Thinking about opening up a kitchen, adding a suite, or tackling a full remodel in Highland Park? In the Park Cities, small details like permits, work hours, and neighbor etiquette can make or break your timeline. You want a smooth project that stays compliant and keeps the block happy. This guide walks you through the essentials so you can plan with confidence and avoid costly missteps. Let’s dive in.
Know your jurisdiction in Park Cities
“Park Cities” includes two separate municipalities: the Town of Highland Park and the City of University Park. Each sets and enforces its own rules, so your first step is to confirm which one governs your property. You can read more about the Park Cities structure in this overview of the two towns that make up Park Cities.
- If your home is in Highland Park, your primary contacts are Community Development and Building Inspection for permits and inspections, Engineering for right-of-way issues, and Code Compliance. Start on the Highland Park Community Development pages.
- If you are in University Park, use the University Park code and permitting processes. Many rules are similar, but holiday lists and right-of-way procedures differ.
When you need a permit
Permits are required before you start most remodels, additions, and specialty projects in Highland Park. Working without a permit is an offense under the town’s code.
Common permits in Highland Park
- Building permits: new construction, additions, remodels, and structural work require a permit before work begins.
- Trade permits: electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC require state-licensed contractors and Town registration where applicable.
- Specialty permits: demolition, pools, generators, solar, fences, irrigation and backflow, and driveway or sidewalk work usually need dedicated packets or forms. Highland Park publishes permit packets and a builder’s packet with the required documents.
How to apply and who pulls permits
- Highland Park accepts online submittals and inspection requests through its portal. Contractors must register before applying, and fees must be paid before any work starts. Residential projects often require energy compliance documents.
- Right-of-way and barricade permits are separate when your work impacts streets, alleys, or sidewalks. Examples include dumpsters in alleys, curb cuts, or lane closures. Town standards govern restoration materials and timelines.
- Use franchised construction waste haulers. Highland Park requires approved vendors for dumpsters and portable sanitation.
- The contractor usually applies for the permit, but the property owner remains responsible for compliance.
Helpful starting points: review the Highland Park permit and forms hub and the permit requirement section of the municipal code.
Working hours, holidays, and noise
Following the clock is just as important as following the plans.
Highland Park hours and holidays
- Standard construction hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
- No construction on Sundays.
- No construction on these holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
- After-hours work requires special permission from the Building Department. See the Highland Park code section on construction hours for details.
University Park differences
- University Park follows the same 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday schedule, with no work on Sundays.
- The city’s holiday list is broader. It includes days such as Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth. Exceptions require approval from the community development director. Review the University Park code for specifics.
Noise and after-hours exceptions
- Highland Park’s code includes maximum noise level provisions. Recent language references 80 dB at the property line. General “unnecessary noise” rules also apply.
- After-hours or weekend work is only allowed with prior written permission or for public safety emergencies. Right-of-way work may require specific lead times for approvals. University Park, for example, outlines right-of-way timing in its code.
Right-of-way, dumpsters, and jobsites
When your project spills into the public way, plan ahead.
- Right-of-way permits: activities like setting a dumpster in the alley, cutting a curb or driveway, or closing a lane usually require a separate permit. Expect restoration standards such as high-early-strength concrete or flowable backfill, as directed by the Town.
- Franchised vendors: construction waste haulers and temporary sanitation providers must be franchised by Highland Park.
- On-site posting: keep permits and inspection cards clearly visible so neighbors and inspectors can confirm authorized work.
- Daily housekeeping: keep sidewalks and streets clean, control erosion and dust, and avoid blocking driveways except during active loading or unloading.
Neighbor-friendly etiquette that matters
In the Park Cities, a little courtesy goes a long way. Local preservation and civic groups share practical tips that align with municipal expectations.
- Notify immediate neighbors before you start. Share the builder’s contact and flag major disruptions like demolition, concrete pours, or big deliveries. Preservation Park Cities outlines neighbor-friendly practices and recommended signage.
- Protect trees and sidewalks. Install tree protection if required and repair any damage promptly as part of right-of-way restoration.
- Keep materials secure and use approved dumpsters. Follow town rules for placement and duration.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm your jurisdiction: Highland Park or University Park.
- Hold a pre-application call or meeting if the scope is large. Gather the builder’s packet, forms, and any required energy compliance documents.
- Verify your contractor is state licensed and registered with the Town. Confirm your waste hauler is franchised.
- Post permits and builder contact info on site. Notify neighbors of start dates and disruptive milestones.
- Follow 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday hours and honor listed holidays. Request inspections through the online portal on schedule.
- Keep the site clean, manage erosion, and restore any right-of-way impacts quickly.
If something goes wrong
If work starts without the required permit or continues outside allowed hours, expect enforcement. Building officials can issue stop-work orders, require corrections, assess reinspection fees, and pursue penalties. You may need to obtain a retroactive permit and expose completed work for inspection. Contact the Building Department immediately to resolve issues and get back on track.
Ready to map out a renovation that respects Park Cities rules and protects your timeline and budget? If you want construction-savvy guidance as you plan improvements or prep a home for market, connect with Donna Hartley for local insight and a streamlined plan.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for an interior remodel in Highland Park?
- Most remodels and any structural work require a permit before starting, and owners remain responsible for compliance even if a contractor applies; use Highland Park’s permit and forms hub and the permit requirement section of the code to confirm your scope.
What are the allowed construction hours in Highland Park?
- Work is allowed 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with no work on Sundays or on the town’s listed holidays unless you have special permission from the Building Department.
How do right-of-way permits work in Park Cities?
- If your project uses or affects a street, alley, or sidewalk, you likely need a separate right-of-way or barricade permit with specific restoration standards and lead times outlined by each municipality’s rules.
What construction noise limits apply in Highland Park?
- Highland Park’s code includes maximum noise levels, with recent language noting 80 dB at the property line, along with general rules against unnecessary or offensive noise; verify the latest ordinance language in the municipal code.
What neighbor etiquette should I follow during renovations in Park Cities?
- Notify neighbors before you start, post permits and builder contact info on site, keep public areas clean, use franchised haulers, and protect trees and sidewalks in line with Preservation Park Cities guidance and town policies.
