Finance Department Licensing Updates

Finance Department Licensing Updates

The Champaign Finance Department continues to process many City licenses even while the City Building remains closed to the public. Finance staff is proactive in providing enhanced communication with licensees via email, US postal service, and telephone. The City’s Business Portal website is also a valuable resource for City license information at https://champaignil.gov/starting-your-business/. The Mayor, upon recommendation of the City Manager, issued Emergency Orders with the following modifications to license deadlines:

  • The expiration date for renewal of the following licenses was extended from 4/30/20 to 6/30/20: Junkyards, Ambulance Services, Transient Merchants, Mobile Food Trucks, Going Out of Business Sales, and Commercial Relocation Services. These applications continue to be processed in a timely manner.
  • Raffle Licenses and Door to Door Charitable and Commercial Solicitation Permits are now permissible since the state has entered Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan. However, all raffle drawing locations must adhere to the governor’s provisions in relation to number of people allowed to gather. Currently, applications can be submitted via regular mail, email, fax, or the City building white drop box. Payments are accepted by check or credit card over the phone. Commercial solicitor applicants must submit a photo electronically. Completed licenses are sent to licensees via US mail.
  • The City extended the expiration date for renewal of the following licenses from 4/30/20 to 12/31/20 as these types of businesses have been impacted by COVID-19: Pawnbroker/Secondhand Goods Dealer license and Massage establishment license.
  • Carnival Permits and Places of Amusement Licenses are suspended until the state moves into Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan.