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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

                   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
                        AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY

ITEM TITLE:
                                   AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:        6
Vacant Commercial Storefront Registry Proposal
                                      COMMISSION AGENDA DATE:    10/28/2025


STAFF REVIEW: Kelley Chrisse, AICP, CEcD          SIGNATURE


ITEM SUMMARY:
Purpose
The City is committed to revitalizing and strengthening its commercial corridors as a priority for
generating economic activity in West Chicago. Vacant storefronts (especially in the downtown area)
dampen business activity, reduce foot traffic, and create a perception of economic stagnation.

To address this, staff recommends revising the City’s existing Vacant Property Ordinance to establish a
program that incentivizes property owners to register their vacant storefronts. This program will help
ensure properties are well-maintained while also giving owners greater exposure to potential tenants and
investors. By creating a structured path to visibility, the City aims to accelerate leasing activity,
encourage reinvestment, and support a stronger local economy.

Background
Current regulations focus on vacant properties in the context of mortgage defaults or general vacancy,
but do not specifically address storefront-level vacancies that are most visible and impactful for
commercial activity.

Other communities have implemented storefront-specific registration requirements, but West Chicago
has the opportunity to take a business-first approach by connecting registration to economic
development strategies. This proposed update positions registration as a tool to promote properties,
attract tenants, and fuel economic growth, not just as a compliance requirement.

Key Program Features

  1. Definition & Applicability
   A Vacant Commercial Storefront will mean any unoccupied, commercial unit vacant more than 30
     consecutive days, regardless of the occupancy status of the building as a whole.

    These provisions will apply citywide but with a fee structure reflecting location-based impact.

  2. Tiered Registration Fees
   A two-tier fee structure is proposed to reflect the importance of downtown storefronts in driving
    economic activity:
                                   Semi-Annual
    Area Description                   Registration Fee
     B-1 Zoning District (Downtown)      $ TBD
       All Other Commercial Areas        $ TBD

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Discounted Rate for Downtown Properties
    Owners of property located within the B-1 Zoning District would qualify for a reduced fee (TBD) per
     six-month period if all of the following are met:
     •  The space is actively listed for lease or sale by a licensed real estate broker on a publicly
        accessible platform;
     •  A visible "For Lease/For Sale" sign is posted on-site;
     •  The exterior is well-maintained and free of signage from the former businesses;
     •  The City is provided with accurate contact information for public posting; and
     •  There are no active property maintenance violations.

  3.  Visibility & Maintenance Standards
    To keep vacant storefronts as assets to the community, the City requires the following additional
     standards, beyond existing property maintenance standards and security protocols:
     •  Maintain Window Transparency: Street-facing windows must remain clear and unobstructed.
         Professionally designed window wraps or temporary marketing displays may be permitted as an
         alternative only with City approval.
     •  Remove Debris or Paper Coverings: No visible debris or paper coverings may be used beyond
       30 days, unless performing work under a valid building permit.
     •  Post Signage: A sign must be prominently posted on the storefront indicating that the property is
         registered as vacant and providing contact information for the owner or authorized agent.

  4. Public Registry & Promotion
      All registered storefronts will be featured in the City’s new Property Directory on
    InWestChicago.com, a publicly accessible registry that increases exposure for owners, connects
     brokers and entrepreneurs to available spaces, and helps the City track vacancy trends. By linking
     accountability with exposure (including promotion through the City’s new InWestChicago.com
     Property Directory) the City can reduce long-term vacancy, strengthen business recruitment, and
     reinforce downtown and corridor revitalization efforts.

  5. Enforcement & Accountability
     While the program emphasizes incentives, compliance will still be required. Non-registration or
    maintenance failures will trigger enforcement actions.

Next Steps
Staff is seeking input from the Economic Development Commission regarding this proposal.  If there is
support, staff will draft proposed ordinance amendments reflecting the details outlined above (or as
directed) and bring the revisions forward to the City Council for formal review and adoption. Outreach to
property owners, real estate professionals, and applicable stakeholders will be coordinated in advance of
implementation.


ACTION PROPOSED:
Provide direction on the proposed Vacant Commercial Storefront Registry.