Skip to content

Cutting Red Tape in Zoning: Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition

How can we cut red tape for small businesses through zoning? 

In the City of Chicago, every business license, location expansion and change of location application needs to be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals before a business license application can be processed. For a business owner to submit proper documentation, they must identify which business use to classify their business.  In the City of Chicago, there are over 22 pages of business uses - a portion of which are outdated and with a noticeable omission of modern ways to incorporate businesses into the city economy.

 

The SBAC believes in cutting red tape for small business owners. Simplifying and downsizing the list of business uses will make it easier for small businesses to obtain proper zoning credentials in a timely fashion. By identifying the antiquities in Chicago’s zoning classification system, we can further encourage entrepreneurs to look beyond the boundaries of traditional business structures.

 

Insights Archive

Letter to Alders

By patti@sbacil.org | November 8, 2023

To Members of the Chicago City Council: Chicago small businesses have faced many challenges over the past several years and encountered numerous obstacles while attempting to recover from the devastating pandemic. Disinvested communities continue struggling to fill vacant storefronts, attract businesses, and foster economic development. We ask that you refrain from passing the Chicago Paid…

Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance

By emma@sbacil.org | November 6, 2023

A press conference was held at City Hall to highlight concerns with the PTO ordinance and ask that changes to the ordinance be made. Hear from business owners, community advocates, and local chambers who passionately discussed their concerns and suggested possible improvements to the ordinance below. Over 30 chambers of commerce and place-based organizations sent…

GRCC & SBAC Empower | Business Development Program

By Nic | November 1, 2023

A New Program w/ The Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce Just this morning – as of writing – SBAC Empower, Andrea Reed of The Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Lautenslager of Get Looped LLC finalized our discussion on the future Mentoring and Business Building program coming to the GRCC in the Near Future!…

Scroll To Top