Welcome business owners of Richmond, and potential business owners! We created this page to help streamline some of the need-to-know basics for operating your business throughout the year. Whether it is special events, parking maps, historic overlay rules, we hope this provides a helpful guide.

Opening and operating a business in the Village of Richmond is designed to be simple, straightforward, and efficient — without unnecessary hassles. Most steps can be completed online, and for anything else, our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way. As always, please reach out to Ciro Cetrangolo (ccetrangolo@richmond-il.com or 815-678-4040 x210) or Kristen Murphy (kmurphy@richmond-il.com) for any assistance.

Annual Renewals

Business Registration: Both new and existing businesses must register and update their information each year in April. Please follow the instructions on this page: Business Registration Information to fill out the form. When registering, please use an email that you frequently check or that belongs to someone that will be responsible for registering each year- it will receive an automated renewal notice each year.

For new businesses, please contact Kristen Murphy (kmurphy@richmond-il.com) to schedule a pre-occupancy walk-through once your have started your application. This is a necessary step in order to issue the new business registration.

For businesses that are just starting out or are still in the idea stage, we invite you to contact Ciro Cetrangolo (ccetrangolo@richmond-il.com or 815-678-4040 x210) or Kristen Murphy (kmurphy@richmond-il.com) for a truly personalized, concierge-style experience. We will chat with you about your business concept, potential location, zoning requirements, and any other Village-related details. From there, we will walk beside you through every step of the process — from your first question all the way to opening your doors.

Special Events

Special Events on Public Property (Streets, Parks, Parking Lot, Etc.): Village streets, downtown parking lots, or parks are available for special events. Applications must be submitted 30-days before the event and are subject to Village Board Approval. Please fill out the following application: Special Event Application (Public Property)

Special Events on Private Property: You do not need a permit to host a special event as long as it is contained entirely on private property.

Temporary Vendors: Registration to host temporary vendors on private property in a business district with a valid annual registration (no vacant lots or buildings) is free but mandatory. Vendors, including food trucks, are limited to 3 days in any 90 day period. Register by filling out the following application: Temporary Vendor (Private Property)

All food sales must comply with all regulations enforced by the McHenry County Department of Health and any licenses obtained, if applicable: https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/departments/health-department

Valet Operator License: To ensure valet services operate safely, consistently, and with minimal impact on traffic, pedestrians, and neighboring properties, the Village Board has adopted a new Valet Parking Services Ordinance. This ordinance establishes simple and clear standards for valet operations within the Village. This license is free, but mandatory, please fill out the following application for annual and/or temporary licenses: Valet Operator License (Annual/Temporary)

Utilities/Garbage Services

Water & Sewer Account: To set up a Water & Sewer account, please contact Kristen Murphy (kmurphy@richmond-il.com) with the service start date (date of lease start for tenants), business name or bill-to name, contact number, mailing address (if different from physical location). Bills are mailed quarterly and due 21 days from the end of the following months: January, April, July, & October.

AutoPay/DirectPay: The Village offers free auto payment for water & sewer utility bills. Save time, and never pay late fees. Download the following form and return to the office to sign up: Direct Pay Authorization Form

E-Billing: Online billing is available through the following website once you receive your first bill and have both an account number and a PIN number (located in the upper left side): https://www.justinter.net/eBill/ebill.asp?c=4341

Garbage Services: The Village does not bill or bundle your garbage service bill so they must be contacted separately. If procuring dumpster services, they must be fully enclosed with a locking gate. Toters are not subject to these requirements.

Electric Utility: https://www.comed.com/

Gas Utility: https://www.nicorgas.com/

Internet/Phone Options: https://www.spectrum.com/ and https://frontier.com/ service the Richmond area. Please note: The Village of Richmond does not set or regulate the rates or fees charged by these businesses.

Building & Sign Permits

Building Permits: This process ensures established standards for design and construction are followed by anyone constructing or altering a structure or installing different projects within the community. The building design and construction standards have been created to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. Commercial properties are required to follow different requirements than residential, and often times this includes licensed contractors and plans prepared and stamped by a design professional.

Building permit applications can be filled out online by following this link: Building Permit Application

Sign Permits: Most signage in the Village used for advertising, events, business names, etc. require a permit and can be applied for using this link: Sign Permit Application

The following signs are exempt from the permit process, but must comply with the additional provisions in Section 6.8.4. Exempt Signs: Construction signs, Real Estate Signs, Promotional Signs (14 days max, 3 times per year, not located in the Right-of-Way), Directional Wall/Window Signs, Temporary Window Sign (90 days max per year), Political Campaign Signs, Event/Holiday Decorations, Flags or Emblems, Historical References.

Facade Improvement and Accessibility Program (Round: January 2026-April 2026)

As part of the ongoing commitment of the Village of Richmond to support our local businesses, in 2026 the Village will be launching it’s first round of business grants that reinvest tax dollars right back into visible improvements. Whether it’s aesthetic updates to attract new customers, new signs, or paint, or to improve accessibility features to promote barrier-free experiences for all residents or visitors, we believe this program will positively impact the entire community.

Please visit the program webpage to learn more about eligibility, rules, and application requirements for this upcoming round of funding: https://richmond-il.com/facade-ada-improvement-program/

Historic Overlay District

Downtown Businesses located in the following area (Historic Overlay Map) are subject to additional appearance review requirements, even if the project traditionally would not require a building permit. This applies to any external changes of the building facade, including but not limited to: painting, signage, trim, doors, windows, etc. There are no additional fees for an appearance review but approval is mandatory, before beginning any work. If you have questions whether your project requires an appearance review, please call us!

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Parking Map & Regulations in Downtown

Downtown Parking Map: The following page has a map showing all available parking in the downtown area Downtown Parking Map

Please note: All parking on Broadway, between the Prairie Trail crossing and East St, as well as RT 12 between Mill St and George St, are two-hour parking zones. This does not include the municipal parking lots. All parking is free downtown.

Other Important Functions and Information

Local Chamber of Commerce: The Chain O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce represents the Village of Richmond, as well as Village of Spring Grove, Fox Lake, & Volo. More information about the Chamber can be found on their website: https://chainolakeschamber.com/

Richmond Township Fire Protection District: The Village of Richmond is serviced by the Richmond Township Fire Protection District which encompasses parts of unincorporated Richmond and surrounding areas as well. Their office and all fire protection district personnel are a separate and independent government agency and not under the direction of the Village of Richmond government body. For any questions related to the Fire Department services, annual inspections, permits or otherwise, please contact them directly: https://www.rtfpd.com/

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity: The State DCEO website has many resources to help your small business: https://dceo.illinois.gov/businesshelp/smallbusinessassistance.html

Illinois Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College: The Illinois Small Business Development Center is a grant-funded program that provides business resources to McHenry County businesses employing up to 500 people. More information can be found here: https://www.mchenry.edu/isbdc/

E-Blast: The Village of Richmond publishes a monthly email newsletter highlighting important information as well as other news and events. You can sign up easily on our home page under the “Visit Richmond” icon, on the left side of the page.

NIXLE: Nixle is a FREE notification service that allows the police department and Village to alert residents of emergency weather events, road closings, public safety crime advisories, natural and manmade disasters, and general Village information. To sign up visit: https://local.nixle.com/accounts/login/.

Public Hearing Application for Zoning Variance or Special Use: If you are considering a zoning variance or special use that requires a public hearing, please contact Ciro Cetrangolo (ccetrangolo@richmond-il.com or 815-678-4040 x210). Assistance is available to discuss your proposed concept, identify applicable zoning regulations, and help you understand the process, requirements, and next steps.