1) How can I find zoning information for a property?

Please click here to take you to our Building Department’s home page.  Under the downloads tab, you can view our most recent City Zoning Map.  Once you determine what the property is currently zoned, please consult with the City’s Zoning Code to learn about the specific regulations for that Zoning District.

2) What do I need to do when selling property within the City of Highwood?

All properties offered for sale in the City of Highwood must be inspected by the Building Department prior to the parties entering into any contract for sale of the property.  A report of Zoning Code Compliance will then be issued to the seller.  Also, the City asks that the current owner of the property contact Highwood City Hall to arrange for a final water meter reading in order to close out the individual’s water and refuse account.

3) What are the rules and regulations with regards to real estate signs?

According to Highwood’s Appearance Code (2001-O-41): a) One real estate sign not exceeding four (4) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height to the highest part of the sign, announcing the sale or lease of a property shall be permitted on the property but not on the public right-of-way; and b) A maximum of three open house signs may be placed in the public right-of-way no more frequently than two days a week.

4) I’m interested in developing a property.  How many units can I build on a particular property?

In the R-1 and R-2 Zoning District, only single-family homes are permitted.  In the R-3 Zoning District, only single-family and duplex (a two-family unit only) dwellings are permitted.  In the R-3A Zoning District, single-family, duplex and multiple-family (no more than four (4) units) dwellings are permitted (lot must be at least 10,000 square feet in order to build a duplex dwelling or greater; no more than one dwelling unit shall be permitted for each 3,000 square feet of lot area).  In the R-4 Zoning District, single-family, duplex and multiple-family dwellings are permitted (lot must be at least 10,000 square feet in order to build a duplex dwelling or greater; no more than one dwelling unit shall be permitted for each 3,000 square feet of lot area).  Condominiums/Townhomes are permitted only in the R-3A, R-4 and business zoned districts.

5) Does Highwood have a real estate transfer tax?

No.  However, in the past properties within the Town of Fort Sheridan subdivision were subject to a transfer fee pursuant to Section V B of the Annexation Agreement related to this subdivision.The City Council passed Resolution 11-R-31 imposing a moratorium on the collection of real state transfer taxes for the Town of Fort Sheridan effective Jan 1, 2012.

6) What type of business uses are permitted within the City’s business districts?

Please consult pages 43-46 of Highwood’s Zoning Code to view the Permitted and Special Use matrix for the City’s business districts.  You may click here to access the page where you can download a copy of the City's Zoning Code.