Will County Gazette

The City of Joliet will introduce a two-hour free parking program in its downtown area, set to begin on September 1, 2025. The initiative follows a mid-June decision by the Joliet City Council to amend an ordinance, aiming to improve accessibility and convenience for residents, visitors, and local business patrons.

Under the updated rules, three parking zones—identified as Zones A, B, and C—will allow drivers to park without charge for up to two hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Signage has been installed throughout these zones indicating the new restrictions.

Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works, who proposed and is overseeing the changes, stated: “This change will make downtown parking more affordable and accessible, while also helping to increase availability and reduce congestion.”

Re-parking within the same zone during enforcement hours will not be permitted. Additionally, early morning restrictions from 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. remain in effect on certain streets—including Jefferson Street (between Joliet Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive), Cass Street (between Joliet Street and Eastern Avenue), and Chicago Street (between Washington Street and Jackson Street)—to allow for street cleaning.

Parking restrictions do not apply on holidays or weekends.

Enforcement will utilize vehicles equipped with License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras that monitor both duration of stay and location. Public Enforcement Officers are authorized to issue $30 fines for violations. The LPR technology allows current staff to cover larger areas efficiently without additional hires.

Mayor Terry D’Arcy commented on the broader goals behind this initiative: “We want to do all we can to make downtown Joliet the best it can be,” said D’Arcy. “Affordable parking, a new community gathering place, thriving businesses, and exciting events will help transform the heart of our city into a vibrant destination for residents, families, and visitors.”

Joliet is located about 30 miles southwest of Chicago in Will County. As reported in the 2020 census data cited at https://www.joliet.gov/, it is Illinois’ third largest city with a population of over 150,000 people.