Lake County, IL Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard loading space size
- 10 ft by 25 ft minimum
- Semi-trailer loading space size
- 12 ft by 65 ft minimum
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Right-of-way loading
- Barred on collector/arterial streets
- Governing chapter
- Unified Development Ordinance § 151.166
Summary
Unincorporated Lake County requires off-street loading spaces at least 10 by 25 feet (12 by 65 feet for semi-trailers), bars loading from collector or arterial rights-of-way, and mandates paved, dust-free surfacing.
(A) No use of public right-of-way. (1) At no time shall goods be loaded or unloaded from the right-of-way of a collector or arterial street. ... (C) Design. (1) Space size. Off-street loading spaces, excluding maneuvering areas, shall be at least ten feet wide and 25 feet long unless off-street loading will involve the use of semi-tractor trailer combinations or other vehicles in excess of 25 feet in length, in which case the minimum size of a space shall be 12 feet by 65 feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code § 151.166, part of the county's Unified Development Ordinance, applies only to unincorporated Lake County (§ 151.003), not Waukegan, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville or other incorporated towns with their own codes. It bars loading or unloading goods within the right-of-way of a collector or arterial street and bars vehicles extending into that right-of-way while loading. Off-street loading spaces must be shown on required site plans, sized at least 10 feet by 25 feet (12 by 65 feet for semi-tractor trailers or vehicles over 25 feet), kept dust-free, and paved if located between an improved street and the principal building.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the Planning, Building and Development Director, who can withhold or revoke development permits and issue stop-work orders; each week a violation goes uncorrected counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this loading rule apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
How big must an off-street loading space be?
Can trucks load from the street instead of an off-street space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
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