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What's up with the do not park here if snow is over 2"?
Does that mean if they predict it is going to be 2 inches, if they measure with a ruler that it is 2 inches? When can I park there again? After it stops snowing? After I shovel it? In spring? What the crap?
Dear Two Inches,
See, this is exactly what we're talking about. February is such a dismal month, and we aren't sure why we all shouldn't just hibernate for the duration (oh, right). For the last two weeks all we can seem to talk about here on Ask Chicagoist is winter, snow removal, and other cold-oriented topics. Everything's gray, it's stupidly cold, more snow is in our future, and everyone's just got a good layer of grouchiness. But today there is sun, so we won't ask too many questions. We've about had it with being cold though.
It's pretty simple -- when there's snow, they've got to clear the streets. And they're not going to be super nice about it, either, meaning the city isn't sitting with a ruler staring with baited breath at the accumulation of snow. If it's predicted to snow, or if the snow is falling fast, you better move your car because if there's one thing Chicago's serious about, it's snow removal. Cars still on the road when the streets are plowed will wind up being trapped in by the snow that's plowed away from the main street and pushes up against the cars. So you'd have to dig it out, and that's nothing but annoying for you, so we think you might as well take the city at their word on this one.
There's snow much more where that came from...
Chicago's snow route was created initially "as a response to massive snow storms, such as the Great Blizzard of '67, which literally brought traffic to a halt citywide." Main streets in the city have the winter overnight parking ban, and the rest of the major streets (500 miles worth, apparently) have the two-inch regulation. If you're caught violating, your car will likely be ticketed and towed or moved elsewhere. And that sounds like fun, doesn't it? Trying to figure out where the city moved your car?
As for when can you park there again, use common sense. If it's still snowing, then, no, don't park there again: They're just going to have to plow all over. If the street's obviously not been plowed, also avoid parking there, even if it's not snowing anymore. But you don't have to wait until April, either. Specifically, our old friend the Chicago Municipal Code says to not park when the snow's over two inches "until the snow stops falling and for the necessary period of time until all snow removal operations have been completed." In other words, just think about it.
Word on the street is that you could get moved when snow is imminent or before the falling snow has actually officially made it to two inches, so pay attention to those signs! And check out these maps of the streets with the parking restrictions, to help you plan your parking strategy.
Image via smussyolay
Sick of winter? Need some advice? Email ask(at)chicagoist(dot)com.
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if there's one thing Chicago's serious about, it's snow removal.
Snow removal? If there's one thing the city is serious about it's parking ticket revenue.
I'd like to add that depending on the neighborhood you live in this parking restriction may not be enforced. On my street it may not be a pleasure to get out but at least your car won't be ticketed or towed.
What's With the Two Inches?
That's what she said.
Man, I can't wait for the return of The Office...
Actually, the first snow route ordinance had a 1" rule.
It was never enforced.
After Jane Byrne won because of the Blizzard of 79, she had that changed to 2" & created the streets where no parking is allowed from Dec. 1 to March 31, & from 3AM to 7 AM no matter what.
The 2" has rarely been enforced, but the 3-7 one is.
Few changes were made after 67, almost all came in 79.
Things were far different in 67. The city had a contract with Material Service Co. to use their concrete mixers which had plow blades attached to plow main streets.
Plus there wasn't any idiotic lying from the mayor's office.
We were all in the same boat.
Yeah, pretty sure this rule isn't enforced in Lincoln Park, as evidenced by the cars with 10-12 inches of snow accumulated on them along Stockton Drive. I'm sure the city is selective in which areas the rule is enforced.
It's arbitrarily enforced and one of the biggest car related scams in the city.
Couple weeks ago on WBBM 780, the newscaster said something to the effect that the city was not going to enforce the ban but 'when in doubt, check it out' by calling 311. i thought that was odd because i was under the impression that the city always enforced it.
Last week when it started snowing again coming home from work the only spot by my house was on one of these routes. So I called 311 and the lady on the other end checked with streets and sanitation and they told her they weren't going to bother towing anyone that night cause they would be too busy just plowing. I totally went against my instincts as a Chicagoan and parked there. In the morning my car was still there.
Any one else hear the call 311 before?
I'm about 2 inches shy of a foot, can I recoop it in the back of the rectory?
I heard Father Martin gives extra points for that.