If you're a Chicago resident who owns a car and relies on street parking, the winter season is a brief respite from a perennial thorn in your side: street sweeping. Today marks the first day that Chicago street sweepers will begin making their rounds, posting those unmistakable neon signs and sucking up all of the debris that have accumulated over the past few months. While we all appreciate a neighborhood full of tidy curbs, the accompanying parking restrictions can be a nightmare, especially if you get ticketed.
The entire Chicago street sweeping schedule (which runs through mid-November) can be found on the city's website, though it's listed according to the ward in which you reside. If you're not sure which ward you live in, the Office of the City Clerk offers a simple way to look it up by inputting your address. Can't be bothered with the hassle of memorizing a bunch of numbers? A free service called SweepAround.us will send you an automated email a few days before street sweepers hit your block, but it's still up to you to remember to move your car.
Our advice to anyone who parks their car on the street? Remain vigilant and, if you're ever in doubt, just call 311.