Frequently Asked Questions

Call the Community Development Department at 847-716-3525. The Department is responsible for administering and implementing the Village’s Zoning Ordinance, which regulates which uses are allowed in certain districts of the community.

A Certificate of Occupancy must be issued by the Community Development Director prior to occupancy of any commercial premises by a new business. To obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, the proposed business must:

• Be a use allowed by the Zoning Ordinance
• Must schedule and complete a pre-occupancy inspection with Village building, zoning and fire inspection staff

This inspection is performed at no cost to the applicant or owner, and is intended to assist the tenant in understanding code compliance matters prior to signing a lease. Inspections may be scheduled by contacting the Community Development Department at 847-716-3520.

Any business located in a residential zoning district must comply with the followings standards of the Winnetka Zoning Ordinance:

• No commodity may be kept, displayed, sold, or offered for sale upon the premises
• No person shall be employed on the premises other than a member of the immediate family residing on the premises
• No mechanical equipment except that which is used for domestic purposes shall be in operation for the home business

Please email the Community Development Department or call at 847-716-3525, with any questions.