Chicago eliminates parking requirements near transit

In 2025, Illinois barred cities from mandating parking near train and bus stations.

1 minute read

April 16, 2026, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Chicago elevated train passing over street with parked cars.

A Metra train in Chicago, Illinois. | Shelly Bychowski Shots / Shutterstock

Chicago eliminated parking requirements within roughly a half-mile of transit stations, paving the way for denser and more economically viable housing development. 

According to Moovit News, "The parking reforms apply to new housing developments within walking distance of CTA stations and bus stops, though officials haven't specified exact distance measurements for all route types." The reforms comply with a state law, the People Over Parking Act, which prohibits cities from requiring parking near transit. 

At the same time, the city also expanded accessory dwelling units to all multifamily residential districts.

Monday, April 13, 2026 in Moovit

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