Only the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) may paint curbs to designate parking restrictions; private painting of yellow, red, or other curb colors is prohibited under MCC 9-64 and 10-28 and treated as an unauthorized traffic control device.
Under MCC 9-64, traffic and parking restrictions are enforced through CDOT-installed signs and pavement markings. Yellow curbs designate loading zones, while red and other reserved markings designate fire lanes, hydrants, or no-parking areas authorized by ordinance. MCC 10-28 makes it unlawful for any private party to install, paint, alter, or remove a traffic control device or curb marking on a public way without a CDOT permit. Property owners who want a loading zone or restricted curb in front of their building must apply through CDOT, which evaluates need, posts signage, and paints the curb. Self-painting is treated as defacement and a traffic device violation.
Unauthorized private curb painting violates MCC 10-28 with fines from $300 to $1,000 per offense, plus restoration costs charged to the property. Repainting after warning escalates to nuisance abatement and lien recovery.
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