Moving to Highland Park, IL? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Highland Park, Illinois may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 38 tracked ordinances across 11 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Highland Park regulates carports as accessory structures under Title XV, Chapter 150 of the Zoning Code (Article II Definitions and Article VII Area, Bulk and Density). Permitted accessory uses are governed by Article IV (Section 150.401 et seq.) and dimensional limits including residential lot development requirements appear in Section 150.703.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Highland Park for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Insurance Requirements: Highland Park's short-term rental ordinance, Section 150.430 of the Zoning Code (adopted November 9, 2020), is administered alongside the Chapter 154 rental registration program. The City does not publish a numeric STR liability minimum on the public-facing rental registration page; operators should confirm any current proof-of-insurance condition with the Community Development Department as part of the annual registration packet..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Highland Park for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Highland Park enforces a winter overnight parking ban from 2 AM to 6 AM, December 1 through March 31. Year-round street parking regulated under Chapter 72.

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Highland Park for details.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: No fence may be erected or altered in Highland Park without a permit from the Building Division. Applications require an Exterior Permit Application, contractor quote, and plat of survey..

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Highland Park for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Exotic and wild animals in Highland Park are regulated under the municipal code and state law. The city supports a no-kill wildlife policy and provides guidance on coexisting with local wildlife including coyotes and skunks..

Also covered: Beekeeping (moderate), Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Breed Restrictions (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Highland Park for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Highland Park requires a tree removal permit for any tree 8+ inches DBH regardless of condition. Heritage Trees require Zoning Board of Appeals review.

Also covered: Tree Trimming (strict), Water Restrictions (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Highland Park for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Swimming pools in Highland Park require building permits and must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per local building code and state law..

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Highland Park for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Construction and landscape noise in Highland Park is regulated under Chapter 170 (Building Code) and Chapter 95 (Nuisances). Construction activity is generally restricted during quiet hours..

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Highland Park for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Consumer fireworks are illegal statewide in Illinois under the Pyrotechnic Use Act (425 ILCS 35). Only sparklers up to 12 inches and novelty items are legal.

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Highland Park for details.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Home-based businesses in Highland Park require zoning compliance under the Chapter 150 Zoning Code. A Home Business Questionnaire helps determine if a Special Use Permit is needed..

Also covered: Signage Rules (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Highland Park for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Highland Park has significant flood zones along both forks of the North Branch of the Chicago River. The city established its own floodplain with Base Flood Elevations often higher than FEMA's.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Highland Park includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.