MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING SYSTEM

The Motor Vehicle Parking System Office, a division of the City of Danville, has prepared this brochure to explain parking regulations, parking tips, and general parking information for the Downtown Danville area. These restrictions are adopted by the City Council as part of the City Code and generally relate to maintaining access to public facilities and lots or streets to encourage more parking opportunities. Please call (217-431-2313) if you have any questions about the information provided in this brochure or other questions concerning parking in the City of Danville.

COMPLAINTS:  Should you have a complaint, please call the Motor Vehicle Parking system (MVPS) office, 217-431-2313, and give the pertinent information to the personnel in the office.  Complaints can also be filed in person at the MVPS office, 22 North Walnut Street.  Your complaint must be filed within 24 hours of the ticket issuance.  Your complaint will be investigated and you will be contacted with a reply.  For this reason, when your complaint is filed, you will be asked to indicate your address and/or telephone number where you can be reached.  When a complaint is received, it is entered into the computer and a “HOLD” is put on the ticket until the problem has been investigated.  You will be notified of the results, our goal is to respond to you within a week to 10 days.  If the ticket is not voided, you will have to pay the ticket at the initial rate.

HELPFUL HINTS: Remember, when driving to Downtown Danville, always check street signs and curb markings for parking instructions.  Please use extra caution when driving through the Downtown Danville area due to the large amount of pedestrian traffic (they do have the right away), also the angle spaces (diagonal parking) can be a little hard to back out of.  So use caution when along Vermilion Street.  When parking in Downtown Danville try not to park in a parking space in which you have already parked in earlier in the day.  When required to conduct business at the Vermilion County Courthouse/Annex or the U.S. Federal Courthouse it is recommended that you park in the City Parking Structures, as this allows for longer term parking without being ticketed. 

2 HOUR REGULATED PARKING (OVERTIME): The Motor Vehicle Parking System regulates and enforces the 2 hour parking regulations in the Downtown Danville area from Main Street to Seminary Street and Franklin Street to Jackson Street, by means of an inventory system.  This is done for “on street” parking and city owned parking lots in this district.  Spaces that are for “on street” parking and parking lots spaces are assigned an alphanumeric designation.  The Enforcement Officer lists vehicles that are parked in spaces on the inventory sheets every 2 hours.  If a vehicle appears in the same space an overtime ticket is issued.  All 2-hour spaces that are in the Downtown Danville patrol area are enforced every Monday through Friday from 7 A.M. to 6 P.M., except official City holidays.

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DOWNTOWN CROSS-BLOCK PARKING (73.033):

An additional parking restriction shall apply to a four (4) block area of the downtown specifically described as follows: the east and west sides of Vermilion Street from Main Street to Harrison Street; and, the north and south sides of North Street from Walnut Street to Hazel Street.  The above-referenced parking restriction shall be as follows:

           Employees and business owners who are employed or operating within the area known as “Special Service Area Number One” shall not “jump-park” a vehicle or allow a vehicle to remain in the same parking space for than the applicable parking restriction.  The term “jump-park”, as used in this section, shall mean moving a vehicle from parking space to parking space to avoid the parking restrictions/tickets.

TIME ZONE PARKING SPACES: The City of Danville has established “Time Zone” parking areas in order to ensure that the parking will be of short duration.  This means that you may only park in these areas as long as the posted signage states.  Please note that the “WIAI Tower Square” is for 30 minute parking only and the parking spaces in front of the parking Deck (Harrison Street & Walnut Street) on Walnut Street are 15 minute parking spaces.  These spaces are enforced by means of an inventory system in accordance with their time limitations, to guarantee a turn over in parking.  These areas of patrol are enforced every Monday through Friday from 7 A.M. to 6 P.M., except official City holidays. 

OFFICIAL CITY HOLIDAYS:

New Year’s Day                     Labor Day

Martin Luther Kings’ Day         Veteran’s Day

Good Friday                            Thanksgiving Day

Memorial Day                           Day after Thanksgiving Independence Day                            Christmas Day

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PARKING TICKETS: The ticket envelope states the parking violation and the fine for the violation.  PLEASE NOTE THAT OVERTIME & 73.033 FINES INCREASE, IF NOT PAID WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THE DATE SHOWN ON THE TICKET.

2^ND TICKET WITHIN 48 HOURS: These violations are issued to a vehicle that is parked in the same space and has already been issued a violation of overtime.  Each violation that is issued after the overtime violation will be an “OTHER” (2^nd ticket within 48 hours) which carries a fine of $10.00 for 72 hours, after 72 hours the fine is $25.00.  Enforcement is every Monday through Friday, 7 A.M. to 6 P.M., except official City holidays. 

2 A.M. TO 6 A.M. PROHIBITED PARKING: If you park in an area where there are signs prohibiting parking between the hours of 2 A.M. and 6 A.M., you will receive a ticket and then be towed.  Street cleaning and maintenance is performed during this time so as not to interfere with daytime parking.

 PROHIBITED PARKING: If you park in a prohibited manner, you will receive a ticket.  Yellow curbs are painted to emphasize the areas where “NO PARKING” is

allowed.  There are, however, areas, which are not specifically marked which you should be aware of:

                UNMARKED AREAS: Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant; within 20 feet of any intersection or crosswalk; within 30 feet of a traffic signal or beacon; in any required fire lane, whether on public or private property.

             ALLEYS:  Alleys are designated as loading zones and other parking is prohibited.  If loading/unloading turn on hazard lights for that period of time.  No one may park/stand any vehicle engaged in the loading, unloading, or delivery of materials for a period of time longer than is necessary to complete the loading, unloading, or delivery (usually 15 – 20 minutes).

            BLOCKING DRIVE OR DRIVEWAY: No vehicle may be parked within 5 feet of a public or private driveway.

            BLOCKING SIDEWALK: No vehicle may be parked in such a way as to be on a sidewalk.  If the vehicle is parked in such a way that any portion of the vehicle extends into the sidewalk, it is in violation.

            FACING THE WRONG WAY (LEFT WHEEL TO CURB/BACKED IN): If a vehicle is parked on a street or lot that it is opposite to the flow of traffic, it is in violation.  It shall be unlawful for any vehicle to be backed into a parking space.  Each vehicle shall be so parked in the direction of authorized traffic movement, with its right-hand wheels within 12 inches of the right hand curb, or as close as practicable, except those vehicles displaying a special permit described in 73.019. 

            INTERSECTION OR CROSSWALK: No vehicle may be parked in such a way that any portion of the vehicle is blocking an intersection or crosswalk.

            PARKWAY:  No vehicle may be parked in such a way that any portion of the vehicle will be in the parkway.

           OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC: No vehicle may be parked in such a way that it obstructs the flow of traffic.

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PRIVATE PROPERTY: No one may park any vehicle on private property without the consent of the owner.  This prohibition also pertains to leased spaces.  If a vehicle is parked on private property without the consent of the owner or lessee the vehicle is subject to tow at the request of the owner/lessee at the vehicle owners expense. 

HANDICAPPED SPACES: No one except handicapped persons may park any vehicle in any parking space that has been designated as handicapped parking for any period of time.  The fine for violating this State and City regulation is $250.00.  The only vehicle that may be parked in a handicapped space are those that display any of the following identifications: 

           Current state registration plates for handicapped persons.  State authorized decals or device issued for handicapped persons.

You must have the proper plates, decals, or devices displayed on the vehicle in order to park in a handicapped space.  In addition vehicles that display the proper handicapped identification may park free in spaces clearly marked “Handicapped Parking”, except for signed or other markings with time limitations of 30 minutes or less.  They may not, however, park in any area that is classified as a “Prohibited Parking Area”, “No Stopping” or “No Standing” zones or in front of fire hydrants, Bus stops and Loading zones.  Parking is not permitted in access aisles, the spaces marked with lines next to the handicapped parking space.  These access aisles are to accommodate a person maneuvering a wheelchair, crutches, or cane out of a vehicle.  The person with disabilities must exit or enter the vehicle while it is parked in the designated parking area.  The plates, placard, decal, or identifying devises must be displayed while a vehicle is parked or standing in a designated handicapped parking space.  When Parking Enforcement Personnel see an unattended, unmarked vehicle in a handicapped space, they do not know if the vehicles occupants are handicapped and entitled to park in these spaces.  **PLEASE NOTE PLATES AND PLACARDS MAY BE REVOKED IF ABUSE OCCURS OR IF OBTAINED THROUGH FRAUDULENT MEANS.

OVER THE LINE PARKING OR 2 SPACE PARKING: Vehicles parked in diagonal spaces shall park within the lines so established and vehicles parked parallel to curb shall park within the “T’s” and “L’s” so established, otherwise it is in violation. 

SNOW ROUTES: After notices to the local media by the Director of Public Works/Superintendent of Streets that a 3 inch snowfall has accumulated, there shall be no parking on either side of streets designated as snow routes.  Until such time as the Director of Public Works/ Superintendent of Streets gives similar notice that parking may be renewed.  The entire Downtown Danville area from Main Street to Seminary Street and Franklin Street to Jackson Street, is covered as a designated snow route. 

ABANDONED VEHICLES: The Municipal Code prohibits vehicles that are abandoned, from parking on city streets, lots or private property.  A vehicle, which has not been moved or used for 7 consecutive days or more, is apparently deserted, or lacks current legal registration is presumed to be abandoned.  Any abandoned vehicle is subject to tow. 

INOPERATIVE VEHICLES: The Municipal Code prohibits the keeping of an inoperative motor vehicle, unless it is within an enclosed structure.  A vehicle shall be considered inoperative if: it does not have a valid registration; the engine, wheels or other parts have been removed for a period of at least 7 days; or, the engine, wheels or other parts have been altered, damaged or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power.  This definition shall not include motor vehicles rendered incapable of being driven under its own power for a period, not to exceed 72 consecutive hours, in order to perform ordinary service or repair operations.

TRUCK LOADING ZONES: There are throughout the Downtown Danville area “Truck Loading Zones” for the purpose of commercial use with varying time restrictions for them.  No one may park/stand a passenger or “B-truck” plated vehicle in these zones during the time the space is designated as a “Truck Loading Zone”; if done so it is in violation.  After the time designation has expired these spaces may be used as a 2-hour parking space. 

MOTORCYCLE PARKING: Motorcycles must park according to the parking lines.  For example, if the area is lined for parallel, the vehicle must be parked parallel to the curb, within the dimensions of the parking space. 

LOADING ZONES: No one may park/stand a passenger vehicle in a loading zone for a period of time longer than is necessary for the loading or unloading of passengers (not to exceed 3 minutes).  No one may park/stand any vehicle engaged in the loading, unloading, or delivery of materials for a period of time longer than is necessary to complete the loading, unloading, or delivery.  When Parking Enforcement Personnel see unattended, unmarked vehicles in loading zones, they do not know if the vehicle is parked or standing to complete loading or unloading of materials.  To assist Parking Enforcement Personnel to identify vehicles engaged in loading/unloading, we encourage the operator of an unattended vehicle to have a permanent or temporary sign indicating why they are in the loading zone; for example: “Making Deliveries”, “Loading”.  We also encourage the business name to appear on the sign for example: “ACME, INC. Making Deliveries”.

SPEED LIMITS IN LOTS AND STRUCTURES: The maximum speed limit within the parking lots and structures shall be 10 m.p.h.

PAYMENTS:  Can be made in the form of check, cash, money order, for the amount of the fine and deposited at: 

      Yellow collection boxes located throughout the      Downtown Danville area.  U.S. Mail (no cash please), postage is paid for.  Pay in person at the MVPS office at the parking Garage (22 North Walnut Street) at the corner of North Street and Walnut Street.  The office is on the south end of the garage at the bottom of the ramp.

SIGNAGE:  There is a popular misconception that there has to be a sign directly in front of every space where parking is prohibited or allowed.  The requirement is that signage must clearly delineate where the prohibition exists, or parking is allowed.  Signs or markings must be clearly posted or marked in the parking lots, and at regular intervals on City streets.  On some streets throughout the Downtown, parking is frequently prohibited on one side of the street.  Signs may be posted with the following information: “No Parking to Corner”, “No Parking This Side Of Street”, or “No Parking Anytime”.

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LOCATIONS OF MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS:

                “C-lot” – Bound by Main Street on the south, Franklin Street on the west, and alleys on the north and east.

                “D-lot” – Bound by an alley on the south, Walnut Street on the west, North Street on the north, and an alley on the east.

                “G-lot” – Bound by North Street on the south, and alley on the west, Private property on the north, and Hazel Street on the east.

                “H-lot” – Bound by North Street on the south, Hazel Street on the west, and alley on the north, and the Danville Mass Transit transfer zone to the east.

                “J-lot” – Bound by Main Street on the south, Private businesses on the west, Van Buren Street on the north, and Jackson Street on the east.

                “K-lot” – Bound by an alley on the south, Hazel Street on the west, Van Buren Street on the north, and a Private business on the east.

                                If you are interested in using any of the above parking opportunities and would like additional information on them, please call the MVPS office at 217-431-2313.  PLEASE NOTE “H-lot” and “J-lot” are reserved strictly for leasing. 

PARKING RENTAL PROGRAM: The City has parking rental locations throughout the Downtown area.  Spaces that are leased shall be available to the lessee between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., per day, seven days per week.  If interested in renting a space in anyone of the following locations please call the MVPS office at 217-431-2313, or click here for additional information.

PARKING RENTAL LOCATIONS:

                “D-lot” – on the East Side of Walnut Street between North Street and Main Street.

                “G-lot” – on the West Side of Hazel Street between Harrison Street and North Street.

                “H-lot” – on the East Side of Hazel Street between Harrison Street and North Street.

                “J-lot” – on the west side of Jackson Street between Main Street and Van Buren Street.

                 “K-lot” – on the East Side of Hazel Street between Van Buren Street and Main Street.

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LOCATIONS OF MUNICIPAL PARKING STRUCTURES:

                “Deck” – Bound by a Private business to the south, and alley to the west, Harrison Street to the north, and Walnut Street to the east.

                “Garage” (MVPS office) – Bound by alleys to the south and west, North Street to the north, and Walnut Street to the east.

                                In both of the structures listed above there are rental spaces available for monthly parking.  These 2 structures can be used for longer-term parking (over 2 hours, but no longer than 24 hours).  There can be arrangements made for short-term storage of a vehicle, but that is solely done on a situation by situation basis.  If interested in short-term storage of a vehicle please contact the MVPS office at 217-431-2313.

DAILY RATE FOR PARKING STRUCTURES: The charge for parking in either of the City parking structures shall be $2.00 per day or any part thereof, to be paid through the automated gate system upon entry into the City parking structures.  For purpose of this section, a “day” shall begin at 12:01 A.M. and end at 12:00 midnight.  Vehicles that are left over the 24-hour period of time would be subject to the rules listed in “Removal of Illegal Vehicles” found within this brochure. 

SPECIAL USE PARKING PERMIT: When a contractor/vendor is performing work within an area where parking is governed by 2-hour time restrictions, the contractor/vendor may purchase a Special Use Parking Permit from the superintendent of the motor vehicle parking system.  The permit may be purchased by the day or by the year.  The cost of per day, or any portion of a day, shall be $5.00.  The cost per year shall be $100.00.  The permit shall be valid as to only one vehicle.  If it is necessary for a contractor/vendor to have more than one vehicle on the job site, the contractor/vendor must complete a separate application and permit for each such vehicle.  The contractor/vendor shall complete an application for each permit.  The application form is available from the MVPS office.  On the application the contractor/vendor shall provide the following information: name, address, phone number; license number of the vehicle for which the permit is sought; location of job site; the date on which the permit will be needed; and the duration of the need for the permit.  The contractor/vendor shall provide any additional information as requested by the MVPS office.  The contractor/vendor will receive a permit card from the superintendent of the motor vehicle parking system.  The permit card shall be prominently displayed on the driver’s side dashboard in the vehicle for which the permit was purchased.  The permit purchased shall not allow the vehicle to be parked in a handicapped parking space, fire lane, sidewalk, or other area governed by a parking restriction other than a 2-hour restriction.

REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL VEHICLES IN STRUCTURES: The vehicle of any person who has not rented a space on a monthly basis and who has parked the vehicle on a daily basis and remains in the parking structures past 12:00 midnight of the day in which the vehicle was parked may be removed at the expense of the owner. 

The MVPS staff hopes that this brochure will help explain parking regulations in the Downtown Danville areas.  If you have any questions, please call the MVPS office at 217-431-2313.  The items in this brochure are for informational purposes only and all citizens are encouraged to review the Official Municipal Codes for parking at the office of the City Clerk for the City of Danville.  All information in this brochure is subject to change through City Council approval.

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