Landscaping Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $300–$800 est. 3–8 weeks depending on services offered
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. EPA Pesticide Compliance (if using regulated chemicals)

    Landscaping businesses using EPA-registered pesticides must comply with FIFRA requirements and EPA Worker Protection Standards.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)Ongoing compliance

State of Illinois

3 stops

  1. Illinois Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Operator License (if applying pesticides)

    Landscaping businesses in Illinois that apply pesticides for hire must obtain a Commercial Pesticide Operator License from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Requires passing a core exam and a specific category exam (e.g., Category 6 for Ornamental and Turf).

    Official government source

    $100/year (license fee) + exam fees4–8 weeks

  2. Illinois Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

    Landscaping services in Illinois may be subject to the Retailers' Occupation Tax depending on the nature of services (particularly services involving materials/installation). You must register with the Illinois DOR to be prepared to collect and remit tax. Chicago's combined sales tax rate is 10.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via MyTax Illinois)

  3. Illinois Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

    If operating as an LLC or corporation, register with the Illinois Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name should file an Assumed Business Name with the Cook County Clerk.

    $150 (LLC Articles of Organization); $30 (Assumed Business Name, Cook County)5–10 business days (online for LLC)

City of Chicago / Cook County

2 stops

  1. City of Chicago Business License

    Required for all landscaping businesses operating in the City of Chicago. Issued by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). License must be posted at the place of business and renewed every 2 years.

    Official government source

    $250 every 2 years2–4 weeks

  2. City of Chicago Tree Trimming License (if trimming trees on public property)

    Contractors who trim or remove trees on City of Chicago property, in the public right-of-way, or on parkways must obtain a Tree Trimming License from the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, Bureau of Forestry.

    Official government source

    $150/year2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$800 · 3–8 weeks depending on services offered

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Official Sources

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