Three Ways to Find Free Commercial Parking in Chicago
Driving around Chicago can be a delight, but finding a place to park isn’t an easy task. Commercial parking spaces in Chicago can get expensive too, if you don’t know where to park. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can park for free in the city if you know where to look.
Free parking has its risks, however, and our suggestion is to exercise caution, especially when parking anywhere Downtown. In Chicago, parking violation tickets are also costly for commercial vehicles. It is therefore essential to keep an eye out for signs and know the city's regulations. Here are three strategies to get free parking in Chicago.
Know where to look
Finding commercial parking near your destination can be difficult at times, due to a number of reasons. For example, the Downtown area is a very busy place early in the mornings, with lots of businesses opening in the morning and commuters getting to work. Finding free parking Downtown in the morning from Monday to Friday is very difficult. Finding a place within the Loop (the area bound by North Avenue on the North, Lake Michigan on the East, Roosevelt Road on the South, and Halsted on the West) is also a challenge, especially if you’re looking to park for more than an hour.
The usually heavily parked Downtown area often clears out by mid-afternoon, so finding commercial parking spaces gets easier as the day wears on and on the weekends as well. We suggest finding a place outside the Loop and close to Downtown Chicago if you’re looking for a place to park for a few hours. If you don’t mind taking a short trip via public transport or taking a short walk, look out for side streets and lots to park your vehicle a short distance from the Downtown area and take the CTA.
1. Free Parking in 15 Minute Standing Zones
If you need to make a quick stop to run your errands, deliver goods, or pick them up, then the 15-minute standing zones are for you. As long as your hazard lights are flashing when you’re away, you can park in these standing zones for free for 15 minutes. You’ll need to be aware of the time, however, since you can be towed or issued a ticket if you park for more than 15 minutes.
These standing zones are pretty common within the city. They are often found in front of office buildings, hotels, residential buildings, and grocery stores. Watch out for these zones, marked by the sign pictured below. Parking signs like this mark the Zones. You can read more about Chicago city parking zone law here.
2. Try Local Businesses
If you’re running errands for an hour or less, local businesses are a great place to find free parking. Walmart and Jewels-osco supermarkets are some local businesses that almost always have free parking. Some of the parking lots in these businesses have no truck parking signs, so be on the lookout for these before parking. You’d also need to confirm with the business if it is okay to leave your vehicle in their lot before going on your errands.
Some businesses also offer validated parking for an hour or two as long as you make a purchase in-store, often $20 or more. If you’re looking for a place to stay the night, parking is also often free in most hotels in Downtown Chicago, as long as you have a room reservation.
3. Using GPS Navigation & Residential Parking Apps
Parking spaces may not always be available around the city, even in places that have free parking. Technology has made finding parking spaces easier, as there are now plenty of ways to find open lots in real-time. There are both websites and online and offline smartphone apps that can locate free parking spots for you so that you don’t have to drive around finding one.
Google Maps and Waze are some examples that can help you find open spaces to park. Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz are also great places to look for commercial parking near you. Additionally, there are many residential parking apps that you can use to park outside the city. These apps will help you avoid parking congestion in your area, locate free parking as well as tell you which garages are open and how much they charge. Some of these apps also allow you to book spaces in these parking areas at discounted prices.
Where can’t I park in Chicago?
While there are plenty of spots you can park your commercial vehicle for free, there are still a number of places you shouldn’t park. Alongside the parking regulations for all vehicles, some of the places to avoid, according to the City of Chicago’s guidelines, include:
Parking in residential areas, unless you’re delivering goods or offering a service to the residents, or have a residential parking permit
Parking on business streets, unless you’re delivering goods or offering a service
Parking in these places can lead to immediate booting of your vehicle. The penalty is high for commercial vehicles: a $400 boot fee and a $125 parking violation will be issued for trucks over 4500lb. Commercial vehicles under 4500 lbs. pay a $60 boot fee and a $125 parking violation penalty. Your vehicle can also be towed away and will be charged with towing and storage fees.
Just Want To Park?
Getting a good parking space in Chicago needs quite a bit of planning, especially if you’re looking for a free parking spot. Booking ahead means that you won’t spend your time driving around, looking for space. If you’ll be parking at a local business, check for open space and arrange a reservation if needed in advance. You can also search on Google and parking assistance apps for free commercial parking places Downtown.
Likewise, be sure to check the surrounding signs, in case you’re parked in the wrong place, and to exercise caution if you’re parked in Downtown and the suburbs. Do you need more than free parking for your business? Contact us for monthly commercial parking solutions for your fleet.
