Does the City of McHenry offer incentives?

You can find current offerings on the Business Assistance page or refer to the Economic Development Strategy.

Does the City of McHenry have TIF Districts?

Yes, the City of McHenry has one, established in 2002. It generally covers Green Street and Riverside Drive and areas in between.   The TIF District was extended until 2037.  Here is a TIF district map.

Does the City of McHenry have any loan programs?

Yes, the City of McHenry’s primary loan program is the Revolving Loan Fund. There are others offered in times of crisis. Refer to the Business Assistance section of the website.

Does the City of McHenry allow murals or have a mural policy?

Yes, the City of McHenry has a mural program and a mural committee. Refer to the Mural page on the website for more information.

Does the City of McHenry have any historic districts?

No, the City of McHenry does not have any historic districts, however we do maintain some historical information in the Community section of the website.

What is the median household income?

The 2024 median income of the City of McHenry is $84,000.

What is the median home value?

The 2024 median home value in the City of McHenry is $265,000

What is the current population?

The 2024 population of the City of McHenry is 28,117.

Who are the City of McHenry’s major employers?

The City of McHenry’s major employers are McHenry Northwestern Hospital, First Brands, Follett, Medela, Fabrik, Corporate Disk, Aptar and Superior Felt and Filtration.

Is the City of McHenry located in an opportunity zone?

No, the City of McHenry is not located in an opportunity zone.

Is the City of McHenry located in an enterprise zone?

No, the City of McHenry is not located in an enterprise zone.

What are major business parks in the City of McHenry?

The major business parks in the City of McHenry are: Inland Business Park, McHenry Corporate Center, Tonyan Industrial Park and Adams Commercial Centre.

What are the major commercial corridors in the City of McHenry?

The major commercial corridors in the City of McHenry are Illinois Route 120 (Elm Street) and Illinois Route 31 (Richmond Road and Front Street).

Does the City of McHenry allow medical/recreational marijuana?

Yes, the City of McHenry allows medical and recreational marijuana. Craft Grow, Infusion, Transportation, Processing Cannabis Businesses are permitted use in C-3 and C-5 only when co-locating with a Dispensary. Cannabis Businesses are prohibited within the downtown areas (Green Street, Main Street, Riverside Drive, etc.) Contact the Economic Development Department with any questions.

Can a new business walk-through inspection be scheduled for a specific time?

Yes, after contacting the building owner and obtaining access to the location, please contact the Community Development Department at 815-363-2170 and ask to schedule a new business walk-through inspection for a specific time and date. Inspections are typically scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday but we will do our best to meet your needs. It is helpful if the new business name and type of business is provided when scheduling this inspection.

How long will it take for me to get my Certificate of Occupancy?

If, after a walk-through inspection, no violations are found, no construction needs to be done, and an Occupancy Request Form has been submitted, a Certificate of Occupancy can typically be issued within 48 hours of the approved inspection. However, if violations are found or construction needs to be done, a permit will need to be obtained to perform the work, the work will need to be completed, and the City will need to re-inspect the property before the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Does the City of McHenry issue Temporary Certificates of Occupancy?

A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be granted by the Director of Community Development for a specific period of time. This type of certificate is granted with the knowledge the work will be completed in a timely fashion and may become void after the time period noted. By accepting a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, the tenant and/or owner agree they will keep with the completion schedule or they may be subject to fines and penalties for any violations and the City may pursue compliance through due process of the law. The basic fee for a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is $100.

Do I need a permit to change or add signage at our new location?

A building permit is typically required to erect, alter or relocate any sign (including a face-change). An extensive sign ordinance is located in the City’s Municipal Code encompassing both permanent and temporary signage. If you have specific questions after reviewing the sign ordinance, please contact the Community Development Department at 815-363-2170; they will be happy to answer questions specific to your requirements. Signage flyers are included in the Commercial Sign Requirements sheet on the City’s website.

We are arranging a Grand Opening-what does the City of McHenry allow for this event?

The City allows special arrangements for signs/banners, etc. for new business grand opening events. This does not apply to grand re-openings of a business. The specific allowances for these events can be found in the City’s Municipal Code or on flyers in the Commercial Sign Requirement sheet on the City’s website.

How can I arrange a ribbon cutting ceremony for my business when we open?

Ribbon cuttings can be arranged through the Chamber of Commerce at 815-385-4300.