Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Highland Park, IL?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Highland Park, IL, but they are specifically regulated. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes both general rental registration requirements and specific short-term rental regulations. Highland Park permits short-term rentals provided they comply with all applicable city ordinances, including zoning requirements and safety standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Highland Park

Step 1: Understand Zoning and Property Eligibility

• Verify your property is located within an appropriate zoning district that permits short-term rentals
• Ensure the property meets the definition of a "Regulated Rental Dwelling" which includes:
  • Properties within single-family or multiple-family residential structures
  • Properties with unique ingress and egress methods
  • Properties leased to or occupied by non-owners

Step 2: Complete Required Registration

• Initial Registration: Must be completed prior to initial rental
• Annual Renewal: Required on or before April 1st each calendar year
• Application Submission: Mail completed applications to the Community Development Department

Step 3: Obtain Necessary Documents

• Complete the rental registration application
• Submit signed Affirmation & Acknowledgement Form
• Provide all required property owner and agent information

Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees

• $30 registration fee per dwelling unit
• Payment methods: Currently mail payment only (online payments not accepted for initial registration)
• Multiple units require separate fees for each unit

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents:

1. Complete Application Package including:
   • Application Form
   • Affirmation & Acknowledgement Form (mandatory)
   • Additional Registered Dwelling Units Form (if applicable)
   • Additional Property Agents Form (if applicable)
   • Additional Property Owners Form (if applicable)

Permits and Licenses:

1. Rental Registration (Title XV, Chapter 154)

   • Required for all regulated rental dwellings
   • Must be renewed annually

2. Compliance with Short-Term Rental Regulations (Title XV, Chapter 150, Section 150.430)

   • Adopted November 9, 2020
   • Specific requirements for short-term rental operations

Safety and Building Requirements:

• Properties must comply with adopted building codes
• Safety requirements as outlined in Chapter 154
• Inspection requirements may apply

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Highland Park):

Rental Registration Requirements (Chapter 154):

• Registration required for all dwelling units meeting the definition of "Regulated Rental Dwelling"
• Must be registered prior to initial rental
• Annual renewal required by April 1st
• $30 fee per dwelling unit
• Application must include signed Affirmation & Acknowledgement Form

Short-Term Rental Specific Regulations (Chapter 150, Section 150.430):

• Adopted November 9, 2020
• Provides specific framework for short-term rental operations
• Must comply with zoning requirements
• Subject to safety and operational standards

Key Registration Exemptions:

• Owner-occupied properties where the owner rents a bedroom within their primary residence are not required to register
• Properties where family members live (even if rent-free) still require registration

County and State Regulations:

• Lake County may have additional requirements (not detailed in provided content)
• Illinois state regulations may apply but specific details not provided in content
• Investors should verify compliance with all applicable county and state requirements

Contact Information

Primary Contact:

Community Development Department - Building Division

• Phone: 847.432.0808
• Email: building@cityhpil.com

Mailing Address:

Community Development Department
Rental Registration Program
1150 Half Day Road, 2nd Floor
Highland Park, IL 60035

City Hall:

• Phone: 847.432.0800
• Address: 1707 St Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois 60035
• Hours: 8:30 AM - 5 PM Tuesday - Friday (appointments recommended)

Important Application Notes

Submission Requirements:

• All registrations must include a signed Affirmation & Acknowledgement Form
• Applications accepted via mail only
• Online payments currently not accepted for initial registration
• City plans to accept online renewals in the future

Technical Assistance:

• Complete application package with instructions available
• FAQ document addresses common questions
• Building Division provides technical assistance

Key Takeaways for STR Investors

1. STRs are permitted but require specific compliance with city regulations
2. Registration is mandatory for most rental properties, including STRs
3. Annual renewal is required by April 1st each year
4. Owner-occupied STRs (renting rooms in primary residence) are exempt from registration
5. Multiple properties require separate registration and fees for each unit
6. Compliance is critical - violations can result in enforcement actions

Source Pages

• Primary Rental Registration Page: https://www.cityhpil.com/government/city_departments/community_development/rental_registration.php
• Rental Registration FAQs: Rental Registration FAQs v3.pdf
• City Code - Rental Registration: Title XV, Chapter 154
• City Code - Short-Term Rentals: Title XV, Chapter 150, Section 150.430
• City Code Library: https://library.municode.com/il/highland_park/codes/code_of_ordinances