Highland Park council approves first reading of rental-registration ordinance after heated public comment

The Highland Park City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance on Monday to require registration, inspection and a certificate of compliance for non‑owner‑occupied dwellings, after more than an hour of public comment and back‑and‑forth among council members and legal staff.

Council members and residents said the measure aims to require landlords to maintain safe housing and give the city tools to address blight and unsafe living conditions. Opponents at the meeting said the draft is overly broad, risks unintended consequences for homeowners and lacks due‑process protections.

The ordinance, as read into the record by the chair, would repeal existing section 1,448 and replace it with a new set of rules governing “non‑owner‑occupied” dwellings. Key provisions in the draft include: mandatory registration of non‑owner‑occupied properties; designation of a responsible local agent for each property; a certificate of compliance required before renting; inspection and reinspection requirements based on the International Property Maintenance Code adopted by the city (12/05/2016); posting a copy of the certificate inside premises; fee and business‑license requirements to be set by city…