Moving to Highland Park, IL?

Highland Park regulates nighttime noise under Chapter 95 (Nuisances). Quiet hours generally run from 8 PM to 7 AM on weeknights and until 9 AM on weekends and holidays. Noise disturbing the peace of residents is prohibited.

Barking dogs that disturb the peace fall under Highland Park's nuisance ordinance (Chapter 95). Highland Park Police handle animal-related noise complaints. The city supports a no-kill animal policy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. Highland Park enforces through its Police Department.

Open burning of refuse is prohibited in Highland Park per Illinois EPA regulations (415 ILCS 5). Recreational fires may be permitted in approved containers with proper clearances and attendance.

Portable fire pits are allowed in Highland Park with conditions. Fires must be in approved noncombustible containers, properly attended, and not create smoke nuisance to neighbors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) governs agricultural boundary fences. In residential Highland Park, fence placement must be shown on a plat of survey. No state cost-sharing law for residential fences.

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.

Highland Park Chapter 173 (Fences and Flagpoles) limits non-combustible open fences to 6 feet maximum height measured from average ground level of both sides. Building permits required.

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.

Highland Park's zoning code addresses beekeeping. The city's permit system includes chicken coop permits, suggesting accessory animal keeping is regulated. Contact Community Development at 847-432-0808.

Dogs must be leashed at all times when outdoors in Highland Park. The city advises leashing even on private property without a fence due to coyote activity. Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5) applies.

Highland Park does not have a widely publicized breed-specific ban. Illinois has no statewide breed ban preemption. Dangerous and vicious dog provisions under 510 ILCS 5 apply regardless of breed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Home-based businesses in Highland Park are subject to the city's sign regulations. Commercial signage in residential zones is generally prohibited or severely limited to maintain neighborhood character.

Home occupations in Highland Park must not generate traffic incompatible with the residential neighborhood. Customer visits may be limited and may require a Special Use Permit.

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.

Swimming pool construction in Highland Park requires building permits and compliance with adopted building codes. Chapter 98 (Bathing Beaches and Swimming Pools) contains specific regulations.

Above-ground pools with minimum 42-inch walls may be exempt from separate fencing under Illinois state law. Building permits still required in Highland Park for all pool types.

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. A separate building permit is required from the Building Division under Chapter 170 (Building Code), which adopts the 2018 International Residential Code as locally amended.

Highland Park does not appear to have a specific ADU ordinance. Accessory dwelling units may require zoning approval under Chapter 150. Illinois HB 2373 (2024) encourages ADU development statewide.

Building permits required for sheds in Highland Park. The city publishes Shed Permit Requirements (v2.1). Applications must include property owner authorization and be submitted through the Civic Access Portal.

Highland Park Code of Ordinances Chapter 150 (Zoning) limits detached garages in residential districts by lot coverage and accessory-structure square footage, with maximum size tied to a percentage of the rear yard or an absolute cap (typically around 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less). All work requires a building permit under Chapter 170 (Building Code), which adopts the 2018 International Building/Residential Codes.

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. Watershed Development Permits required for floodplain work.