All new businesses in the Village of Hoffman Estates are required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy prior to obtaining a Business License. This includes businesses that are new to the Village, existing businesses that are relocating to another village location, an existing business that is relocating to another tenant unit in the same location, and an existing business that has a change of ownership. Please note that all business uses will need to be verified that it is a permitted zoning use. To view the Village’s Zoning Map as well as Zoning Code, please visit www.hoffmanestates.org/planning.

The Certificate of Occupancy Permit application can be submitted in conjunction with the Business License Application, however it is important for the business operator to know that the business license will not be approved until Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. The building or tenant space may not be occupied and/or business conducted until all requirements for the Certificate of Occupancy, including applicable inspections, have been met.

Businesses that are performing interior and exterior modifications (including, but not limited to, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work) will need to apply for a Commercial Alterations / Tenant Build-Out Building Permit application. Instructions to apply for a Commercial Alterations / Tenant Build-Out Building Permit can be found at www.hoffmanestates.org/permits. Any food handling business is subject to Village Health Inspections.

Required submittals:

• Completed Occupancy Permit Application
• Business Operations Narrative including: 
  • Detailed description of the business and all operations on site.
  • Description of space and if any work has been completed in the space (including cosmetic work).
• Floor Plan / Layout with rooms labeled by use.

All permit applications must be submitted in full. Applications with missing information will not be accepted and will not initiate the application process. Any false, misleading or material omission of information shall subject any license or permit issued as a result of this application to be subject to revocation. The acceptance of an application does not bind or obligate the Village to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional documentation and fees may be required. The Village will contact the business owner / applicant via email for this additional information should it be necessary.

Occupancy Permit Application Form 

Occupancy Permit Roadmap

If you are applying for build-out or tenant build-out permit, you will not need to apply for a separate occupancy permit. The occupancy permit will be issued once the final inspection has been passed. Please visit our Building Permits page for more information.