FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes - and please be responsible and notify our department of name and address changes for your tenants as they occur. With the large number of renters moving in and out of the city, it is your responsibility to verify that the information we have on record for utility billing is correct.
An application for a license should be made in writing to the City Clerk if you plan to sell, conduct, or operate any of the following: scavenger service, bed and breakfast establishment, cigarettes, juke box, pool table, dancing, amusement device, bowling alley, trailer court, street vendor or taxi cab. Although the city does not issue business licenses, restaurant and retail food establishments must follow state and county codes and contact DeKalb County Health Department (815-758-6673) to determine what requirements are in effect. All businesses should check with the city’s zoning department (815-786-8802) to confirm the type of establishment proposed is allowed under the city’s zoning and building ordinance. Provide the
Police Department (815-786-7261) with after hour’s phone numbers for your business.
To ensure compliance with the building code, permits are required for most construction projects, including room additions, decks, porches and patios, demolition, excavating, fences, adding a garage, building a new house, building a shed and swimming pools. Re-roofing requires a permit only if it involves replacement of the wood roof sheathing (plywood) or the structure of the roof is being altered
Businesses should be aware that permits are needed for installing or moving signs, as well as canopies or awnings. Anytime the use of the structure is being changed (such as changing a warehouse to a restaurant) a permit is required.
If you have questions whether or not a permit is required, phone the Building and Zoning Department at 815-786-8802.
Building and Engineering Department