Yard Waste Ordinance
It is unlawful to burn yardwaste in Highland Park, or to place, cast or sweep this material where it might be carried into any stream or body of water (Section 96.103).

It is unlawful to deposit, in any manner, yardwaste, including earth fill, in or upon any ravine, bluff, or parcel of land having a gradient greater than 10 percent (section 131.040).

Owners of steep slope property are responsible for the maintenance of the slopes. In Section 155.006, owners are directed to remove yard waste or other man-made debris, previously dumped on the slope, which may damage underlying vegetation or impede the free flow of water through channels.

Drainage and Grading Ordinance
All landscaping for new construction must be developed with cognizance and in consideration of drainage and grading regulations.

It is unlawful to alter the existing natural grade by more than 2 feet, alter any stormwater conveyance system, or cover more than 100 square feet of area without an earthmoving permit (Section 170.025).

Landscape Contractor Licensing
The City of Highland Park requires that any person engaged in the business of the care of lawns, shrubs, trees and or other landscape maintenance must first secure a license from the City.

A license application may be obtained from the City Manager's office (847-432-0800). Applicants must show proof of insurance and register the number and kind of vehicles owned by his or her firm. An annual $75 fee is charged for the license.

The applicant must verify that he or she is familiar with the ordinances governing landscape practices in the City, including drainage and grading, yard waste disposal, the summer leaf blower ban and watering restrictions. Violation of these ordinances can result in fines and/or suspension of the landscaping license.

Click here for a current list of landscapers licensed to work in Highland Park. For further information, please contact Chuck Meyer, administrative intern, at (847) 926-1043.

Summer Leaf Blower Ban
In response to citizen concerns about noise and potential air pollution, the city of Highland Park has banned the use of non-electric leaf blower-type machines during the summer months (May 15 to October 1). (This restriction does not apply to golf course maintenance operations and/or roof gutter and downspout cleaning operations between October 1 and the following June 15.)

Enforcement of this ordinance is overseen by the City Manager's office, which has taken several steps to encourage compliance and assist the police in enforcement. For more information, contact Chuck Meyer, administrative intern, at (847) 926-1043.

Residents who observe landscape crews in violation of the ordinance should immediately call the police non-emergency number at(847) 432-7730.

Watering Restrictions
Residents should note that lawn sprinkling is banned in Highland Park from noon to 6:00 PM daily between May 15 and September 15. Exceptions include the use of hand-held hoses or sprinkling cans for watering shrubs or gardens. This ordinance was passed in 1990 following a request by the Illinois Division of Water Resources to conserve Lake Michigan Water. Moreover, the optimal time to water trees, shrubs, or grass is early morning or late at night, when evaporation is minimized.