I am fascinated by the arcane, uncompromising, and unfathomable systems in place to regulate on-street parking in urban America.  I’m embarking on a quest to learn how large cities across our wonderful country collect extraordinary sums of money from parking tickets.

Please join me in my search for answers to the simple question, “Can I park here?” First stop, the windy city of Chicago.

Where do Chicago parking regulations live?

The answer is not under a rock next to the GEICO guy.You’ll find a bountiful bushel of parking regulations in the Chicago Municipal Code, Chapter 9- 64, as follows:

9-64-010     Applicability – Exemptions.

9-64-020     Parallel parking – Obstruction of traffic.

9-64-030     Diagonal parking zones.

9-64-040     Temporary and permanent signs – Street cleaning.

9-64-041     Temporary signs – Other uses.

9-64-050     Parking restrictions – Parking for persons with disabilities.

9-64-060     Snow removal.

9-64-070     Parking on snow routes.

9-64-080     Parking restricted on certain days or hours.

9-64-085     Review of existing residential parking permit.

9-64-090     Residential parking permit.

9-64-091     Industrial permit parking.

9-64-100     Parking prohibited – Fire hydrants, firelanes and various locations.

9-64-110     Parking prohibited – Roadways, sidewalks, bridges and similar locations.

9-64-115     Parking prohibited for commercial vehicles in residential zones.

9-64-120     Parking on city property.

9-64-125     Display of wheel tax license emblem.

9-64-130     Parking in alleys.

9-64-140     Common-carrier vehicle stops and stands.

9-64-150     Parking prohibited – Fire stations, railroad crossings and hazardous locations.

9-64-160     Curb loading zones.

9-64-170     Parking restrictions – Special types of vehicles.

9-64-180     Restricted parking – Area bounded by Chicago River, Michigan Avenue and Harrison Street.

9-64-190     Parking meter zones – Regulations.

9-64-200     Parking meters – Installation and signs.

9-64-205     Parking meter rates.

9-64-206     Parking meters – Hours of operation.

9-64-207     Parking meter increments and maximum periods for parking.

9-64-210     Television news permit parking areas.

9-64-220     Parking violations – Enforcement – Prima facie responsibility designated.

9-64-230     Standing or parking violations punishable by fine.

9-64-250     Violation – Towing and storage fees.