Bed and Breakfast License

License Overview 

A City of Chicago business license is required to operate a bed and breakfast. A bed and breakfast is an owner-occupied residential building not more than four stories in height and in which 11 or fewer sleeping rooms are available for rent for a period of 31 or fewer consecutive days.


Related Licenses

  • A Liquor License is required to serve liquor. 
  • A bed and breakfast licensee may serve breakfast and foods that require minimal preparation (food that is not cooked in the bed and breakfast’s kitchen). Additional food preparation may require a type of food license. 


application requirements 

  • A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
  • A fingerprint-based background check will be conducted for all controlling persons as part of the application process.
  • An inspection of the premises will be conducted by the Department of Buildings and Fire Department.


required Documents

  • Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
  • Individual History Form for all controlling persons required to be fingerprinted
  • Interior layout of room locations and fire exits within the bed and breakfast
  • A valid Chicago certificate in food handling and sanitation is required upon application (if preparing food)


licensing Application Steps

  • Submit initial business information in person or online
  • Receive zoning approval from the City
  • Complete and submit a full license application
  • Get fingerprinted for a fingerprint-based background check. Every owner, corporate officer, or any person who has a 25% or more interest in the business will be prompted to get fingerprinted.
  • Make payment for the license
  • Undergo inspections from the Department of Buildings and Fire Department.
  • Undergo a City debt check. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
  • Receive license once all requirements are met

For more information on license application steps, see the Business License Application Steps webpage.


Cost 

$250 license fee

$40 processing fee per controlling person required to be fingerprinted

How to Apply 

In person: Visit the Small Business Center Visit Us webpage for wait times, location, and hours of operation.
Online: Visit the online business license application system.


Operating requirements 

A bed and breakfast licensee may serve breakfast and foods that require minimal preparation under the license. Additional food preparation may require a Retail Food Establishment license. Service of alcohol requires a Liquor license.


renewal Requirements

Bed and breakfast licenses are issued for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.


resources

For questions, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or 312.744.1944, or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org