Lake County Gazette

Highland Park is contemplating an amendment to its policies, aiming to grant public agencies an exemption regarding the use and location of storage containers. This consideration arises due to the escalating costs associated with permanent structures.

According to the agenda for the Feb. 26 meeting of the Highland Park City Council Committee of the Whole, on Nov. 13, the Committee of the Whole endorsed an ordinance that would permit storage containers for two weeks per year in any zoning district. This limitation would apply to all units, including public agencies.

The city council directed staff to investigate how these containers are utilized by various entities such as the city itself, school districts, the park district, and the North Shore Water Reclamation District (NSWRD). The findings revealed that while NSWRD does not use containers, both School Districts and the Park District do employ them for temporary seasonal storage and in a semi-permanent manner.

The staff's report also stated that storage containers provide flexibility for the city to address evolving needs. These needs include those arising during situations like a pandemic and also regular ongoing storage requirements.

Furthermore, it was reported that Highland Park has utilized storage containers for events such as Food Truck Thursday and at The Lot downtown from June through November.