Highland Park's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Highland Park, Illinois, there are 6 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.

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.

Key details: Code: Title XV Ch. 150 Sec. 150.430. Adopted: November 9, 2020. Numeric Minimum: Not published in code. Confirm With: Community Development. State Statute: No IL STR insurance minimum.

Failure to maintain liability coverage that is adequate for STR activity does not, by itself, trigger a stand-alone fine schedule under Section 150.430, but the Community Development Department can deny, suspend, or revoke the annual rental registration certificate for non-compliance with the application requirements (including any insurance documentation set in the registration packet). Continued operation without a valid registration certificate is a Zoning Code violation enforceable through Chapter 150 and the Chapter 10 General Penalty, with each day a separate offense.

Occupancy Limits

Highland Park regulates short-term rentals under Title XV, Chapter 150, Section 150.430 of the Zoning Code, adopted by City Council on November 9, 2020. The ordinance treats an STR as the accessory use of a dwelling unit for transient overnight stays shorter than 30 consecutive days, requires annual registration with Community Development by April 1, and ties overnight occupancy to the underlying property maintenance and life-safety code for the dwelling.

Key details: Code: Title XV Ch. 150 Sec. 150.430. Adopted: November 9, 2020. Annual Fee: $30 per unit. Renewal Deadline: April 1. Occupancy Source: Certificate of occupancy.

Operating a short-term rental without an annual registration, or beyond the occupancy permitted by the certificate of occupancy and life-safety inspection, violates Section 150.430 and Chapter 154. Highland Park's general zoning enforcement is administered by the Community Development Department and is subject to the penalty provisions of Chapter 150 and Chapter 10 (General Penalty), which authorize fines for each day a violation continues and may include suspension or revocation of the rental registration certificate.

Parking Rules

STR guests must comply with Highland Park parking regulations including the winter overnight parking ban (2 AM-6 AM, December 1-March 31). Various parking permits available through the city's Passport system.

Key details: Winter Ban: No street parking 2-6 AM (Dec 1-Mar 31). Permits: Overnight permits available via Passport system. Special Request: Call PD: 847-432-7730. Code: Highland Park MC Ch. 72.

Parking violations are addressed through the noise/nuisance complaint process. Hosts receive warnings for first offenses, with fines of $100–$250 for repeat issues that affect the STR permit status.

Permit Requirements

Highland Park requires registration of short-term rentals under Zoning Code Section 150.430, adopted November 2020. STRs are permitted as an accessory use for single-family homeowners. As of 2026, the city is considering tighter regulations.

Key details: Code: Highland Park Zoning Code §150.430. Adopted: November 9, 2020. Status: Permitted — registration required. Type: Accessory use for single-family homes. 2026 Update: City considering tighter regulations.

Operating without a permit carries fines of $500 per day. Failure to display the permit number on listings results in a $250 fine. Permits may be revoked after three substantiated complaints within 12 months.

Noise Rules

STR guests must comply with Highland Park's quiet hours: 8 PM-7 AM weeknights, 8 PM-9 AM weekends/holidays. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance with Chapter 95 nuisance provisions.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 8 PM-7 AM weeknights; 8 PM-9 AM weekends. Host Duty: Must inform guests of noise rules. Enforcement: Highland Park PD: 847-432-7730. Consequence: Violations may affect registration status.

Hosts receive a warning on first noise complaint. Second complaint results in a $250 fine. Third complaint triggers permit suspension hearing. Guests may be cited directly under the noise ordinance.

Taxes & Fees

STR operators in Highland Park must collect the Illinois 6% Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax and any applicable local hotel taxes. Registration with IDOR required.

Key details: State Tax: 6% Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax (35 ILCS 145). IDOR: Registration required. Local Tax: Check with Highland Park Finance Department. Platforms: Airbnb auto-collects state tax in most IL jurisdictions.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy taxes carries penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount per month, plus interest. Operating without tax registration may result in back-tax assessments plus fines.

The Bottom Line

Highland Park's short-term rentals 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.

All of the above reflects Highland Park's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.