Site & Zoning Assessment
Understand whether your proposed business use is permitted, may need additional approval or is not permitted under the current zoning rules—and what needs to be clarified before you move forward.
Who this is for
For owners considering a commercial lease or purchase who need to understand the property’s approval requirements before committing. If you have already signed, the assessment can help identify the next steps.
What you receive
A review of your proposed operation against the zoning district and applicable use rules, with unresolved questions identified.
A review of the property’s previous use and preliminary licenses, land-use approvals and inspections that may apply.
Key issues that could affect your approval path, budget or schedule, and information needed from the owner or municipality.
A preliminary written opening roadmap to help you decide what to clarify, prepare and coordinate next.
How we work
Send the address, intended operation, agreement status and available property information.
We review zoning and previous use, and identify gaps in the available records.
Where appropriate, we contact municipal staff to clarify the expected process and unresolved questions.
We summarize the preliminary findings, approval risks and next steps for the property.
Your part in the process
The assessment is a preliminary review, not a permit or a guarantee of approval. Legal lease review, technical design and specialist inspections are separate services.
When needed, we can recommend architects, engineers, attorneys and contractors. Their services and fees are agreed separately.
Cost
The Site & Zoning Assessment costs $650. We confirm the scope and the information needed before starting.
If you continue with BPM for project coordination, the $650 assessment fee may be credited toward the project fee, subject to prior agreement.
Government and permit fees, and services provided by architects, engineers, attorneys and contractors, are paid separately from BPM fees.
Timing
Assessment timing is agreed after reviewing the available information and any municipal clarification needed. The 3–6 week and 2–3 month planning ranges describe approval processing after a complete submission, not the duration of this assessment.
From our projects
Arlington Heights, IL · Truck repair & freight
Land use variance package nearing completion, with submission for public hearings to follow once the traffic memo is ready.
Des Plaines, IL · Car wash
Public hearings successfully completed. Preparing for the next stage: business licensing.
Questions
You can contact us while searching for a property, negotiating a lease or purchase, or after signing. Starting early helps clarify the proposed use, property requirements and approval path before you commit to an opening plan.
The Site & Zoning Assessment reviews your proposed business use, zoning and the property’s previous use. We identify potential land-use approvals, preliminary municipal requirements and key approval risks, with initial municipal contact where appropriate. The result is a preliminary opening roadmap; it is not a permit or a guarantee of approval. If you continue with BPM for project coordination, the $650 assessment fee may be credited toward the project fee, subject to prior agreement.
Send the property address, if selected, a description of your business and your lease or purchase status. Include available plans, planned improvements and anything the municipality or property owner has already told you. You do not need every document ready for the introductory conversation.
Your next step
Send the address and a short description of your business. We’ll discuss the information needed for a Site & Zoning Assessment.
Start with a free 15-minute introductory call, arranged after your inquiry.
