McLean County, IL Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted districts
- A, R-1, R-2 (unincorporated county)
- Paving trigger
- Required over 8 open spaces
- Residential driveway width cap
- 25 feet at right-of-way
- Commercial/industrial driveway cap
- 35 feet at right-of-way
- Maximum fine
- $500 per week, § 350-22
- Enforcing office
- Director of Building and Zoning
Summary
In unincorporated McLean County, the zoning code prohibits parking spaces open to the sky in front yards and street-side side yards within the Agriculture, R-1 and R-2 residential districts. Lots with more than eight parking spaces must be paved with asphalt or concrete, and driveways crossing the right-of-way are capped at 25 feet wide in residential zones.
In yards. Off-street parking spaces open to the sky may be located in any yard except in front yards and side yards adjoining a street in the A Agriculture District, R-1 Single-Family Residential District and the R-2 Two-Family Residential District. ... Surfacing. All open off-street parking areas containing more than eight parking spaces shall be graded and paved with asphalt, concrete, or asphaltic concrete as approved by the County Engineer except in the following instances... Driveways. ... No driveway that crosses public property at the right-of-way line shall exceed a width of 25 feet in a residential district and 35 feet in commercial and industrial districts unless otherwise required by the County Engineer, applicable township road district commissioner, or the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Full Breakdown
McLean County Zoning Code § 350-65D states that off-street parking spaces open to the sky may be located in any yard except front yards and side yards adjoining a street in the A Agriculture District, R-1 Single-Family Residential District, and R-2 Two-Family Residential District. The rule targets driveway aprons and gravel pull-offs sited ahead of the house line rather than beside or behind it; a carport or garage set back from the street front is unaffected because the prohibition only reaches open-to-the-sky spaces in the yard itself.
Section 350-66 layers on surfacing and design standards. Any open parking area with more than eight spaces must be graded and paved with asphalt, concrete, or asphaltic concrete as approved by the County Engineer, though lots tied to a special event permit or a not-for-profit agricultural demonstration are excused. Driveways crossing the public right-of-way line cannot exceed 25 feet in width in a residential district or 35 feet in a commercial or industrial district, unless the County Engineer, the township road district commissioner, or IDOT requires otherwise.
Required spaces must measure at least nine feet wide and 20 feet long, with seven feet of vertical clearance if enclosed. Because McLean County zoning governs only the unincorporated county, none of this reaches a driveway inside Bloomington or Normal, which enforce their own municipal codes. The Director of Building and Zoning administers these standards and reviews site plans before a construction permit issues.
Violations & Fines
A driveway or parking pad that violates § 350-65D or § 350-66 is a zoning violation under § 350-22: a petty offense carrying a fine up to $500, with each week the condition continues counted as a separate offense. The County, the township, or an affected neighboring property owner may seek a Circuit Court order to correct or abate the violation, and the Director of Building and Zoning can withhold future permits on the property until it is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on my front lawn in unincorporated McLean County?
Does this rule apply inside Bloomington or Normal?
How wide can my driveway be where it crosses the road right-of-way?
What happens if my parking area needs paving and isn't paved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McLean County
Compare McLean County to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
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