the application:
Commercial scavenger fees are $500 per year.
It shall be unlawful for any scavenger to engage in scavenging in the City of Elmhurst without first having obtained a license (MCO Chapter 31, Section 221).
Residential
Residential scavenger's license which shall permit the collection of garbage, rubbish, brush, any other refuse, or recyclable materials from single, two, three and four-family residence dwellings (residential locations). There shall be no more than one such license in force in the city at any time.
Commercial
Commercial scavenger's license which shall permit the collection of garbage, rubbish, brush, any other refuse, or recyclable materials from all but residential locations. The number of such licenses shall be unlimited.
The following items must accompany the application:
- Original Certificate of Insurance
- Surety Bond in the amount of $10,000
Commercial scavenger fees are $500 per year.
Requirements
A license shall be required for each auctioneer. No license shall be issued unless the auctioneer or applicant shall first post a bond in an amount determined by the City Manager taking into account the location; number of persons likely to be present and the nature of the property to be sold.
Fees
$50 per day
A license shall be required for each auctioneer. No license shall be issued unless the auctioneer or applicant shall first post a bond in an amount determined by the City Manager taking into account the location; number of persons likely to be present and the nature of the property to be sold.
Fees
$50 per day
Requirements
No person shall engage in, maintain or conduct the business of storing Christmas trees for sale or of selling Christmas trees upon or from any premises in the city without a license therefor.
It shall be the duty of every licensee under this article, after the Christmas season and not later than the fifth day of January, to remove all unsold Christmas trees and debris from and to clean up and restore to safe condition the premises of which his license was issued.
Fees
$25 application fee
$250 refundable deposit
No person shall engage in, maintain or conduct the business of storing Christmas trees for sale or of selling Christmas trees upon or from any premises in the city without a license therefor.
It shall be the duty of every licensee under this article, after the Christmas season and not later than the fifth day of January, to remove all unsold Christmas trees and debris from and to clean up and restore to safe condition the premises of which his license was issued.
Fees
$25 application fee
$250 refundable deposit
Requirements
Except as provided in Section 31.303, no person shall engage in, participate in or initiate any film, still, and/or video, production activities anywhere in the City, including the interior or exterior of public or private property, without having obtained a film production permit from the City in accordance with the procedures established in this Article. There shall be two (2) categories of film production permits. Category "A" permits shall apply to multiple-day filming. Category "B" permits shall apply to single-day filming. Single-day filming shall mean film production that is commenced and completed on the same calendar day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Fees
$200
Except as provided in Section 31.303, no person shall engage in, participate in or initiate any film, still, and/or video, production activities anywhere in the City, including the interior or exterior of public or private property, without having obtained a film production permit from the City in accordance with the procedures established in this Article. There shall be two (2) categories of film production permits. Category "A" permits shall apply to multiple-day filming. Category "B" permits shall apply to single-day filming. Single-day filming shall mean film production that is commenced and completed on the same calendar day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Fees
$200
Requirements - Must be submitted with the application
Application will not be considered without the submittal of the following items.
1. Site Plan: that illustrates the proposed layout subject to review and approval. With written permission from neighboring businesses, sidewalk seating may extend beyond business frontage during operations subject to City review and approval.
Site Plan must include the following:
3. Insurance: Attach evidence of general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 listing the City of Elmhurst as Certificate Holder
4. Outdoor Dining Standards: Signed acknowledgment of outdoor dining standards & fine schedule (Exhibit A)
5. Hold Harmless: Attach signed Hold Harmless Agreement indemnifying the City of Elmhurst (Exhibit B)
6. Permissions: Attach signed letter(s) of permission from property owner and/or neighboring business owners as applicable to your request. Parklet includes two (2) parking spaces, ten (10) jersey barriers and covers, and four (4) planter brackets.
Additional Operational Procedures
Outdoor Dining Application
Fees
$100/application fee & sidewalk café
$2500/parklet
Application will not be considered without the submittal of the following items.
1. Site Plan: that illustrates the proposed layout subject to review and approval. With written permission from neighboring businesses, sidewalk seating may extend beyond business frontage during operations subject to City review and approval.
Site Plan must include the following:
- Inclusion of a 60” pedestrian walk-way on sidewalks which must be maintained (Pedestrian area cannot encroach on non-ADA tree grates)
- Any changes to ingress/egress of parking lots/spaces if applicable
- Which parking spaces are being eliminated if applicable
- Intended layout of café/parklet furniture including tables, chairs, and other design elements
- Proof of compliance with ADA requirements
3. Insurance: Attach evidence of general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 listing the City of Elmhurst as Certificate Holder
4. Outdoor Dining Standards: Signed acknowledgment of outdoor dining standards & fine schedule (Exhibit A)
5. Hold Harmless: Attach signed Hold Harmless Agreement indemnifying the City of Elmhurst (Exhibit B)
6. Permissions: Attach signed letter(s) of permission from property owner and/or neighboring business owners as applicable to your request. Parklet includes two (2) parking spaces, ten (10) jersey barriers and covers, and four (4) planter brackets.
Additional Operational Procedures
- All Sidewalks and/or Parking Lots must be cleaned at end of service daily
- No Smoking will be allowed in outdoor dining areas
Outdoor Dining Application
Fees
$100/application fee & sidewalk café
$2500/parklet
Requirements
No pedicab owner shall engage in business unless a pedicab business license has been obtained from the City Clerk. Pedicab business licenses shall be issued for a one-year period beginning January 1 and expiring December 31 of each year, unless sooner suspended or revoked pursuant to this Article. Pedicab business licenses issued after January 1 shall expire on December 31 and the cost thereof shall not be reduced or prorated.
Fees
$45/background check per operator
$25/per pedicab vehicle
$125/license annually
No pedicab owner shall engage in business unless a pedicab business license has been obtained from the City Clerk. Pedicab business licenses shall be issued for a one-year period beginning January 1 and expiring December 31 of each year, unless sooner suspended or revoked pursuant to this Article. Pedicab business licenses issued after January 1 shall expire on December 31 and the cost thereof shall not be reduced or prorated.
Fees
$45/background check per operator
$25/per pedicab vehicle
$125/license annually
Requirements
Every alarm user shall obtain an alarm user permit for each alarm system he operates within this city from the City Clerk. This paragraph does not require that private alarm contractors obtain a permit under this subsection when it leases or provides services to alarm system users. If a private alarm contractor does, however, use an alarm system to protect its own premises, it shall obtain a permit for such system as required in this subsection. Alarm User Permit Application. The alarm user applying for the permit required in paragraph 1 of this subsection shall state on a permit application form to be prepared by the City Clerk, in consultation with the Police and Fire Chiefs, such information as required. The information contained in an alarm user permit application required by this subsection (d) and other information received by the city through correspondence or communications with an alarm user shall be securely maintained and restricted to inspection only by the Police or Fire Chief or certain officers or city employees specifically assigned the responsibility for handling and processing alarm user permits in the course of official duties. Any alarm system user who operates an alarm system without first obtaining a permit as required by this subsection, or who, after having a permit revoked, or suspended, and after exhausting his rights to hearing and appeal fails to disconnect his alarm system, shall be in violation of this section.
Fees
$25/new
$15/renewal
Every alarm user shall obtain an alarm user permit for each alarm system he operates within this city from the City Clerk. This paragraph does not require that private alarm contractors obtain a permit under this subsection when it leases or provides services to alarm system users. If a private alarm contractor does, however, use an alarm system to protect its own premises, it shall obtain a permit for such system as required in this subsection. Alarm User Permit Application. The alarm user applying for the permit required in paragraph 1 of this subsection shall state on a permit application form to be prepared by the City Clerk, in consultation with the Police and Fire Chiefs, such information as required. The information contained in an alarm user permit application required by this subsection (d) and other information received by the city through correspondence or communications with an alarm user shall be securely maintained and restricted to inspection only by the Police or Fire Chief or certain officers or city employees specifically assigned the responsibility for handling and processing alarm user permits in the course of official duties. Any alarm system user who operates an alarm system without first obtaining a permit as required by this subsection, or who, after having a permit revoked, or suspended, and after exhausting his rights to hearing and appeal fails to disconnect his alarm system, shall be in violation of this section.
Fees
$25/new
$15/renewal
Requirements
The complete requirements, rules and regulations regarding the solicitation of contributions within the City limits of Elmhurst are outlined in Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code.
The purpose of the Municipal Code governing solicitors is to prevent crime; to protect the health, safety, welfare and privacy of the City’s residents in their homes from unwanted disturbances and intrusions; and to ensure that the Police Department is aware of the number and identity of persons who will be soliciting, the geographical areas and time periods during which such activities will occur.
Door-to-Door SolicitationPermit Required
A permit to solicit door to door is required for any and all persons and organizations that wish to go upon any premises and ring the doorbell, knock upon or near any door, or create any sound in any other manner that is calculated to attract the attention of an occupant or owner for the purpose of engaging in any of the activities described below:
Anyone who wishes to solicit must apply for a solicitors permit through the Citizen Self-Service Portal (CSSP) Applications take approximately three weeks to be processed. All applicants will undergo a background check with the Police Department. Once approved, each solicitor is required to wear a photo identification badge issued by the City Clerk’s Office around their neck so that it is visible at all times while they are soliciting.
No Solicitor Invited
“No Solicitors Invited” Sticker can be requested from the City Clerk.
If a “No Solicitor Invited” sticker is displayed, a solicitor must immediately leave the premises. Any solicitor who has gained entrance to any residence, whether invited or not must immediately and peacefully depart from the premises when requested to do so.
If you have any concerns regarding any person soliciting in your neighborhood please call 911, let them know your location and that there is a solicitor in the vicinity who is in violation of City’s Municipal Code. Reporting the violation will immediately dispatch an officer while the solicitor is in the area. To call after they have left the area does not allow an officer to confront the solicitor in person.
Please Note: The fact that an organization has been issued permission to solicit contributions is not an endorsement of the organization by the City of Elmhurst.
Exemptions
A person age 16 and under, who is participating in fundraising programs for, or sponsored by, a public or private elementary, high school, or bona fide children’s organization including, without limitation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or youth sports, is not required to obtain a certificate of registration.
Also exempt from obtaining a certificate of registration, are those persons who are not soliciting funds for any purpose in their canvassing, surveying, or proselytizing and who are not attempting to sell or promote any goods or services, as more fully set forth in Section 31.240 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code. All persons who qualify under this exemption shall be referred to as exempt solicitors.
Hours
10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Permit Fees
Not-for-profit / charitable organizations: $65
For-profit organizations:
The complete requirements, rules and regulations regarding the solicitation of contributions within the City limits of Elmhurst are outlined in Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code.
The purpose of the Municipal Code governing solicitors is to prevent crime; to protect the health, safety, welfare and privacy of the City’s residents in their homes from unwanted disturbances and intrusions; and to ensure that the Police Department is aware of the number and identity of persons who will be soliciting, the geographical areas and time periods during which such activities will occur.
Door-to-Door SolicitationPermit Required
A permit to solicit door to door is required for any and all persons and organizations that wish to go upon any premises and ring the doorbell, knock upon or near any door, or create any sound in any other manner that is calculated to attract the attention of an occupant or owner for the purpose of engaging in any of the activities described below:
- Seeking to obtain orders for the purchase of goods, wares, merchandise, foodstuffs, services, of any kind, character, or description whatever, for any kind of consideration whatever
- Seeking to obtain prospective customers for application or purchase of insurance of any type, kind, or character
- Seeking to obtain subscriptions to books, magazines, periodicals, newspapers, and every other type or kind of publication
- Seeking to obtain gifts or contributions of money, clothing, or any other valuable thing for the support or benefit of any charitable or non-profit association, organization, corporation, or project
Anyone who wishes to solicit must apply for a solicitors permit through the Citizen Self-Service Portal (CSSP) Applications take approximately three weeks to be processed. All applicants will undergo a background check with the Police Department. Once approved, each solicitor is required to wear a photo identification badge issued by the City Clerk’s Office around their neck so that it is visible at all times while they are soliciting.
No Solicitor Invited
“No Solicitors Invited” Sticker can be requested from the City Clerk.
If a “No Solicitor Invited” sticker is displayed, a solicitor must immediately leave the premises. Any solicitor who has gained entrance to any residence, whether invited or not must immediately and peacefully depart from the premises when requested to do so.
If you have any concerns regarding any person soliciting in your neighborhood please call 911, let them know your location and that there is a solicitor in the vicinity who is in violation of City’s Municipal Code. Reporting the violation will immediately dispatch an officer while the solicitor is in the area. To call after they have left the area does not allow an officer to confront the solicitor in person.
Please Note: The fact that an organization has been issued permission to solicit contributions is not an endorsement of the organization by the City of Elmhurst.
Exemptions
A person age 16 and under, who is participating in fundraising programs for, or sponsored by, a public or private elementary, high school, or bona fide children’s organization including, without limitation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or youth sports, is not required to obtain a certificate of registration.
Also exempt from obtaining a certificate of registration, are those persons who are not soliciting funds for any purpose in their canvassing, surveying, or proselytizing and who are not attempting to sell or promote any goods or services, as more fully set forth in Section 31.240 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code. All persons who qualify under this exemption shall be referred to as exempt solicitors.
Hours
10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Permit Fees
Not-for-profit / charitable organizations: $65
For-profit organizations:
- Fee for the organization: $50
- Fee per solicitor: $25
Overview
A Raffle Permit is required for any and all persons and organizations that wish to conduct a raffle within the City of Elmhurst. Raffle permits are issued by the City Clerk’s Office. All information requested on the application must be filled in as a background check will be done by the Police Department prior to approval of the raffle permit.
The complete conditions and regulations regarding obtaining a Raffle Permit are outlined in Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code.
Applications take approximately three weeks to be processed. There is a $25 fee for a Raffle Permit.
Requirements
Raffle Permits will be issued only to bona fide religious, charitable, labor, fraternal, educational, or veterans’ organizations that operate without profit to their members and that have been in existence continuously for a period of five years immediately before making application for a license and that have had during that entire five-year period a bona fide membership engaged in carrying out their objects.
Fees
$25
A Raffle Permit is required for any and all persons and organizations that wish to conduct a raffle within the City of Elmhurst. Raffle permits are issued by the City Clerk’s Office. All information requested on the application must be filled in as a background check will be done by the Police Department prior to approval of the raffle permit.
The complete conditions and regulations regarding obtaining a Raffle Permit are outlined in Chapter 31 of the City of Elmhurst Municipal Code.
Applications take approximately three weeks to be processed. There is a $25 fee for a Raffle Permit.
Requirements
Raffle Permits will be issued only to bona fide religious, charitable, labor, fraternal, educational, or veterans’ organizations that operate without profit to their members and that have been in existence continuously for a period of five years immediately before making application for a license and that have had during that entire five-year period a bona fide membership engaged in carrying out their objects.
Fees
$25
Requirements
For the solicitation of contributions from the occupant of any vehicle or pedestrian on the public rights of way within the City of Elmhurst. Permitted at intersections only where traffic is required to come to a full stop. Only issued to local charitable or religious organizations. Prohibited solicitation areas include: (1) On Illinois Route 83 within one thousand (1,000) feet of the centerline of Illinois Route 64 (North Avenue); and (2) On Illinois Route 83 within one thousand (1,000) feet of the centerline of St. Charles Road.
Fees
$15
For the solicitation of contributions from the occupant of any vehicle or pedestrian on the public rights of way within the City of Elmhurst. Permitted at intersections only where traffic is required to come to a full stop. Only issued to local charitable or religious organizations. Prohibited solicitation areas include: (1) On Illinois Route 83 within one thousand (1,000) feet of the centerline of Illinois Route 64 (North Avenue); and (2) On Illinois Route 83 within one thousand (1,000) feet of the centerline of St. Charles Road.
Fees
$15
Requirements
Any towing operator who works within the City of Elmhurst boundaries is required to complete a background check.
Fees
$75/per operator background
Any towing operator who works within the City of Elmhurst boundaries is required to complete a background check.
Fees
$75/per operator background
Requirements
"Transient merchant" means any person who is engaged temporarily in the retail sale of goods, wares, or merchandise in this state and who, for the purpose of conducting such business, occupies any building, room, vehicle, structure of any kind, or vacant lot. However, this Article does not apply to any person selling goods, wares or merchandise which are raised, produced or manufactured by him, to any person selling vegetables, fruit or perishable farm products at an established city market, to any person operating a stand or booth on or adjacent to property owned by him or upon which he resides, or to any person operating a stand or booth at a city fair. This Article does not apply to any person holding a valid license, issued by Du Page County or the City of Elmhurst, to engage in retail sales.
"Itinerant vendor" means any person who transports tangible personal property for retail sale within the city who does not maintain in Illinois an established office, distribution house, sales house, warehouse, service center or residence from which such business is conducted. However, this Article does not apply to any person who delivers tangible personal property within the city who is fulfilling an order for such property which was solicited or placed by mail or other means. This Article does not apply to any person holding a valid license, issued by the County of Du Page or City of Elmhurst, to engage in retail sales.
Fees
$100
"Transient merchant" means any person who is engaged temporarily in the retail sale of goods, wares, or merchandise in this state and who, for the purpose of conducting such business, occupies any building, room, vehicle, structure of any kind, or vacant lot. However, this Article does not apply to any person selling goods, wares or merchandise which are raised, produced or manufactured by him, to any person selling vegetables, fruit or perishable farm products at an established city market, to any person operating a stand or booth on or adjacent to property owned by him or upon which he resides, or to any person operating a stand or booth at a city fair. This Article does not apply to any person holding a valid license, issued by Du Page County or the City of Elmhurst, to engage in retail sales.
"Itinerant vendor" means any person who transports tangible personal property for retail sale within the city who does not maintain in Illinois an established office, distribution house, sales house, warehouse, service center or residence from which such business is conducted. However, this Article does not apply to any person who delivers tangible personal property within the city who is fulfilling an order for such property which was solicited or placed by mail or other means. This Article does not apply to any person holding a valid license, issued by the County of Du Page or City of Elmhurst, to engage in retail sales.
Fees
$100
Requirements
Request for use of underpass electronic sign. Applicable only to events sponsored by units of local government including public schools, and Elmhurst not-for-profits sponsoring events WITHIN the boundaries of the City of Elmhurst.
Fees
$35/per side, per week
Request for use of underpass electronic sign. Applicable only to events sponsored by units of local government including public schools, and Elmhurst not-for-profits sponsoring events WITHIN the boundaries of the City of Elmhurst.
Fees
$35/per side, per week