Specific Prohibited and Restricted Parking Regulations

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED PARKING REGULATIONS ARE ENFORCED 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR.

Special Parking Areas

The area generally bounded by Green Street, Race Street, Florida Avenue and Lincoln Avenue has been designated a Special Parking Zone. Signs are posted on each street where parking is restricted from the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless a Special Parking permit is displayed on the vehicle.

If you are a resident of the Special Parking Zone you may purchase a permit that allows you to park during the restricted hours. A full-year permit is valid from August 1 of the current year to August 14 of the following year.

Residents who need to park their vehicle on the street between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. can apply for a daytime permit that is no cost.  Temporary permits are available for overnight parking. Residents may also apply for free daytime guest permits. A Residental Parking Permit Waiver is available to residents for special events, such as garage sales, meetings, etc. Waiver of Permit Requirement

All types of permits are available from the Municipal Collector's Office, (217) 384-2346, during office hours and temporary permits are available 24 hours a day at the Urbana Police Department, 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, (217) 384-2320.  Annual permit holders can purchase and request temporary permits online.

Time Limit Parking

Parking lots surrounding Lincoln Square Village are separated into employee and customer lots. Lots 10X and 10E are restricted to employees only and Lots 10A and 10F are two hour customer parking. Signs posted at each entrance and throughout the lots state the parking restrictions that apply.

Prohibited Parking

Prohibited parking areas are noted by signs. The city does not place a sign directly in front of each space where parking is prohibited. The signs are clearly posted in parking lots and at regular intervals on city streets. Some curbs are painted yellow to emphasize the areas where there is no parking. Parking in residential areas is frequently prohibited on one side of the street. There may also be signs that prohibit parking recreational and over-sized vehicles.

Unmarked Areas

There is no parking:

• Within 5 feet of any driveway
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 30 feet of any intersection or crosswalk
• Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad grade crossing
• In any fire lane, whether on public or private property

Parking in Excess of 72 Hours Prohibited

Parking a vehicle in excess of 72 consecutive hours on any street in Urbana is prohibited; however, a Citizen Exemption Waiver may be obtained by completing a 72 Hour Citizen Exemption Form.

Expired or No Registration / Plates

Urbana Traffic Code considers any vehicle not displaying a license plate with a current sticker on the plate in violation. City code requires that a current sticker be displayed on the plate at all times.

Abandoned / Inoperable Vehicles

Urbana Municipal Code prohibits vehicles that are abandoned (defined as not moved for 72 hours), or inoperable (defined as not capable of being driven, or not displaying current license plates) from parking on city streets, or after notice, on private property.
Vehicles determined abandoned or inoperable will be towed.

Motorcycle Parking

Special motorcycle parking spaces are provided in the campus area. When parking a motorcycle in a regular parking space, the vehicle must be parked parallel to the curb and within the dimensions of the parking space.

Disabled Parking

No one except disabled persons displaying a valid disabled license plate or permit may park any vehicle in spaces designated as disabled parking. The fine for violating this state and city regulation is $250. Valid disabled identifications are:

• State license plates for disabled persons.
• State authorized decals issued for disabled persons.
• Decals or permits issued by a unit of local government for disabled persons.

The proper plates, decals or permits must be displayed on the vehicle in order to park in a disabled space. Vehicles that display the proper disabled identification may park in spaces clearly marked "Disabled Parking" or for free at any metered space. They may not, however, park in any manner or area that is marked as "Restricted or Prohibited."

Disabled Parking Placard Application

Permanent and temporary disabled parking permits may be obtained free of charge from the City of Urbana, Municipal Collector's Office. Appropriate documents must be filed to obtain a permit.

Loading Zones

Signs designate loading zone areas. Vehicles may park in a loading zone for the purpose of loading or unloading of passengers or delivery of goods (not to exceed fifteen minutes, unless otherwise posted.) To assist Parking Enforcement personnel in identifying vehicles engaged in loading/unloading, we encourage the operators of an unattended vehicle to use their emergency flashers and have a sign displayed indicating why they are in the loading zone such as, "Making Deliveries," or "Loading."

Tow-Away Zones

Vehicles parked in areas posted with signs indicating "Tow Away Zone" may be towed and impounded at the expense of the owner. If your vehicle has been towed contact the Urbana Police Department, 308 South Vine Street, Urbana, (217) 384-2320, for further information.

Alleys

Alleys are designed as loading zones and other parking is prohibited. Since the dividing line between the public alley and private property is unclear, check with the city or the private property owner if you are in doubt.

Blocking/Obstructing Driveways

Any part of a vehicle parked within 5 feet of the straight edge of any driveway is in violation.

Over the Line Parking

Vehicles parked in any designated parking space must park completely within the pavement lines marking the space.

Blocking/Obstructing Sidewalks or Intersections

A vehicle is in violation if it is parked within 30 feet of an intersection or if any portion of a vehicle parked in a driveway extends over a sidewalk.

Bridge, Viaduct, Overpass, or Underpass

Vehicles parked in any of these areas: bridge, viaduct, overpass or underpasses, including underpass approaches, are in violation.

Headed Against Traffic Flow

Any vehicle parked on a street in a direction opposite the flow of traffic is in violation.

Over 12" From Curb

Vehicles parked more than 12 inches away from the side of the curb are in violation.

Obstructing Traffic

Parking a vehicle so that it obstructs the flow of traffic is a violation.

Parkway (Seeded Area)

No vehicle may be parked so that any portion of it is in the parkway (the seeded area between the curb and the sidewalk.)

Head-In-Only Parking

All City of Urbana parking lots are head-in-only parking.

Right-Of-Way

Parking is prohibited on any portion of city right-of-way (the city owned area between the road and private property and the area between the sidewalk and the street – including driveways or paved areas.)

Off-Street/Private Parking on Unapproved Surfaces

No person may park any vehicle in the front, back or side yards of private property, except on an approved form of hard surface, including oil-and-chip, cement, asphalt or brick. Unapproved surfaces include grass, dirt and wood chips. Note: gravel driveways and parking areas may be utilized as long as they are properly maintained and pre-approved by the Urbana Community Development Department.

Prohibited Hours for Parking

• 2:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
• 2:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.
• 3:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Certain streets are marked with signs prohibiting parking between specific hours. Street cleaning, maintenance and snow removal are performed during this time so as not to interfere with daytime parking. Vehicles parked in these areas during restricted hours are subject to towing.

2:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. (Nov. - Mar.)

Green Street westbound between Cedar Street and Busey Avenue
Race Street northbound between Washington Street and Illinois Street
Springfield Avenue westbound between Cedar Street and Busey Avenue

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - School Days

Certain streets surrounding schools are posted with signs indicating no parking during the hours and days that school is in session.