Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Chicago, IL (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
Abutting property owners must relay out-of-grade sidewalks and can be billed if the city has to do the work itself.
Chicago Sidewalk Repair Duty
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 10-20-540
All sidewalks heretofore constructed that do not conform to the grade established by ordinance shall be relaid to the proper grade by the owner of the abutting property. Each day he shall fail to relay or reconstruct such sidewalk after notice by the commissioner of transportation shall constitute a separate offense. No part or portion of any sidewalk, where the grade has been established, s...
Obstruction Rules
Chicago lets the city remove anything blocking a sidewalk or public way after just six hours' notice to the owner.
Chicago Sidewalk and Public Way Obstruction
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 10-28-010(i)
Notwithstanding subsection (h) of this section, the Commissioner is hereby authorized to order any item or thing whatsoever which may encumber or obstruct any public way, public landing, wharf or pier to be removed. If such item or thing shall not be removed within six hours after notice to the owner or person in charge to remove the same, or if the owner cannot be readily found for the purpose...
Encroachment Permits
A public way use permit is required before building any canopy, awning, marquee, bay window, kiosk, or other fixture on or over a Chicago sidewalk.
Chicago Public Way Use Permit
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 10-28-010
Unless otherwise authorized by this Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to construct, install, or maintain any of the following on, under, or above the public way without a public way use permit: (1) a canopy...(3) an awning...(6) a kiosk...Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than $25.00 nor more than $200.00 for each offense.
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Cook County →