Parking Requirements

Chicago Off-Street Parking Schedule 1: Neighborhood Zoning Districts.

DistrictMinimum Automobile Parking Ratio (per unit or gross floor area)Minimum Bike Parking
Parking Group A (Detached Houses, Two-flat, Townhouses) RS1 and
RS2
2 spaces per unit, provided that off-street parking is not required for detached houses on lots of records that are 33 feet or less in width if the subject lot does not have access to an improved alley and provided further that the Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve an administrative adjustment allowing a minimum of 1 parking space per unit if such reduction will result in more useable open space on the lot (See Sec. 17-13-1003-CC); 1 space per unit for governmentsubsidized unitsNone
Parking Group A (Detached Houses, Two-flat, Townhouses) RS32 spaces per unit for detached houses and 1.5 spaces per unit for twoflats, provided that off-street parking is not required for detached houses or two-flats on lots of records that are 33 feet or less in width if the subject lot does not have access to an improved alley and provided further that the Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve an administrative adjustment allowing a minimum of 1 parking space per unit if such reduction will result in more useable open space on the lot (See Sec. 17-13-1003-CC); 1 space per unit for governmentsubsidized unitsNone
Parking Group A (Detached Houses, Two-flat, Townhouses) All other districts1 space per unit, provided that off-street parking is not required for detached houses or two-flats on lots of records that are 33 feet or less in width if the subject lot does not have access to an improved alley; 1 space per unit for government-subsidized detached houses and twoflatsNone
Parking Group B (Single-room Occupancy) All districts1 space per 10 units1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group C (Multi-Unit, nongovernment-subsidized; based on zoning) R (all)1 space per unit1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group C (Multi-Unit, nongovernment-subsidized; based on zoning) B, C dash
1, 1.5, 2
1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group C (Multi-Unit, nongovernment-subsidized; based on zoning) B, C dash 31 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group C (Multi-Unit, nongovernment-subsidized; based on zoning) B, C dash 51 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group C (Multi-Unit, government-subsidized; based on unit size) Less than
600 sq. ft.
0.33 spaces per unit1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group C (Multi-Unit, government-subsidized; based on unit size) 600-1,200
square feet
0.70 spaces per unit1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group C (Multi-Unit, government-subsidized; based on unit size) 1,201+
square feet
1 space per unit1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group D (Elderly Housing)0.33 spaces per unit1 per 4 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Parking Group E. (Universities, Day Care, Parks and Recreation, Postal Service, Public Safety, Schools, Utilities, Business/Trade School) R (All) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31 per 3 employees + additional parking and drop-off spaces as determined by Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning1 per 10 auto spaces; minimum 4 spaces
Parking Group E. (Universities, Day Care, Parks and Recreation, Postal Service, Public Safety, Schools, Utilities, Business/Trade School) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces; minimum 4 spaces
Parking Group F (Cultural Exhibits and Libraries) R (All) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5 or 2None for first 4,000 square feet then 1 space per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces; minimum 4 spaces
Parking Group F (Cultural Exhibits and Libraries) B, C, M dash 3None for first 10,000 square feet then 2.5 space per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces; minimum 4 spaces
Parking Group F (Cultural Exhibits and Libraries) B, C, Mdash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces; minimum 4 spaces
Parking Group G. (Hospitals) R (All) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31 space per 3 beds + 1 per 3 employees + 1 per doctor1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group G. (Hospitals) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group H. (Lodges and Private Clubs) R (All) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31 per 3 lodging rooms + 1 per 10 persons capacity1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group H. (Lodges and Private Clubs) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group I. (Religious Assembly) R (All) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31 per 8 seats in auditorium1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group I. (Religious Assembly) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group J. (Adult Use) C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 3Entertainment-related: 1 per 10 persons capacity Retail-related: None for first 4,000 square feet then 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group J. (Adult Use) B, C, M dash 5Entertainment-related: 1 per 10 persons capacity Retail-related: None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group K. (Shelter/Boarding Kennel, Veterinary) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 32 spaces for 1,000 square feet not including space used for animal pens and other non-public areasNone
Parking Group K. (Shelter/Boarding Kennel, Veterinary)None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feetNone
Parking Group L. (Office, High Technology Office, Animal Sales and Grooming, Communication Service, Financial Services, Business Support Services, Employment Agencies) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2None for first 4,000 square feet then 2 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group L. (Office, High Technology Office, Animal Sales and Grooming, Communication Service, Financial Services, Business Support Services, Employment Agencies) B, C, M dash 3None for first 10,000 square feet then 2 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group L. (Office, High Technology Office, Animal Sales and Grooming, Communication Service, Financial Services, Business Support Services, Employment Agencies) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group M. (Retail, Body Art, Eating and Drinking Establishments, Food and Beverage Sales, Participant Sports and Recreation, Fortune Telling, Personal Service, Auto Supply/Accessory Sales, Artist Work or Sales Space, Copying and Reproduction, or Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center and Dispensing Organization) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2Health Clubs: as required by Sec. 4-6-020 of the Municipal Code Participant Sports and Recreation: 1 per 10 persons capacity All other: None for first 4,000 square feet then 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 5 auto spaces
Parking Group M. (Retail, Body Art, Eating and Drinking Establishments, Food and Beverage Sales, Participant Sports and Recreation, Fortune Telling, Personal Service, Auto Supply/Accessory Sales, Artist Work or Sales Space, Copying and Reproduction, or Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center and Dispensing Organization) B, C, M dash 3Health Clubs: as required by Sec. 4-6-020 of the Municipal Code Participant Sports and Recreation: 1 per 10 persons capacity None for first 10,000 square feet then 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 5 auto spaces
Parking Group M. (Retail, Body Art, Eating and Drinking Establishments, Food and Beverage Sales, Participant Sports and Recreation, Fortune Telling, Personal Service, Auto Supply/Accessory Sales, Artist Work or Sales Space, Copying and Reproduction, or Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center and Dispensing Organization) B, C, M dash 5Health Clubs: as required by Sec. 4-6-020 of the Municipal Code Participant Sports and Recreation: 1 per 10 persons capacity None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 5 auto spaces
Parking Group N. (Building Maintenance, Business Equipment Sales and Service, Repair or Laundry Service, Vehicle Sales and Service) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2None for first 4,000 square feet then 1.66 spaces per 1,000 square feetNone
Parking Group N. (Building Maintenance, Business Equipment Sales and Service, Repair or Laundry Service, Vehicle Sales and Service) B, C, M dash 3None for first 10,000 square feet then 1.66 spaces per 1,000 square feetNone
Parking Group N. (Building Maintenance, Business Equipment Sales and Service, Repair or Laundry Service, Vehicle Sales and Service) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feetNone
Parking Group O. (Construction Sales and Service) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31.66 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group O. (Construction Sales and Service) B, C, M dash 5D See Off-Street Parking Schedule “2"1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group P. (Entertainment and Spectator Sports) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31 space per 10 persons capacity; none for live theater venues with less than 150 seats1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group P. (Entertainment and Spectator Sports) B, C, M dash 5Banquet Halls: 1 space per 10 persons capacity All other: None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group Q. (Group Living, Funeral and Interment, Consulates, Philanthropic Institutions, Day Labor Employment Agency, Residential Storage Warehouse) R (All) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 3As determined by DPDAs determined by DPD
Parking Group Q. (Group Living, Funeral and Interment, Consulates, Philanthropic Institutions, Day Labor Employment Agency, Residential Storage Warehouse) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feetAs determined by DPD
Parking Group R. (Flea Market, Gas Stations) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31 space per 3 employeesNone
Parking Group R. (Flea Market, Gas Stations) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feetNone
Parking Group S. (Lodging) R (All) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 3Bed and Breakfast: 1 space per 4 rooms, plus 1 space for owner; none required if guests have access to public parking (non-accessory) facility within 600 feet Hotel/Motel: 1 space per 3 lodging rooms1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group S (Lodging) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group T. (Medical Service, Children's Activities Facility) R (All)B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 3None for first 4,000 square feet, then 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group T. (Medical Service, Children's Activities Facility) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group U. (Commercial Garden or Greenhouse, Electronic Data Storage Centers, Industrial) B, C, M dash 1, 1.5, 2, 31 space per 4 employees1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group U. (Commercial Garden or Greenhouse, Electronic Data Storage Centers, Industrial) B, C, M dash 5None for first 35,000 square feet or 2 × lot area, whichever is greater, then 1.33 spaces per 1,000 square feet1 per 10 auto spaces
Parking Group V. (Indoor Special Event)1 space per 10-persons capacity; none required on-site (i) for events with an estimated attendance of 150 or fewer persons; or (ii) upon proof of an agreement, submitted pursuant to Section 17-10-0604, providing for the use of off-site parking privileges; or (iii) in manufacturing districts, upon proof of an agreement with a licensed valet parking operator in a form acceptable to the Zoning Administrator.None
Parking Group W. (Motor Vehicle Repair Shops required to be licensed under Chap. 4-228 of the Chicago Municipal Code)2 spaces for each repair bay or 300 square feet of vehicle repair space, whichever is greaterNone

17-10-0207 Off-Street Parking Schedule 1 Schedule “1” presents offstreet parking standards for uses in neighborhood zoning districts (i.e., R, B, C and M districts). The off- street parking standards for downtown (D) zoning districts are presented in Sec. 17-10-0208 below. In the event of conflict between this schedule and zoning district use regulations (e.g., this schedule establishes a parking standard for a use not allowed in the underlying zoning district), the zoning district use regulations govern.

Chicago Off-Street Parking Schedule 2: Downtown Zoning Districts

DistrictMinimum Automobile Parking Ratio (Per unit or gross floor area)Maximum Accessory Parking Ratio (per unit or gross floor area)Minimum Bike Parking
Residential Uses D dash 31 space per dwelling unit 2.0 per dwelling unit1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Residential Uses D dash 51 space per unit for first 100 units; 0.60 spaces per unit for all additional units; subsidized units as determined by DHED 1.5 per dwelling unit1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Residential Uses D dash 70.7 spaces per dwelling unitDC district: 1.1 per dwelling unit DX and DR districts: 1.1 per dwelling unit for dwelling units containing less than 1,600 square feet of floor area; 1.5 per dwelling unit for dwelling units containing 1,600 square feet of floor area or more1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Residential Uses D dash 10, 12, 160.55 spaces per dwelling unitDC district: 1.1 per dwelling unit DX and DR districts: 1.1 per dwelling unit for dwelling units containing less than 1,600 square feet of floor area; 1.5 per dwelling unit for dwelling units containing 1,600 square feet of floor area or more1 per 2 auto spaces in buildings containing 8 or more units
Nonresidential Uses D dash 3None for first 10,000 square feet then 2 spaces per 1,000 square feetNoneNone
Nonresidential Uses D dash 5None for first 70,000 square feet or 2 x lot area, whichever is greater, then 0.8 spaces per 1,000 square feetNoneNone
Nonresidential Uses D dash 7 12, 16No minimums in dash 7, 12 or 16 except for the following: Hotels with more than 15,000 square feet of meeting, conference or banquet area: 1 space per 1,000 square feet Theaters and other indoor entertainment and spectator sport facilities with seating capacity of more than 1,000: 1 space per 20 seats when located in a DX district (none required in DC)Maximum accessory parking ratio in DC and DX dash 7, 12 and 16: Hotels: 1 space per 400 square feet of assembly space (i.e. meeting, conference or banquet area) + 1 space per 10 rooms in DC and 1 space per 5 rooms in DX Offices: 1 space per 2,800 square feet of gross floor area Retail: 1 space per 1,000 square feet in DC; 2.5 per 1,000 square feet in DX Restaurant: 1 space per 1,000 square feet in DC; 3 per 1,000 square feet in DX Theaters and other indoor entertainment and spectator sport facilities: 1 space per 10 seats in DC; 1 per 5 seats in DXNone

Schedule “2” presents offstreet parking standards for uses in downtown (D) zoning districts. The off-street parking standards for neighborhood zoning districts (i.e., R, B, C and M) are presented in Sec. 17-10-0207 above.

The parking requirements shown here are the typical required parking standards for the city of Chicago.  Variance or exclusions to the parking count requirements could be allowed by the code for a specific project.  The city of Chicago parking requirements are for general information.  The Chicago standard parking requirements for an area can be modified by zoning overlays or other Chicago parking code requirements specific to each project.