Chicago, IL Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)

Chicago Municipal Code § 9-64-100 is a list of places where it shall be unlawful to park any vehicle. The quoted subsections cover spots that come up constantly on a crowded Chicago block.

Subsection (a) sets a fixed distance: no parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. The rule is measured in feet, so a driver needs at least 15 feet between the vehicle and the hydrant.

Subsection (c) works differently. It has no distance figure. It bars parking at any place where the vehicle will block vehicular access to or use of a driveway, alley or firelane. The test is the effect of the parked vehicle. If it keeps another vehicle from getting into or out of a driveway, an alley, or a firelane, or from using it, the spot is illegal. The words access to or use of are broad enough to reach a vehicle that only partly covers the opening but still prevents its use. The subsection names no exception for the person who owns or lives at the driveway, so parking across your own driveway is covered as well.

Subsection (d) protects curb cut access for handicapped pedestrians. Parking at any place where the vehicle will block the use of that curb cut is unlawful. Again the measure is whether the curb cut can still be used, not a set number of feet.

The same section also bars parking within 20 feet of a marked crosswalk and within 30 feet of a traffic signal or stop sign on the approaching side. Those rules, like the hydrant rule, turn on a measured distance, while the driveway and curb cut rules turn on blockage.

Enforcement is by parking ticket, and the fine amount depends on which subsection was violated.