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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'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.
Unincorporated Lake County effectively imposes the strictest possible night cap: short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited entirely in residential zoning districts under the Lake County Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 151). The county classifies any rental of less than 30 days as a 'retail sales and service use' that is not allowed in residential zones. Illinois has no statewide STR preemption (proposed SB 1735 did not advance). The 30-day floor applies only in unincorporated areas; municipalities such as Waukegan, Highland Park, North Chicago, Lake Bluff, and the other 50 incorporated places set their own STR rules under home-rule authority (Ill. Const. Art. VII §6).
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.
Lake County enforces Illinois Vehicle Code provisions on abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left 7+ days on public property or visibly inoperable on private property may be tagged and towed after notice.
Lake County encourages EV charging installation. Residential Level 2 chargers require an electrical permit from the county or municipal building department. Illinois HOA Act limits HOA restrictions on chargers.
Lake County has no countywide overnight parking ban on unincorporated roads, but seasonal snow-route restrictions apply. Most incorporated municipalities within the county impose 2 AM to 6 AM bans or require permits.
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.
Lake County requires barriers around all residential pools, spas, and hot tubs per Illinois Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Code and 2018 IRC Appendix G. Minimum 48-inch fence with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lake County UDO requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall. Engineered plans stamped by an Illinois PE required for taller or surcharged walls.
Lake County IL UDO and municipal zoning codes approve wood, vinyl, wrought iron, tubular steel and chain-link for residential fences, with chain-link often restricted in front yards and historic districts. Barbed wire and electrified fences are banned in residential zones. Materials must withstand Illinois freeze-thaw cycles. HOAs in Gurnee, Vernon Hills and Lake Forest often impose stricter standards.
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.
Illinois Wildlife Code and Lake County Code prohibit feeding of white-tailed deer and Canada geese. Coyote feeding is discouraged. Bird feeders must not attract nuisance wildlife or bears (rare but documented).
Lake County regulates livestock keeping in unincorporated areas. Western rural townships allow more agricultural activity while eastern suburban areas restrict livestock. Zoning determines what animals are permitted by property classification.
Illinois defines and criminalizes companion animal hoarding under the Humane Care for Animals Act, applying uniformly through state criminal code statewide.
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.
Lake County actively encourages native Illinois prairie and woodland plants for stormwater management and pollinator habitat. Native plantings are exempt from grass-height nuisance rules when properly maintained.
Lake County permits artificial turf for residential lawns with proper drainage. No countywide permit is required for residential turf replacement, but subdivision HOA covenants may restrict front-yard use.
Rainwater harvesting is permitted throughout Lake County. Illinois has no statewide restriction on rain barrels or cisterns for non-potable use. The Illinois Plumbing Code (77 IAC 890) governs any connection to interior plumbing. Some municipalities offer rain barrel rebates.
Lake County enforces weed abatement. IL Noxious Weed Act (505 ILCS 100) requires destruction of designated noxious weeds. Vacant lots monitored closely.
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.
Hot tub installations in Lake County require an electrical permit for the 240V circuit and must comply with barrier rules unless a locked ASTM F1346 safety cover is in place. GFCI and bonding mandatory per Illinois adopted NEC.
Lake County requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. Inspections required for electrical, plumbing, and barriers.
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.
Lake County IL regulates amplified music through the UDO noise performance standards and municipal ordinances. Outdoor amplified events require special event permits. Ravinia Festival (Highland Park) operates under a long-standing conditional use arrangement. Home rule cities have broad authority under 65 ILCS 5 to regulate entertainment noise.
Lake County IL does not specifically ban leaf blowers in unincorporated areas. Use is governed by the general noise ordinance and UDO performance standards. Municipalities set stricter rules: Highland Park and Lake Forest restrict gas blower hours; Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Mundelein rely on general time limits. Illinois has no statewide equipment ban.
Aircraft noise in Illinois is governed exclusively by federal aviation law, leaving cities and the state without authority to regulate flight operations or in-flight sound.
Illinois sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary industrial and commercial noise sources through Pollution Control Board rules under the Environmental Protection Act.
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.
Lake County IL requires property owners to maintain lots free of excessive brush, weeds and combustible debris under UDO property maintenance standards and municipal nuisance codes. No statewide defensible space law exists; enforcement is by the Lake County Health Department, municipal code enforcement, and local fire districts. Illinois prairie and oak woodland fire risk peaks in spring and fall.
Lake County, IL is not a designated wildfire hazard zone. Illinois has no WUI code and no defensible space mandate. Primary wildland fire risk is grassland and forest preserve fires; open burning rules and IEPA regulations govern vegetation management rather than wildfire zoning.
Smoke alarm rules in unincorporated Lake County come from the Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60), not the county. At least one approved smoke alarm is required within 15 feet of every sleeping room and on every story (including basements). Effective January 1, 2023 under Public Act 100-0200, every NEW alarm installed in a single- or multi-family dwelling must be a 10-year non-removable, non-replaceable sealed-battery alarm. Hard-wired interconnected alarms (post-1988 construction) and wireless integrated radio-frequency/Wi-Fi alarms are exempt from the sealed-battery rule. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required within 15 feet of each sleeping room under 425 ILCS 135 (Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act).
Illinois regulates the storage, handling, and transport of liquefied petroleum gas statewide under the LPG Act, adopting NFPA 58 standards uniformly through the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
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.
Illinois Home-to-Market Act (410 ILCS 625/4) greatly expanded cottage food operations statewide in 2022. Lake County Health Department oversees registration for most non-potentially hazardous home-produced foods.
Home daycares in Lake County must be licensed by Illinois DCFS and comply with local zoning. Family daycare (up to 8 children) generally allowed in residential districts; group day care home (up to 16) needs special use permit.
Customary home occupations in unincorporated Lake County require a zoning certificate from Lake County Planning, Building and Development under Subsection 151.113(E) of the Unified Development Ordinance. The home occupation must be subordinate to the residential use, conducted by residents of the dwelling, and meet performance standards on employees, signage, parking, traffic, and outdoor activity. Bed and breakfasts may not exceed 50% of the floor area, are capped at five guest rooms, and require Lake County Health Department approval. Rural home occupations (greater intensity) are limited to lots of 80,000 sq ft or larger. Statewide, every business entity must register with the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Revenue (MyTax Illinois / REG-1) and collect 6.25% Retailers' Occupation Tax on taxable goods (35 ILCS 120).
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.
Lake County enforces strict erosion and sediment control under the Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) Article V. Any land disturbance over 5,000 sq ft requires a permit, SESC plan, silt fencing, and stabilized construction entrance per NPDES ILR10 rules.
Lake County WDO requires a Watershed Development Permit for any grading over 5,000 sq ft or 100 cubic yards of fill. Drainage must not redirect stormwater onto neighbors per Illinois civil law rule (reasonable-use doctrine).
The Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO), administered by the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), applies countywide. Permits required for 5,000+ sq ft disturbance, floodplain work, or wetland impacts. Fox River, Des Plaines River, and Chain O'Lakes flood-prone areas enforce strict floodway standards.
Waukegan, Highland Park, and Lake Forest enforce strict Lake Michigan coastal bluff setbacks and IDNR Office of Coastal Management review. Lake County WDO also requires 100-ft riparian buffers along the Des Plaines, Fox River, and Chain O'Lakes.
Lake County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Article 8 sets minimum setbacks by zoning district. Unincorporated residential R-1 requires 40 ft front, 10 ft side, 40 ft rear; Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, Highland Park, and Lake Forest have their own stricter municipal standards.
Lake County UDO limits residential lot coverage to 30-40% in R-1/R-2 districts. Municipalities like Highland Park and Lake Forest apply stricter impervious coverage ratios, and the Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) triggers stormwater review at 15%+ impervious area.
Lake County UDO caps residential building height at 35 ft or 2.5 stories in R-1/R-2 districts. Lake Forest limits height to 30 ft in estate zones; Highland Park restricts ravine and lakefront heights to protect view corridors along Lake Michigan.
Solar panel installation requires a building and electrical permit in all Lake County municipalities. Permits typically issued in 2-4 weeks under streamlined SolarAPP+ or local review. Illinois follows 2020 NEC with required roof fire setbacks of 3 ft from ridges/edges.
Illinois Homeowners Solar Rights Act (765 ILCS 165) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from effectively banning rooftop solar. HOAs in Lake Forest, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, and Gurnee may impose reasonable aesthetic rules but cannot block installation outright.
Lake County IL recreational drone use follows FAA rules under 49 USC §44809 and the Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167). FAA registration required for drones over 0.55 lbs, 400 ft max altitude, TRUST certificate required. O'Hare Class B airspace restricts most of southern Lake County; Waukegan National Airport creates additional controlled airspace. Forest Preserves ban drone launches.
Lake County IL commercial drone operators must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. O'Hare Class B airspace, Waukegan National and Chicago Executive require LAANC authorization. Municipal filming permits required in Waukegan, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Gurnee. Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167) and Private Detective Act (225 ILCS 447) apply to surveillance/inspection work.
Lake County follows Illinois Forcible Entry & Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9). No just-cause requirement — landlords may non-renew month-to-month with 30 days notice. Evictions must go through the Lake County Circuit Court in Waukegan.
Rent control is BANNED in Lake County under the Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825). No municipality — Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, Highland Park, or Lake Forest — may cap rent. Market rates apply to all rentals.
Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, and Zion require mandatory rental licensing and inspections. Libertyville, Gurnee, and Lake Forest do not require registration but enforce property maintenance codes. Annual fees $25-$100/unit.
Lake County IL municipalities contract with private haulers (Groot, LRS, Waste Management, Lakeshore Recycling Systems) for weekly curbside trash and single-stream recycling. Pickup days vary by city; bins must be curbside by 6-7 AM. Illinois Solid Waste Planning Act (415 ILCS 15) and Lake County Solid Waste Plan drive diversion goals.
Lake County IL municipalities require bins placed at the curb or alley with lids closed on collection day. Bins must be retrieved within 12-24 hours and stored out of view of the public right-of-way between pickups. Winter placement must not block plowed snow routes. HOAs in Vernon Hills and Gurnee often impose stricter storage rules.
Lake County IL municipalities offer scheduled bulk item pickup for furniture, mattresses, and white goods through their franchised hauler. Appliances with refrigerant (fridges, AC units) require EPA Section 608 freon evacuation tag. Electronics and household hazardous waste must go to SWALCO drop-offs. Construction debris is excluded.
Lake County IL municipalities mandate single-stream curbside recycling of paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum/steel cans and plastics #1-#5 through SWALCO-coordinated programs. Contaminated bins may be rejected at the curb. Commercial and multi-family recycling required under Lake County Solid Waste Plan. Plastic bags, food waste and styrofoam are not accepted curbside.
Lake Forest and Highland Park designate heritage/landmark trees, typically oaks, hickories, and specimen hardwoods 24+ inches DBH. Removal requires City Council or commission approval, rarely granted except for imminent safety hazards.
Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Libertyville require tree removal permits for trees 6-10 inch DBH and larger on private property. Waukegan and Gurnee manage parkway/right-of-way trees. The Lake County WDO requires tree preservation during development.
Lake Forest requires 1:1 caliper-inch replacement for permitted removals (3:1 for heritage). Highland Park enforces 2:1 caliper-inch ratio. Libertyville requires replacement or fee-in-lieu to the tree fund. Replacements must use approved native species.
Garage sale signs allowed on private property in Lake County cities. Waukegan, Libertyville, and Gurnee prohibit signs on utility poles, traffic signs, and public right-of-way. Most caps: 4-6 sq ft, posted 24-48 hours before, removed 24 hours after sale.
Political signs are broadly protected as political speech under the First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Lake County and municipalities like Libertyville, Gurnee, and Highland Park allow unlimited quantity on private property; most cap size at 6-32 sq ft and prohibit right-of-way placement.
Lake County and its municipalities permit holiday decorations on residential property with minimal restrictions. Displays cannot obstruct sight lines, create fire/electrical hazards, or violate noise ordinances. Typical allowed window: 45 days before to 30 days after the holiday.
Several Lake County IL municipalities maintain no-knock registries; all honor posted 'No Soliciting' signs at the door. Solicitors who visit registered addresses or ignore signs face citation. Registries do not apply to constitutionally-protected religious, political or nonprofit canvassing under Watchtower v. Stratton (2002). Waukegan, Libertyville, Highland Park, Lake Forest and Vernon Hills operate formal lists.
Lake County IL municipalities require commercial door-to-door solicitors to obtain a peddler/solicitor permit, pass a background check, and carry photo ID badge. Hours typically 9 AM to sunset or 8 PM. Religious, political and nonprofit canvassing exempt under First Amendment and Watchtower Bible Tract Society v. Stratton (2002). Waukegan, Gurnee, Highland Park and Lake Forest all maintain permit programs.
Under 410 ILCS 705/55-25, Lake County municipalities may regulate or prohibit dispensaries. Waukegan and Gurnee permit dispensaries with conditional use approval and 250-1,500 ft school buffers. Highland Park allows limited dispensaries; Lake Forest and Libertyville have opted to restrict recreational sales.
Under the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705), only registered medical patients may grow cannabis at home — up to 5 plants in a locked, enclosed space. Recreational home cultivation is PROHIBITED for non-patients. Lake County municipalities cannot authorize recreational home grows.
Lake County municipalities restrict garage sale hours to daylight periods, typically 7 AM-7 PM or 8 AM-6 PM. Highland Park and Lake Forest enforce 8 AM start to protect residential quiet. All items and signs must be removed daily.
Lake County municipalities limit garage sales to 2-4 per household per calendar year. Waukegan allows 3 sales; Gurnee 3; Libertyville 3; Highland Park 2; Lake Forest 2. Each sale is limited to 2-3 consecutive days.
Most Lake County municipalities (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville) do not require a permit for residential garage sales. Highland Park and Lake Forest require free registration. Unincorporated Lake County has no permit requirement; standard zoning applies.
Lake County IL municipalities restrict food truck vending to approved zones with minimum distances from brick-and-mortar restaurants (often 100-200 ft), schools and residential zones. Private property vending requires owner permission and zoning check. Waukegan, Libertyville, Highland Park and Lake Forest maintain specific food truck location programs; Gurnee and Vernon Hills focus on commercial corridors.
Lake County IL food trucks need a Lake County Health Department mobile food vendor permit and municipal business license for each city of operation. Annual vehicle inspection, certified food protection manager (410 ILCS 625), commissary agreement, and liability insurance required. Separate licenses may be needed for Waukegan, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Forest and Libertyville.
Lake County property maintenance codes require garage sale merchandise to be displayed neatly and removed daily after sale hours. Items left at the curb trigger property-blight citations. Signs must come down within 24 hours of sale end.
Lake County SWALCO coordinates waste management countywide. Residential trash and recycling bins must be stored out of street view between pickups and placed curbside only the evening before or morning of collection.
Lake County unincorporated property owners must maintain vacant lots with weeds and grass under 8 inches per Lake County Code Chapter 38 Nuisances. Code enforcement may abate and lien costs. Municipal ordinances apply inside Waukegan, North Chicago, and incorporated villages.
Lake County Property Maintenance Code enforces minimum standards against blight. Deteriorating exteriors, accumulated debris, overgrown lots, and vacant structures trigger 10-30 day compliance notices with daily fines.
Waukegan requires snow clearance within 24 hours; Highland Park 24 hours after snowfall ends; Lake Forest 24 hours; Libertyville and Gurnee 24 hours. Clear paths must be at least 36-48 inches wide. Unincorporated Lake County has no county-wide requirement.
Light trespass onto neighboring properties is prohibited under Lake County UDO §12.7 and municipal nuisance codes in Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Libertyville. Most cap spillover at 0.1 to 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines.
Lake Forest, Highland Park, Libertyville, and unincorporated Lake County require fully shielded (full-cutoff) outdoor fixtures under local zoning. Most adopt IES standards; Lake Forest caps fixture height at 15 ft in residential zones to protect lake views.
Lake County IL Forest Preserves close from sunset to sunrise under LCFPD Ordinance §7. Municipal parks in Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Vernon Hills and Mundelein typically close at 10-11 PM. Lighted athletic fields may extend to 10-11 PM for scheduled use. After-hours presence is criminal trespass under 720 ILCS 5/21-3.
Lake County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Illinois sets a $15 statewide minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law and permits home rule cities like Chicago to require higher local wages for covered employees.
The Paid Leave for All Workers Act guarantees up to 40 hours of paid leave annually for nearly every Illinois employee, with limited carve-outs for jurisdictions with existing ordinances.
Illinois requires 24 consecutive hours of rest each calendar week and a meal break for shifts over 7.5 hours under the One Day Rest in Seven Act, with stricter local rules permitted.
Illinois issues shall-issue concealed carry licenses through the Illinois State Police under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, with statewide preemption of local handgun carry rules.
Illinois preempts most local firearm regulation under the FOID Card Act and Wildlife Code, leaving home rule cities limited authority over assault weapons and certain narrow areas.
Illinois bans open carry of firearms in public under the Criminal Code, allowing concealed carry only by Firearm Concealed Carry Act licensees with limited exceptions.
Illinois law sets uniform rules for transporting firearms in vehicles under the FOID Card Act and Firearm Concealed Carry Act, preempting local handgun transport ordinances.
The Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act limits how employers may use E-Verify and bars mandates that exceed federal law, applying uniformly across all Illinois employers.
The Illinois TRUST Act and Way Forward Act bar state and local law enforcement from civil immigration enforcement, holding ICE detainers, or contracting for immigration detention.
Illinois protects agricultural land through the Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act and limits county zoning over farms outside municipal boundaries.
The Farm Nuisance Suit Act shields established Illinois farms from nuisance lawsuits when the operation predates surrounding non-agricultural land uses by at least one year.
Illinois has not preempted local plastic bag regulation, allowing home rule municipalities to enact bans, fees, or recycling mandates under their general police power.
Illinois does not ban expanded polystyrene foodware statewide, but state procurement law restricts EPS use and home rule cities may impose local bans.
Illinois requires full-service restaurants to provide single-use plastic straws only upon customer request under Public Act 102-0532, with local governments free to add stricter rules.
Illinois prohibits sale of any tobacco, alternative nicotine, and electronic cigarette product to persons under 21 under the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Act.
Illinois has no comprehensive statewide flavored tobacco ban, but home rule municipalities such as Chicago and Evanston may regulate flavored e-cigarettes under local police power.
Illinois requires retailers selling electronic cigarettes and e-liquids to obtain Department of Revenue licensing and follow age-verification, packaging, and tax rules statewide.