Show All Answers

1. I am looking to locate my business in the City of Aurora. What Zoning is my business allowed in?

To determine permitted zoning for certain uses, refer to Table 1: Use Categories.

2. Where can I find available buildings or sites in Aurora to locate my business?

To find available real estate in the city you may contact Invest Aurora, Aurora's Economic Development Public/Private Partnership. 

3. What kinds of financial incentives are available for businesses/development in Aurora?

For information regarding financial incentives, you may contact Invest Aurora, Aurora's Economic Development Public/Private Partnership.

4. My business is running a special promotion. Do I need a permit to post temporary banners and signs?

Chapter 41, Section 6 - Miscellaneous Signs of the Aurora Municipal Code limits the types of special events that attention getting devices (banners, balloons, wind wavers, etc.) can be used for, to Grand Openings, community activities, holiday celebrations, carnivals, festivals, and parades.  All other types of activities are prohibited from having temporary signs posted to advertise such events.

5. I have a business in the City. How big can my wall sign be?

Wall signs in business and manufacturing districts are limited to 10% of the building facade, up to 22 feet high. This means that when calculating the square footage of the building facade (width times height), if the building is taller than 22 feet in height, anything over 22 feet in height does not count towards the calculation.

Windows and doors do not need to be subtracted from the calculation, and the height calculation is measured from grade. There is no limit to the number of wall signs, as long as the total permitted square footage is not exceeded. Wall signs are permitted to be placed on any facade, and each facades permitted square footage is calculated independently of the others.

Signs are not permitted to cross or cover windows and door frames, and may not be placed on the roof of structures, otherwise the placement of wall signs is not restricted.

6. I want to replace the existing ground sign for my business. Do I need to get a permit?

A permit is required.  Any changes to ground signs must be reviewed both by Zoning for compliance with the City’s Sign Ordinance, and by the Building Department for compliance with all applicable building codes.

 If the zoning of your property is Planned Development District (PDD), please submit a Land Use Inquiry to determine if the sign proposal constitutes a significant change to any approved Final Plan. To see if your property is PDD you may call the Planning office at 630-256-3080.

7. I want to add an Electronic Message Center to the existing sign for my business. Is this allowed?

Yes, Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) are permitted components of ground signs. EMCs are limited to 30% of the permitted sign square footage and must be an integral part of the design for the sign. Any messages posted on an EMC must remain fixed in the display area for a minimum of 15 seconds.

If the zoning of your property is PDD - Planned Development District, please submit a Land Use Inquiry to determine if the sign proposal constitutes a significant change to any approved Final Plan. See if your property is PDD you may contact the Planning office at 630-256-3080.

8. I want to serve alcohol at my restaurant/business/event, do I need a liquor license?

See the City Clerk’s page on our website for information on Liquor Licensing in the City of Aurora.  If you are opening up a new business and wish to serve alcohol, a DST Meeting is recommended.  You can Request a DST Meeting using our online form.