Ordinance Filed to Reduce Special Use Zoning Fees For Small Businesses

The Small Business Advocacy Council has been working with a strong coalition on efforts to revitalize neighborhood business districts in Chicago. As part of these efforts, we are advocating to reduce fees for small businesses that want to open in Chicago. We are thrilled to report that we have worked with Alderman David Moore to file an ordinance that will cut fees for Chicago special use permits in half! A special use permit creates an exception to zoning regulations that may prohibit innovative businesses from opening. The special use permit will still need to be approved by the Chicago zoning board of appeals. This simply makes it more affordable for certain small businesses to open in Chicago. The fee will be reduced from $1000.00 to $500.00 for businesses with 100 or fewer employees. We look forward to engaging with politicians to get this ordinance passed!