Fee: $50 Annually for each machine if no alcohol is sold
a $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.
Business Licenses
The City of Mt. Vernon issues a variety of business licenses and permits to ensure that businesses operate safely and in compliance with city ordinances. These licenses cover activities such as retail sales, food services, housing, and more.
Some license applications can be submitted online, while others must be downloaded and submitted in person, by mail, or by email to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall. Fees are due with the completed application and may be paid in person, by mail, or over the phone with a credit or debit card. Please include all required documents to avoid delays. Once reviewed and approved, your license will be issued.
For Liquor Licenses, Video Gaming Licenses, and Raffle/Poker Run Licenses, please see the dedicated subpages linked from this page.
Vendor & Retail
Licenses in this section apply to businesses selling products, operating vending or gaming devices, or providing certain retail services.
Fee: $200.00 Annually
Requirements:
- Bond is required in the amount of $1,000.00
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.
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.
Food & Hospitality
These licenses cover businesses that serve food or beverages, including mobile vendors and special dining areas.
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.)
Fee: $25.00 Daily
$200.00 Monthly
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.
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.
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.
Advertising & Promotion
Required for distributing handbills or placing billboards and similar advertising in the city.
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.
Construction & Moving Services
Licenses for specialized construction-related services, including tree work and moving structures.
Fee: $25 Annually
Requirements:
- Copy of your certificate of insurance showing $50,000.00 for bodily injury and $100,000.00 for property damage.
Housing & Residential
Covers operations of mobile home parks within the City of Mt. Vernon.
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
If you have any questions about applications, fees, or required documents, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Contact Information
City Clerk Office
1100 Main Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 68264
See on map: Google Maps
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (618) 242-6815
Fax: (618) 242-6867
City Clerk
Becky Barbour
Email: city.clerk@mtvernon.com