Chicago is known for its progressive urban planning and design of its city. Urban designers offer parking permits to help keep the streets clear for traffic and valid parking. You can get residential permits, guest permits, special event permits, and moving truck permits. It’s important to comply with all parking rules and regulations to avoid costly tickets and fees.
It’s also polite to get parking permits and understand Chicago’s parking rules so as not to intrude on neighbors or businesses with valid parking permits. Do you need special parking permits in Chicago for your moving day? Our team at Move-tastic! will help you explore the types of permits required and where and how to get them to help ease the moving process.
Why Chicago Moving Permits Are Important
Securing the proper parking permit, including on a moving day, keeps you compliant with Chicago’s regulations and codes. These permits help ensure you have a parking space and avoid costly fees. While some Chicagoans will place dibs, such as a lawn chair or no parking sign on a parking space they don’t have a permit for, these aren’t enforceable. The smart move is to apply and pay for your parking, moving, or special event permits to avoid hassles, fines, or confrontations.
Types of Moving Permits in Chicago
The three most relevant parking permits in Chicago include:
Residential Parking Permits
You’ll need a residential zone parking permit if you live in the city and have a vehicle. Each area of Chicago has a designated zone, and you must be a resident of the specific zone to get a parking permit to park on the streets. If you have guests who need to park, you’ll need to get a temporary guest parking permit for the duration. Once you receive your residential zone parking permit, which includes your zone number, display the vehicle sticker per the instructions.
Commercial Vehicle Permits
Chicago issues permits for vehicles that exceed standard size and weight regulations. A commercial parking permit can be for industrial parking for businesses. To obtain a commercial vehicle permit for oversized or overweight vehicles and special events, the applicant must be 18 years old for intrastate and 21 years old for interstate events.
Non-Commercial Vehicle Permit
The city issues non-commercial loading zone permits to vehicles with an Illinois passenger license plate for short-term loading and unloading. The Non-Commercial Loading Zone permit allows a driver to use their vehicle for loading and unloading in a commercial capacity. A semiannual non-commercial permit is $125 and an annual permit is $250.
Special Permits for Large Items
You’ll need to get a special permit from the city to move large items on Chicago’s public streets, particularly if the vehicle is over 102 inches in height, 8 feet wide, over 48 feet long, and weighs over 46,000 pounds. In general, this type of permit is used for large events such as festivals or concerts.
How To Obtain Moving Permits
While obtaining a moving permit isn’t difficult, it’s time-consuming and requires advanced planning. When you hire a local moving company such as Move-tastic!, we’ll take care of getting the proper permit and pay for it on moving day, saving you the hassle of doing it.
Contact the Relevant Authorities
The first step to getting a parking permit is to contact the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC). While you can use the online form, some find it easier to call them at 312-746-9111 to provide the necessary information on the vehicle size, moving route, and how long you’ll need the permit for.
Submit Your Application
Once you’ve shared the pertinent information with OEMC, they’ll let you know how much the permit will cost and the documents needed. They’ll guide you on how to submit the application.
Display and Comply
Once you receive your permit, you must display it properly inside the vehicle. The city requires you to have the permit located in the lower passenger-side corner of the windshield to stay in compliance.
Additional Moving Regulations To Keep in Mind
Even though you have the proper permits, you need to follow additional rules and regulations to park legally in Chicago, including:
Street Parking Regulations in Chicago
- No parking within 12 inches of the curb.
- No parking within 20 feet of a street stop sign.
- No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- No parking in a bus or bike lane.
- Any vehicle over 6 feet high must not park within 20 feet of a city crosswalk.
Winter Parking Rules and Snow Restrictions
Winter in Chicago brings snow storms, and the city won’t allow you to park if the snow is deeper than 2 inches. In addition, you can’t park on select roadways or streets from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. starting December 1 to April 1.
Moving Permits for Chicago FAQs
These helpful FAQs summarize Chicago’s parking permit process.
What Kinds of Permits Are Required for Moving Within Chicago?
You’ll need parking permits for the day of the move for non-commercial loading and unloading. No Parking signs from the Chicago Department of Transportation must be displayed at the site at least 48 hours before the move.
What’s the Time Frame To Get a Moving Permit in Chicago?
Depending on the specifics of the move, you can get a permit within 24 hours. Free non-enforceable moving sign requests from Alderman can take up to 72 hours to process.
Is a Parking Permit Necessary for All Moves in Chicago?
Yes, you do need a residential parking permit for your specific zone. These cost $25 a year. If your move is within the Chicago city limits, you’ll need a parking permit for the move.
What Are the Costs Associated With Moving Permits in Chicago?
The Chicago Department of Transportation provides moving companies with enforceable No Parking signs for $25 for the day of the move. Speak with your local mover to learn about their moving fees.
Learn More About Chicago Parking Permits for Moving Day
While moving to a new home is often exciting, it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to parking permits and logistics. Hiring a local and reliable moving company, such as Move-tastic!, that understands the process and types of permits needed will help ease the stress of moving. Contact us to learn more about our professional packing and moving services, and how our storage service works if you need to store your possessions for a while.
city skyline under blue sky during daytime by Christina Winter is licensed with Unsplash License