Smart loading zone pilot program.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 9-64-175
in effect9-64-175 Smart loading zone pilot program.
(a) Establishment. The Chicago Department of Transportation and Department of Finance are authorized to establish and administer a pilot program to be known as the Smart Loading Zone Pilot Program as provided in this section. The Smart Loading Zone Pilot Program shall be administered in a pilot area consisting of the streets or parts of streets within the area bounded by a line, inclusive of both sides of the street, as follows: the easternmost point of North Avenue extended to Lake Michigan; then west on North Avenue to Ashland Avenue; then south on Ashland Avenue to Roosevelt Road; then east on Roosevelt Road to its easternmost point extended to Lake Michigan.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of the Smart Loading Zone Pilot Program is to: (i) test technological and operational solutions for managing the performance and compliance of curbside commercial and passenger loading zones; (ii) increase compliance with the City's laws to enhance the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit user; (iii) test the effectiveness of new technologies for consideration for City-wide deployment; (iv) reduce congestion by improving curbside management; (v) enhance the livability of the City's streets; and (vi) better understand the impacts of such a program on social and economic equity, City revenue, and the business community.
(c) Implementation. The Commissioner and the Traffic Compliance Administrator are authorized to implement the following measures:
(1) to test solutions that improve the management of the following loading zone uses: (i) commercial and delivery loading and unloading; (ii) passenger vehicle loading and unloading; (iii) short-term vehicle standing; and (iv) taxi, bus, or paratransit operations;
(2) to manage differing loading zone uses at different hours of the day or days of the week;
(3) to cause appropriate signs or markings to be posted and maintained within the pilot area; and
(4) to cause appropriate equipment to be installed and maintained within the pilot area.
(d) Authority to institute fees. The Traffic Compliance Administrator, in consultation with the Commissioner, is authorized to institute a reasonable fee for the use of curb space in the pilot area. The Traffic Compliance Administrator is authorized to set rates for use and may vary rates for different uses at different hours of the day or days of the week. The Traffic Compliance Administrator may institute fees for the use of curb space in locations already established as commercial loading zones pursuant to Section 9-64-165 of this Code.
(e) Authority to promulgate rules. The Commissioner and the Traffic Compliance Administrator are authorized to promulgate rules as may be necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of this section.
(f) Authority to enter into agreements. The Mayor, the Chief Financial Officer, the Comptroller, and the Commissioner are each authorized, severally or jointly, to negotiate, execute, and deliver any and all agreements, contracts, revenue-sharing partnerships or instruments as the executing officer shall deem necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection with the implementation of the pilot program established under this section, and to take all additional actions as necessary or appropriate to carry out the Smart Loading Zone Pilot Program.
(g) Notification. The Commissioner shall notify the alderman of each ward that is located or partially located within the pilot area 30 days prior to the implementation of the Smart Loading Zone Program.
(h) Report to City Council. No later than 120 days prior to the expiration of the Smart Loading Zone Pilot Program, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Department of Finance shall jointly submit a written report to the City Council Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety regarding the performance of the Smart Loading Zone Pilot Program. The report shall include, but shall not be limited to, information to assess the impact of the pilot program and the future potential of smart loading zones on the following components: traffic safety, especially impacts affecting the most vulnerable road users; vehicle idling and emissions; traffic flow, bus service operations, cycling mobility, and pedestrian mobility; compliance with the City's laws; curb use and efficiency; and other relevant outcomes. The report shall also make recommendations to the City Council regarding the establishment of a permanent smart loading zone program.
(i) Term. This section shall be repealed, and the Smart Loading Zone Pilot Program shall expire and be terminated, without further action by the City Council, on June 30, 2025.
(Added Coun. J. 3-15-23, p. 61150, Art. II, § 1)
Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2699859Fetched: 10/24/2026