Highland Park's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Highland Park, Illinois, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

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. Dead trees still need an approved permit application.

Key details: Permit Required: All trees 8+ inches DBH. Heritage Trees: ZBA review required for removal. Dead Trees: Still need permit — exempt from fees/replacement. Forestry: 847-432-0807. Portal: Civic Access Portal for applications.

Removing a protected tree without a permit: $500–$5,000 per tree. Heritage tree violations: up to $10,000 per tree plus mandatory replacement planting. Stop-work orders for development sites with unauthorized removal.

Compared to other cities, Highland Park takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Trimming

Highland Park has extensive tree preservation rules under Chapter 94. Trees 8+ inches DBH are Protected Trees requiring permits for removal. Heritage Trees (large oaks, elms, hickories, walnuts) receive the highest protection.

Key details: Code: Highland Park MC Ch. 94. Protected: All trees 8+ inches DBH. Heritage: Large oaks, elms, hickories, walnuts — ZBA review required. Steep Slopes: All vegetation removal requires permit. Contractors: Must be licensed by the city.

Failure to trim overhanging branches after a notice results in the county performing the work and billing the owner $200–$2,000 depending on scope. Emergency removals for hazardous trees may be performed without prior notice.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Highland Park actively enforces its tree trimming requirements.

Water Restrictions

Water restrictions in Highland Park are managed by the city's water utility. The city draws from Lake Michigan. Seasonal conservation measures may apply during drought conditions.

Key details: Water Source: Lake Michigan. Stormwater Fee: Based on impervious area (1 IAU = 2,765 sq ft). Detention Required: 50%+ impervious ratio or 16,000+ sq ft new impervious. Code: Zoning Code Article XVIII.

Water waste (runoff, midday watering) carries fines of $50–$200 per occurrence. Drought-stage violations escalate from warnings to $100-$500 fines with potential service flow restriction for repeat violators.

Grass Height Limits

Highland Park requires lawns to be maintained below 8 inches. Grass or weeds exceeding 8 inches triggers a Notice of Violation from a City Inspector. Code Compliance enforces property maintenance standards.

Key details: Max Height: 8 inches for grass and weeds. Enforcement: Notice of Violation from City Inspector. Contact: Building Division: 847-432-0808. Email: building@cityhpil.com.

Notice of Violation issued; enforcement through property maintenance code.

The Bottom Line

Highland Park is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Highland Park, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Highland Park can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.