How Highland Park Handles Parking Rules: A Practical Guide

Highland Park maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with parking rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Highland Park falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

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. Various permit options available through Passport system.

Key details: Winter Ban: 2 AM-6 AM, December 1-March 31. Code: Highland Park MC Ch. 72. Permits: Available via Passport online system. Appeals: Medical emergency, mechanical issue, officer error. Dispatch: 847-432-7730 for special circumstances.

Parking citations issued; appeal process available for medical emergencies, mechanical issues, or officer error.

This is one of the stricter rules in Highland Park's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

RV & Boat Parking

Recreational vehicles on Highland Park streets are subject to parking regulations under Chapter 72 including the winter overnight ban. Private property storage governed by zoning code.

Key details: Street Parking: Subject to Ch. 72 and winter overnight ban. Private Storage: Zoning code Ch. 150 applies. Contact: Community Development: 847-432-0808. Topic: Rv Boat Parking.

Violations result in a notice to comply with a 14-day deadline. Failure to comply carries fines of $50–$200 per day. Abandoned or derelict vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense.

Driveway Rules

Driveway construction and modifications in Highland Park require permits from the Building Division. Specific submittal requirements outlined in the city's Driveway Permit Requirements guide.

Key details: Permit: Required for all driveway work. Submittal: Via Civic Access Portal. Guide: Driveway Permit Requirements v2.1. Contact: Building Division: 847-432-0808.

Blocking sidewalks or fire hydrants carries immediate fines of $50–$150. Parking on unpaved surfaces in violation of zoning may result in code enforcement notices with 30-day compliance windows.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Commercial vehicle parking in Highland Park residential areas is restricted under Chapter 72 and the zoning code. Park District property requires a permit for any commercial vehicle access.

Key details: Residential: Restrictions apply under Ch. 72 + zoning code. Park District: Permit required for commercial vehicles. Winter Ban: 2-6 AM, Dec 1-Mar 31 applies to all vehicles. Enforcement: Highland Park PD: 847-432-7730.

Violations result in warnings followed by fines of $100–$300 per occurrence. Vehicles parked in violation for extended periods may be subject to towing at the owner's expense.

The Bottom Line

Highland Park's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Highland Park is broadly strict or permissive.

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.