FAQs • Sterling, IL • CivicEngage

How do I find out whether my business is a permitted use?: The easiest way to determine whether your business is a permitted use at a particular location is to contact the Building & Zoning Department 815-632-6624. Staff will assist you in making this determination and, if necessary, can direct you to other locations in the City where your business may be permitted.

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Economic Development

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1. Where can I find information on available locations for my business?: The Greater Sterling Development Corporation 815-625-5255 can help you find an appropriate location in the area. Sterling Main Street 815-626-8610 specializes in assisting businesses with locating in the downtown area.

2. Where can I find information on expanding my business?: If you are interested in expanding your current business facility or operations, please contact the Building & Zoning Department 815-632-6624 to discuss requirements for on-site expansion or relocation to a larger facility. The Greater Sterling Development Corporation 815-625-5255 can assist with property acquisition and incentive options.

3. What should a business owner do before signing a lease or purchasing property?: Prior to signing a lease or purchasing property, you should contact the Building & Zoning Department 815-632-6624 to confirm that your business use is permitted at that location and to discuss any site limitations. If you are leasing or purchasing an existing space or building, you should also contact the Building & Zoning Department to schedule a pre-inspection of the property to determine whether improvements are necessary or possible to bring the building into compliance with the City Code.

4. How do I find out whether my business is a permitted use?: The easiest way to determine whether your business is a permitted use at a particular location is to contact the Building & Zoning Department 815-632-6624. Staff will assist you in making this determination and, if necessary, can direct you to other locations in the City where your business may be permitted.

5. If I want to make changes to the interior of the building, what do I do?: To construct most interior improvements, you will need to obtain a building permit from the Building & Zoning Department. Prior to beginning any construction or renovation work, contact the Building & Zoning Department to determine whether a building permit is required.

6. Where can I find money or other financial assistance for my business?: For information on a variety of state and federal agencies that provide loans and grants to businesses, please contact the SBDC.

7. How do I find out whether my existing building meets safety and fire code requirements?: At your request, the Building & Zoning Department will conduct an inspection of your building or tenant space and provide you a summary of what improvements may be necessary to bring it into compliance with the City Code. Please call 815-632-6624.

8. I would like additional signage to promote my business. How do I find out what type of signage is permitted?: The size, number, and types of signage allowed vary by zoning district and other specifics of individual developments. Please contact the Building & Zoning Department at 815-632-6624.

9. Who can help me promote my business?

The Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of the business community. The Chamber provides various events and opportunities for business promotion. The Chamber maintains a Business Directory and advocates for local business interests. Telephone 815-625-2400.

Sterling Main Street exists to support a revitalized, historic downtown through a comprehensive approach focusing on community assets and partnerships to develop, maintain and promote an attractive and vital downtown district. They can assist in getting the word out through many of their events and active social networking! Telephone 815-626-8610.

10. Am I allowed to hold outdoor promotional events and activities?: You may be permitted to hold outdoor promotional events or activities depending on the zoning district and location of your business. Contact the Building & Zoning Department for more information on conducting outdoor events and activities.

11. I am going to sell/serve food, who do I need to contact?

The Whiteside County Health Department is responsible for monitoring food distribution, you will need to contact them for more information on their policies and regulations.

12. Who do I contact about utilities?

Fiber Optic options are available through iFiber

Electric is provided through ComEd

Natural Gas is provided through Nicor Gas

Cable TV/Internet is provided through Comcast

Water is provided through Illinois American Water Company

Wastewater is provided through the City of Sterling (account setup is automatically forwarded from Illinois American Water Co., so there is no need to establish an account or service).

13. What do I do if I want to dig on my property?: Before any excavation contact the Building and Zoning Department to determine whether a building permit is required. Also, contact J.U.L.I.E. by calling 811.