June 22, 2020: City Council/Committee of the Whole (COVID-19 Economic Impact Report; Video)
May 26, 2020: City Council/Commitee of the Whole (Coronavirus Economic Impact Report Presentation; Video)
May 22, 2020: Virtual Town Hall for Business (City Report; Q&A; Video)
May 20, 2020: Virtual Town Hall (Video)
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity issued Phase 4 guidelines. DCEO also provides information for each sector.
In Phase 4, Illinoisans may resume activities that were previously limited in scope or not permitted. This includes block parties and garage sales. In keeping with State of Illinois guidance on gatherings, attendance at garage sales is increased to 50 individuals or fewer with health and safety measures in place. Block parties may resume with social distancing guidelines in effect and maximum attendance of 50 individuals.
Please be sure to review the public health guidelines issued by the State of Illinois before hosting these events. As a reminder, both block parties and garage sales require applications to be submitted to the City. Several frequently asked questions regarding block parties and garage sales appear below; if your question is not answered, please email us.
What is the maximum number of individuals permitted to gather in groups?
Gatherings are limited to 50 individuals or fewer, including children.
What health & safety guidelines should be followed when hosting a garage sale?
- Limit attendance to no more than 50 individuals.
- Avoid placing sale items in indoor spaces, including inside garages.
- Discourage visitors from touching items, and sanitize all items that have been touched.
- Sanitize high-touch surfaces frequently.
- Ensure all visitors wear a face covering.
- Consider using touchless payment methods instead of cash.
How can the garage sale application be accessed?
Complete a garage sale application on the City's website. Please note that the Highland Park Police Department must be notified in writing three days prior to the sale date.
What health & safety guidelines should be followed when hosting a block party?
For any event attended by individuals from different households, remind all guests to keep a six-foot distance from others, wear a face covering, and wash/sanitize hands frequently. Block party attendance is limited to 50 individuals or fewer. If food will be served, avoid family-style or buffet service where possible, and encourage families to bring their own water and treats. While the State of Illinois permits buffet-style self-service dining to resume, guidelines for safe buffet/self-service dining are strict. Remind guests not to attend if they feel unwell or have been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19.
What information must be submitted as part of a block party application?
The block party application must be completed and returned to the Highland Park Police Department 21 days prior to the block party. Questions may be directed to 847.432.7730. Information required to complete the block party application includes:
- Contact information for the designated person-in-charge, who must be at least 21 years of age or older. A phone number that will be manned throughout the party must be provided.
- Date, time, and location of block party.
- Signatures of at least residents (ages 21 or older) from at least 75% of homes affected by the road closure indicating that they have been invited to or have no objections to the block party.
The application also includes notice of the City of Highland Park's Ordinance Pertaining to Noise.
Is the Fire Department able to visit block parties?
At this time, due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, the Fire Department is unable to visit block parties. Your kind understanding is appreciated.
Below, please find applications to allow temporary outdoor dining and other expanded uses of outdoor space consistent with state public health guidelines within the City of Highland Park. Business owners may submit an application to expand use of outdoor settings adjacent to their businesses, such as adding outdoor dining, seating, displays, merchandise, etc. Fitness businesses may apply to use City-owned outdoor property for outdoor classes. There is no fee for this application or permit.
The City is committed to supporting our local business community. Questions regarding these outdoor expansion applications should be directed to the Office of Business Development, at 847.926.1027.
Temporary Outdoor Expansion for Restaurants, Retailers, Service Businesses and Fitness Businesses
Map of Downtown and Ravinia Outdoor Dining AreasRoad closure & detour map
Temporary Outdoor Expansion for Fitness Classes on City Property
On Tuesday, August 25, Governor JB Pritzker announced a new, statewide face covering requirement for patrons of restaurants and bars, including carryout or drive-thru customers. The new guidelines require patrons to wear face coverings when interacting with all restaurant or bar employees. These measures are effective Wednesday, August 26, 2020, and are aimed at protecting workers and slowing the spread of COVID-19. The new guidelines were developed in consultation with the Illinois Restaurant Association and other hospitality industry partners.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released an updated toolkit to assist business owners in implementing these new guidelines. Signage announcing this requirement is available for download.
Guidelines for each industry will be updated on the DCEO website as necessary. Find all the Phase 4 guidelines and toolkits here. Guidelines and toolkits are available for the following industries:
Please refer to the Phase 4 guidelines issued by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. DCEO also provides information for each sector.
January 26, 2021: Region 9 (Lake and McHenry Counties) has advanced to Tier 1 of resurgence mitigations.
January 20, 2021: The State of Illinois has released updated guidance for Phase 4. Click here to view the updated overview.
January 18, 2021: Region 9 Moves to Tier 2 Mitigations (more information). Click here for detailed information about the tiered mitigations. Click here to view the full FAQ from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
November 17, 2020: All Regions in Illinois Move to Tier 3 Mitigations Effective November 20, 2020 (IDPH media release)
November 17, 2020: City Limits Gathering Size to 10, Closes Workout Facilities & Dance Studios (Media Release)
October 28, 2020: IDPH Implements COVID-19 Restriction Mitigations for Lake, McHenry Counties Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, October 31, 2020
Aug. 25, 2020: Office of the Governor announced a new, statewide face covering requirement for patrons of restaurants and bars, including carryout or drive-thru customers. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released an updated toolkit to assist business owners in implementing these new guidelines. Signage announcing this requirement is available for download.
Aug. 3, 2020: Office of the Governor launches new campaign to promote face coverings
July 15, 2020: Office of the Governor and IDPH release COVID-19 Mitigation Plan (News Release; Plan)
June 26, 2020: Illinois enters Phase 4: Revitalization (Executive Order)
June 22, 2020: State of Illinois Issues Phase 4 Guidelines for Reopening. An overview of changes from Phase 3 has also been released.