Business Licenses

The city of Mt. Vernon has several licenses and permits for businesses. These allow business to have video gaming, sell tobacco and alcohol and several other things.

Some completed license applications may be submitted online while other applications must be downloaded and submitted in person, by mail, or by email to the City Clerk's Office located inside City Hall. Fees must be submitted with the completed application and can be made in person, by mail, or over the phone using a credit or debit card. Please make sure to provide all of the required documents and fees in order to process your application in a timely manner. The application will be reviewed and if approved, a license will be issued.

Click on a license below for submittal information, a link to the corresponding ordinance, and a list of the required fees and documents. If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk's Office.

Business Licenses

Arborist License

Fee: $25 Annually

Requirements:

Copy of your certificate of insurance showing $50,000.00 for bodily injury and $100,000.00 for property damage.

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Ordinance Chapter 92, Section 92.13

Coin Operated Device

Fee: $ 50 Annually for each machine if no alcohol is sold
$ 75 Annually for each machine if alcohol is sold

Requirements:

You will need to list the name, description, serial number and Illinois license tag tax number for each device.

Downloadable Application

Ordinance Chapter 113, Section 113.02

Downtown Sidewalk Dining License

Fee: $25.00 Annually

Requirements:

A diagram of the design, location, size and space of the sidewalk dining area, chairs, tables, barriers, umbrellas, tree wells, lamp posts, traffic and parking signs, signal poles, trash receptacles, benches, and other sidewalk features or obstructions; and other facilities to be located within the sidewalk dining area which accurately depicts the existing sidewalk conditions and sidewalk width from the building face to curb.
Legal Description of the proposed business.
Certificate of Insurance proving commercial insurance coverage of at least $1 million for bodily injury, death, disability, and property damage liability. (The policy of insurance shall provide for 30 days’ prior written notice to the City if coverage is substantially changed, cancelled, or not renewed.)

Downloadable Application

Ordinance Chapter 119

Handbills and Billboards License

Handbill

Fee: $3 Daily
$30 Annually

Billboard

Fee: $5 Annually

Requirements:

Copy of your Driver's License.
Copy of the handbill, card, circular, etc.

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Ordinance Chapter 110, Section 110.02

House Movers License

Fee: $100 Annually

Downloadable Application

Ordinance Chapter 110, Section 110.03

Mobile Food Truck, Ice Cream Truck and Food Truck Rally

Food Truck

Fee: $25.00 Daily
$200.00 Monthly

Ice Cream Truck

Fee: $25.00 Daily
$300.00 Annually

Requirements:

Copy of operator's photo ID or Driver's License.
Copy of the vehicle's license and registration with VIN number.
Copy of the State or County Health Department License or Permit.
Copy of the Illinois Department of Revenue Certificate of Registration.
Proof of vehicle and liability insurance.
Copy of any related license issued by the State of Illinois.
Copy of a written lease or other written evidence from the owner indicating permission to use the location.

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Ordinance Chapter 118

Food Truck Rally

Fee: $50.00

Requirements:

A copy of a written lease or other written evidence from the owner of the location the Food Truck Rally indicating permission to use that location.
Site plan on which the food truck rally will be held, showing proposed location of each vendor; location of any portable restroom facilities, if applicable; and location of any stages, tents, seating areas, and any other facilities, structures, or equipment to be used in conjunction with the food truck rally.
Written description of the plans for the food truck rally, including parking locations, traffic control plans and the anticipated hours of the event.
A list of all mobile food service vehicles and itinerant vendors participating in the food truck rally along with confirmation that each vehicle has obtained a Mobile Food Vendor permit or Itinerant Vendor license from the City of Mt. Vernon.

Downloadable Application

Ordinance Chapter 118, Section 118.06

Mobile Home Park

Fee: $100 Annually for each Mobile Home Park
$10 for each additional Mobile Home space in excess of 25, not to exceed $1,000.00.

Due: On or before May 1

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Ordinance Chapter 156

Pawn Brokers Applications

Fee: $200.00 Annually

Requirements:

Bond is required in the amount of $1,000.00

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Ordinance Chapter 110, Section 110.05

Tobacco Retailers License

Fee: $25.00 Annually for each retail location
*License fee will be waived the first licensing year and each year following if no violations occur the previous year.

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Ordinance Chapter 112

Transient Itinerant

Fee: $25.00 per day
$200.00 per 30 days

Requirements:

Copy of agent's photo ID or Driver's License.
Copy of your Illinois Department of Revenue Certificate of Registration.
Copy of proof of vehicle and liability insurance.
An inventory of the goods and/or services intended to offer for sale.
A copy of any related license issued by the State of Illinois.
A copy of written lease or other written evidence from the owner of the location indicating permission to use the location.

Downloadable Application

Online Application

Ordinance Chapter 110, Section 110.04