Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois
Parking Concern
I would like to know if the street is personal property? We have a neighbor who watches like a hawk if we come anywhere near her property line and this includes in the street! We had a baptism party for our newborn recently and the neigghbor complained that our family and friends parked in front of her house! We live right next door and on two cars can park in front of each house on the street due to the size of the lots. Nothing was damamged near her property. They simply parked there and then left a few hours later. She said she wanted to call the cops about it! We don't want any trouble and didn't even think about the street, which we believe if city or county property, to be private! We let other people park in front of our house without a problem. So what's the deal? Also, how can we find out where our property lines are? Our house in right next to hers and we want to know how far over our property line goes so we don't mow in her yard and our kids don't cross over the line! So sad we have to worry about these things!!! Thanks
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Parking Concern
Generally speaking, she would have no rights to control who parks on the public right of way in front of her house. Some cities, in particular college towns, might have some restriction, so to be absolutely certain, check with your municipality's legal department. If you want to know exactly where your property line is located, you might be lucky enough to find a buried metal pin. Otherwise, you'll need to have a survey done.
Re: Parking Concern
Generally speaking, the street is a public way, and can be used by anyone. Some municipalities, like the Peoples Republic of Chicago, have requirements that in order to park on the street, one has to have a permit.