# Understanding "Pedestrian Streets" in Chicago "Pedestrian Streets" are a feature in the Chicago zoning code that sets form-based standards for building design, building layout, and land uses to maintain the pedestrian-oriented nature of several streets in the city. They are a zoning designation only and do not represent pedestrianized streets common in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. ## Learning the "P-Street" code Pedestrian Street (sometimes abbreviated as P-Street) standards can be found in the Municipal Code of Chicago in [section 17-3-0500](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicagozoning_il/0-0-0-49247) (regarding developments in B and C zoning districts) and [section 17-4-0500](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicagozoning_il/0-0-0-49400) (regarding developments in D zoning districts). ### Basic standards Developments on P-Streets are required to orient toward to the sidewalk and the street; car-oriented businesses and driveways and drive-throughs are not allowed; a minimum amount of transparent glazing on the first floor is required. ### Applicable developments P-Street standards apply to development in the following circumstances: - New construction and renovation in B and C districts when the property abuts a designated Pedestrian Street - New construction in B and C districts in transit-served locations (TOD areas) even if the property does not abut a designated Pedestrian Street ### Where are the Pedestrian Streets? As of September 10, 2024, there are 62 Pedestrian Streets, mostly on the North Side (see *screenshot 1* below). Locations outside the North Side comprise (each with one, unless otherwise noted): - Hyde Park - Chinatown - Little Village - North Lawndale (2) - Pilsen (4) - South Chicago - Beverly - South Loop/Motor Row [Use Places Explorer to show them all on a map](https://www.chicagocityscape.com/maps/index.php#/?places_type=chipedstreet)  *Screenshot 1 showing the map of Pedestrian Streets in Chicago* ## How to determine if a property is on a P-Street It's easy to determine if a property in Chicago is on a Pedestrian Street. 1. [Look up an address or a PIN](http://chicagocityscape.com/address.php) and open its Property Report 2. In the Property Report scroll down until you see the table of contents and select "TOD Status". 3. In the TOD Status section look on the left side for information under the heading "Maximum distances & Pedestrian Street". This section will have an orange "x" or a green "checkmark" to indicate if the property is deemed to be on a Pedestrian Street. *See screenshot 2*  *Screenshot 2 showing what the Pedestrian Street indicator looks like in a Property Report* Tip: Chicago Cityscape checks if there is a P-Street within 150 feet of the address in case the address's location on the map is not completely accurate. Select the link "Show Pedestrian Street on map" to show where the property is in relation to a P-Street that's within 150 feet to determine if the property is, indeed, on that P-Street. ## External links - ["Add housing on pedestrian-friendly streets"](https://chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-the-editor/2024/08/23/larry-snelling-leadership-protest-dnc-cardinal-cupich-seniors-mandatory-driving-tests-zoning-homes) (letter to the editor in the Chicago Sun-Times by Adam Drakulic) # Related articles - [[TOD, 2022 to present]] - [[Connected Communities]]