In recent years, Carol Stream has seen a rising trend in home-based businesses, also known as home occupations. From graphic designers to online retailers, more residents are turning their passion projects into professional endeavors without leaving their homes. This shift reflects changes in the economy and promotes work-life balance, sustainability, and local entrepreneurship.

What Are Home Occupations?
Home occupations are small businesses operated from a residential property. Common examples include tutoring, consulting, dog walking, handmade crafts, and online sales. These businesses must be registered with the village and must comply with local zoning regulations. These guidelines help maintain neighborhood character while allowing residents to work from home.

Village Guidelines

Carol Stream permits many home-based businesses, provided they follow specific criteria, such as:

• Traffic generation: Business activity shouldn’t create more traffic or deliveries than what’s typical in a residential neighborhood.
• Signage: There should be no visible signs or activities from the outside of the home that suggest it’s being used for anything other than a residence.
• Parking: Customer parking must not cause safety issues or unusual congestion.
• Exterior modifications to the home and property: No structural changes or additions that are inconsistent with a residential use.

Benefits to the Community

1. Local Economic Growth: Home-based businesses support the local economy by offering goods and services to residents and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship.
2. Work-Life Balance: Operating from home offers flexibility, reduces commuting, and makes it easier to balance family and work responsibilities.
3. Sustainability: Fewer commutes reduce emissions that promotes sustainable living.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Home occupations allow residents to turn ideas into viable businesses, keeping Carol Stream dynamic and forward-thinking.

Supporting Home-Based Businesses
Home occupations in Carol Stream offer a unique opportunity for local residents to contribute to the economy, enhance their work-life balance, and embrace entrepreneurial endeavors. As we look to the future, it’s clear that this trend will continue to shape our community and create new possibilities for both individuals and the village as a whole.

For more information:

Review regulations in the Unified Development Ordinance

Contact the Community Development Department at communitydevelopment@carolstream.org or call 630-871-6230.

Register your home occupation online through the Business Registration Portal