Development Zoning, Permitting & Licensing
If you are deciding to choose Canton as the home for your new business, or if you already own a business and want to relocate or expand, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO VERIFY AND RESEARCH ZONING, INCENTIVE ELIGIBILITY, PROPERTY INFORMATION, PERMITTING, AND LICENSING INFORMATION BEFORE LEASING OR BUYING A PROPERTY.
To verify zoning, incentive eligibility, and property information, you may use the City’s GIS Economic Development Mapping Application. But always reach out to the city’s Planning & Zoning department for official verification.
Zoning Verification & Special Use Permit or Variance
Zoning Verification
Before signing a lease, buying property, or beginning construction, verify the zoning for your intended business use. Zoning determines what types of businesses are allowed at a given location.
Please contact the Planning & Zoning Department to help you:
- Verify zoning classification
- Confirm permitted uses
- Identify special restrictions or overlays
- Determine if a variance or special use approval is needed
- Review parking, access, and site standards
Special Use Permit or Variance
If your business or construction plans don’t quite fit the standard zoning or use:
- You may apply for a Special Use Permit, Variance, or Zoning change at City Hall with the Planning & Zoning Department.
- Approval is subject to Planning Commission approval following a public hearing and recommendation forwarded to the City Council for final approval.
Incentive & Property Research
In addition to confirming zoning and permitted uses, businesses should evaluate whether a potential property is located within areas that offer economic development incentives. Do this before signing a lease, buying property or beginning construction. Incentives eligibility is location-specific and subject to program requirements. Not all properties qualify.
Learn more about the development incentives that the City of Canton offers at the link below.
Building & Sign Permits
Building Permits
Any construction, remodeling, structural change, significant interior build-out or demolition requires a building permit.
- New construction
- Interior renovations
- Plumbing or electrical work
- ADA improvements
- Change of building use
- Exterior modifications
- Demolition
Work is inspected during and after construction to ensure code compliance and safety.
Sign Permits
If you are installing a new business sign, replacing an old one, or changing its location or size, a sign permit is required.
The city review:
- Sign dimensions
- Placement
- Lighting
- Design compliance with zoning ordinance
Early review avoids delays and redesign costs.
Business Licensing & Permits
Canton regulates the business operations of and requires business licensing for certain industries. Licenses and permits may be obtained from the City Clerk, and online applications can be found at the link below. The City Clerk can guide you through the local application processes, public hearing requirements (if applicable) and state licensing steps following local approval. Always reach out to the City Clerk to verify if your business requires licensing.
Liquor Licensing
Two processes are required:
- Apply for a local liquor license. Contact the Clerk at City Hall to discuss the requirements and procedures of obtaining the license. Local approval is subject to location restrictions and public hearing procedure.
- After approval, apply for a state license through the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
On-Site Vendor Licensing (Includes Food Trucks)
Canton requires a City license for on-site vendors selling merchandise from vehicles or unoccupied lots and for food trucks, subject to applicable exemptions. On-site vendors conduct sales at a temporary location rather than a permanent storefront. Food trucks are mobile food service operations, including motorized or towed vehicles, food carts, pushcarts, stands, and tents. Food trucks participating in City-approved special events, festivals, or farmers markets do not require a separate Food Truck License.
Other Specialized Operations
Other Specialized operations that may require permitting, licensing, or special requirements:
- Taxicabs
- Cigarette/Tobacco
- Video Gaming
- Amusement Machines
- Garbage Hauler
- Door-to-Door
- Hotel & Motel/Short-term Rental
- Roofing Contractors
County Level Requirements
Health permits & inspections required:
- Restaurants and/or Bars
- Cafes
- Food Trucks/Stands
- Grocery & Food Handling Operations
Permitting and inspections are handled by the Fulton County Health Department.