“It’s a new day to do business in Downtown Elgin!”
Downtown Elgin has created a flexible business ordinance that can accommodate a wide range of hybrid business models. This new zoning ordinance will allow more new business to bypass waiting period and application fees.
Key Updates to the ordinance
#1 Streamlined Approvals
The new ordinance eliminates unnecessary delays and reduces application fees for new businesses, making it easier to open in downtown Elgin.
#2 Expanded Accessory Use
By increasing the allowable footprint for accessory businesses from 10% to 30%, businesses can offer more complementary services, increasing both revenue and customer engagement.
#3 Welcoming More Business Types
Businesses like hotels, grocery stores, fitness centers, and event spaces can now open without the need for conditional use permits, making downtown Elgin an even more attractive place to invest.
Conditional Use Category Changes
Under Conditional Uses, the following Assembly Use Categories are now By Right.
Food Stores
Event Venues
Hotels and Motels
Dance Studios and Schools
Physical Fitness Facilities
Vocational Schools
Museums and Art Galleries
Bingo and Billiard Parlors
Movie Theaters
and so much more!
Updated Ordinance
 Created an Artisan Class as a business model type.
 Categorized Artisan Class as “By Right” if operating in spaces up to 5,000 sq ft.
Re-categorizing small scale manufacturing artisan class businesses as By Right will help bring in more of this type of business, which is a critical component of a thriving downtown economy.
 Expanding “By Right” to include more desired businesses
By moving businesses such as hotels, grocery stores, physical fitness center, event spaces that allow for group assembly into the By Right category, we have made opening a business in the downtown more attractive and feasible.
 Increase footprint for Accessory Use from 10% to 30%
An increase in footprint for Accessory Use will allow businesses to offer additional adjacent services that will in turn bring in more revenue and customers.
Ordinance Overview
The updated ordinance streamlines business operations, fostering a more inclusive and thriving downtown community.
SIMPLIFIED PROCESS
For small businesses that may not have the time or resources to navigate complicated regulations, this ordinance cuts down on lengthy waiting periods and application fees, giving them a fair chance to succeed.
ENHANCED BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The updated ordinance simplifies processes, making it easier for businesses to thrive and grow within our downtown community.
TIME & COST EFFICIENCY
By streamlining the approval process, businesses can open faster with reduced financial burdens, allowing owners to focus on what matters most: their business.
COMPETITIVE EDGE
By modernizing our ordinance, we have made downtown Elgin more attractive compared to our neighboring areas, encouraging investment and growth.
WHY LOCATE IN DOWNTOWN ELGIN?
The cost of real estate in Downtown Elgin is as much as 30% lower than surrounding competing communities. On average the cost of commercial space in Downtown Elgin is $12-$16 per square foot.
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