+ What issues can I report on 311?

You can report the following pedestrian and traffic safety concerns on 311:

• Potholes
• Sidewalk Inspection Request
• Protected Bike Lane Debris Removal
• Bike Lane Post Repair

The following parking enforcement complaints can also be reported on 311 as a Finance Parking Code Enforcement (FCPE) Review:

• Bus Lane Parking
• Commercial Loading Zone
• Commercial Vehicle Parked on a Residential Street
• Disabled Parking
• Fire Hydrant Parking
• Residential Parking
• Rush Hour Zones
• School Safety Zones
• Vehicle Parked in Bike Lane

Please note that FCPE requests will not lead to immediate enforcement and that the City is using these requests to gather data for tracking purposes only. This data will be compiled and analyzed to determine problem areas throughout the City of Chicago that need enforcement. Click here for more information.

+ How do I request speed bumps?

Speed Bumps are typically funded through Aldermanic Menu Funds. Please reach out to your aldeperson's office to discuss the process for getting speed bumps–many wards require a petition process, but not all.

+ How do I get Disabled Parking Signs in front of my home?

You can apply for a Disabled Parking Permit through the Department of Finance. Your local ward office should have copies of the application, but the application can also be found here.

In addition to the application, you must send in the following materials:

• A Check or money order for $70 paid to the City of Chicago
• A copy of your state-issued Disability placard (application here)
• A copy of your photo ID
• If the address on your application does not match the address you are applying for, please include a copy of an additional proof of address such as a lease or utility bill.

The Department of Finance will likely deny an applicant if any of the following apply:

• The household has a garage
• The block already has 4 (or more) disabled parking spots
• The zoning is anything other than residential
• There are conflicting signs, such as a bus stop or tow zone
• There is a fire hydrant in front of the residence

If your application is denied, you can appeal through the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (information on this will be included in the denial letter). Ward Offices can also override the Department of Finance’s decision. You can reach out to your ward office and request they submit an override ordinance. All ward offices have different policies regarding overrides, so it is not a guarantee that your ward office will do so.

+ How do I establish Residential Permit Parking on my block?

Residential Permit Parking requests should be submitted through your ward office. Per the municipal code, Residential Permit Parking can only be established with approval from 65% or higher of residents on the affected block who hold a city sticker. Many ward offices have higher thresholds and specific forms to fill out so please contact your Ward Office for further clarification on the petition process.

+ How do I get a sidewalk repaired?

There are three options for requesting a sidewalk repair, all with varying timelines and costs.

1. Submit a 311 Service Request: Please file a Sidewalk Inspection Request via 311 to report the condition of city sidewalks or accessibility (ADA) ramp issues and the Department of Transportation (DOT) will come out and inspect your sidewalk. This may take some time due to the volume of requests, but it may result in the sidewalk fix being completed by the DOT. DOT prioritizes fixing sidewalks that present a tripping hazard and will only fix sidewalks that are in dire need of repair. Submitting this allows the DOT to know it’s there and needs to be fixed. Read more about how DOT approaches sidewalk inspections. 

2. Apply for the Shared Sidewalk Program: If you would like to guarantee that your sidewalk is fixed, you can split the cost of repair with DOT via the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. The 2023 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is CLOSED to new applicants. It was open January 9 2023 from 6am to 10pm. The application is open once a year at the beginning of January so please make sure to check back in with your ward office during the first few days of January of 2024.

3. Report to your Ward Office: Aldermanic offices are given $1.5 million of infrastructure funding each to repave streets, put in street lights, fix sidewalks and more. Your ward office may set aside a certain portion of this funding to fix sidewalks. Reach out to your ward office to report the sidewalk in need of fixing and ask them if they are able to dedicate menu funding to fix it. Menu funding is limited as there are many areas in need of infrastructure fixes in each ward, so the ward office may not be able to provide funds for every sidewalk in need of fixing in a given year. Find you ward office here.