Highland Park, IL Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Highland Park's Zoning Code is codified at Title XV, Chapter 150 of the Code of Ordinances. Carports are regulated as accessory structures and must satisfy three layers of regulation. First, Article II (Section 150.202) defines accessory uses, garages, and related structures that determine whether a carport is treated as attached to or detached from the principal dwelling. Second, Article IV (Section 150.401 and following) sets the list of permitted, conditional, and accessory uses by zoning district, so a carport must be a permitted accessory use in the underlying R-District (R1 through RM zones in the City). Third, Article VII Area, Bulk and Density (Sections 150.701 through 150.703) sets the dimensional standards including residential lot development requirements at Section 150.703 such as required setbacks, maximum lot coverage, height, and the percentage of a yard that may be occupied by accessory structures. Building, electrical, and structural permits are issued separately by the Building Division under Title XVII, Chapter 170 (Building Code), which adopts the 2018 International Residential Code with City amendments adopted by the City Council in 2020. A carport open on at least two sides is generally treated as an unenclosed accessory structure for IRC purposes but still requires zoning clearance and a building permit. Lots in Highland Park's local historic landmark or historic district overlay (administered by the Historic Preservation Commission under Chapter 28) require additional review before installation. Because the precise numeric setback and yard-coverage figures vary by zoning district and are revised periodically, applicants should pull the current Section 150.703 dimensional table and confirm with the Planning Division (Charmain Later, Deputy Director, 847-432-0867) at 1150 Half Day Road before drafting plans.