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First Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 (“Business Licensing”), Article 2 (“Fee Schedule”), Section 8-2-1 (“License Fee Schedule”) of the Oak Park Village Code
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Introduction
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Pursuant to the Village Code, businesses have to renew their licenses annually. Staff reviewed the current fee schedule and proposed an annual registration fee for professional offices.
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Recommended Action
Approve the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action:
• On September 30, 2025, the Village Board approved a 3% increase to business licenses.
Background
Oak Park businesses are required to renew their business licenses annually and pay a fee based on the operation of the establishment. These fees were at a fixed rate since the chapter of the code was created. In 2015, the Village Code was amended to include donation boxes, and in 2018 the Village Code was amended to include “Massage Establishments and Massage Services.” In 2019, the Code was amended to include several new categories, but fees were never adjusted. In November 2024 and again in September 2025, the Village Board amended the code to increase fees by 3%.
Village staff have reviewed the business license fees and propose to keep license fees at the same rate, but create a new fee for professional offices. This would an annual registration fee of $100. Staff is proposing a registration fee to have better records of all of the professional offices in town. This fee would also support the staff time invested in processing the business applications.
Timing Considerations
The proposed fee schedule would be effective as of January 1, 2027.
Financial Impact
There are currently 306 professional offices registered with the Village, this would increase business license revenue annually by $30,600.
Operating Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
The proposed fee would make all business pay a fee to be registered with the Village.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• The increase would apply to all professional office registrations.
Disadvantages:
• Business owners would have an annual renewal rate.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village Board can direct staff to continue with the current business licensing fee schedule, with no additional changes.
Advantages:
• Business owners would pay the same rate paid in 2026 for their business license.
Disadvantages:
• Business license revenues would remain flat for 2027.
Alternative 2:
The Village Board can direct staff to increase fees at a different rate, comparable to neighboring communities.
Advantages:
• The fee schedule would increase to align with license rates in neighboring communities.
Disadvantages:
• License fees may increase more than 3%.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions associated with this item.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz, Business Services Manager/ Administrative Officer
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance
2. Exhibit A - Proposed Fee Schedule