Chicago, IL

Chicago sets quiet hours from 9 PM to 8 AM. The ordinance uses both a "reasonable person" standard and specific decibel limits: 55 dB at night in residential areas, 60 dB during the day. What makes Chicago's approach distinct is the aldermanic involvement — your local alderperson's office often handles noise complaints before they reach formal enforcement. The Chicago Department of Public Health oversees the ordinance but the police department responds to immediate complaints. Fines start at $300 and can reach $1,000 for repeat offenders.

Chicago does not allow recreational vehicles, boats, or trailers to park on public streets for more than 24 hours. This applies to all neighborhoods citywide. If your RV or boat is over 22 feet long, it can't park on any residential street at all, even briefly. There's no annual pass or permit system to get around this — you need off-street parking. The city actively tickets during winter months when street sweeping and snow removal make oversized vehicles an even bigger problem. Fines are $150 per ticket and your vehicle can be towed after 7 days.