Des Plaines does not officially recognize 'dibs' or any practice of using chairs, cones, or other objects to reserve cleared on-street parking spaces after a snowstorm. Public streets remain public, and obstructing the right-of-way violates Des Plaines City Code.
Unlike the Chicago tradition of dibs, Des Plaines does not permit residents to claim a public parking space they have shoveled. Placing chairs, cones, garbage cans, or other items in a public street to reserve a space is considered an obstruction of the public right-of-way and may be removed by Public Works without notice. The city's overnight permit system and snow-route enforcement ensure that streets remain accessible for plowing, emergency vehicles, and other residents. Disputes over shoveled spaces are not enforceable, and damaging another resident's vehicle in retaliation is a criminal matter handled by Des Plaines Police at (847) 391-5400. Contact Public Works at (847) 391-5464 to report obstructions.
Items left in the public right-of-way may be removed and discarded by Public Works, and residents may face citations of $50 to $250 for obstructing a public street. Vandalism or threats related to space disputes may result in criminal charges.
Des Plaines, IL
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Des Plaines, IL
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Des Plaines, IL
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Des Plaines, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle dibs & space saving.
See how Des Plaines's dibs & space saving rules stack up against other locations.
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