Where do you start?
It depends on what you want to do.
Nearly every project you could undertake along the riverfronts will require you to seek permission or consult with at least one other community organization, nonprofit, city, state or federal agency or department, or other stakeholder. What groups and organizations you need to work with will largely depend on three factors:
- Who owns the property
- What type of project you want to do
- Whether the project is on land or in the water
The information below will give you a sense of the types of permission and regulations you may need to adhere to for your project. Talking early and often with these groups will help you meet the requirements of your project.
On Land: Events
Activities to consider : arts, stewardship, recreation, education, community events, commercial pop-up
Notify and work with your park district, alderman, chamber of commerce, or Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Consider how your event ties in with other local priorities and initiatives.
Keep in mind that events on land will require the permission of the landowner. Common owners along the rivers are City of Chicago, the Park District, the Cook County Forest Preserves, and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, which all require permits for events.
For larger events, you may also need to inform:
- Chicago Police Department (permitting, security, blocking roads)
- Chicago Fire Department (fire code, blocking roads)
- Chicago Department of Transportation (festivals, block parties, etc.)
Though you may not need formal permission, you should plan to notify other community organizations, Friends groups and Park Advisory Councils - you never know what new connections will surface when you share your ideas!
ADA Compliance
Making our rivers accessible to people of all ages and abilities is a critical component to achieving the Our Great Rivers vision. Click here to learn more about making temporary events ADA accessible. For accessibility in the Chicago Parks, visit the Disability Policy Office site.
On Land: Physical improvements
Activities to consider: art installation, physical improvements (benches, pathways, habitat restoration, etc.), permanent retail
Physical improvements and infrastructure changes must be approved by the landowner and adhere to required permitting. Common owners along the rivers are City of Chicago, the Park District, the Cook County Forest Preserves, and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Some improvements and structures may require permits and approval from city officials such as aldermen and the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. You may also be required to contact the U.S. Coast Guard (if a structure could affect visibility and navigability) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (if a structure affects the riverbed or seawall). Businesses should also contact Business Affairs & Consumer Protection for licensing and consumer protection requirements.
ADA Compliance
Making our rivers accessible to people of all ages and abilities is a critical component to achieving the Our Great Rivers vision. Riverfront amenities, physical infrastructure (trails, kayak launches) and employment opportunities should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Current infrastructure that is not ADA accessible should be retrofitted to meet ADA standards. The ADA site has information about current design guidelines to make your site accessible.
Additional Considerations
Making sure that our rivers promote human health and environmental sustainability is an important part of the Our Great Rivers vision. When considering physical improvements for future use, be sure to take into account potential remediation and stormwater management needs for the site.
In Water: Events
Activities may include: recreation, community events, stewardship, education
For events held on the water, contact the U.S. Coast Guard and Chicago Department of Transportation. One-time events may also fall under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Considerations about water quality and pollution control should be directed to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Quality Standards section. If the event is within City of Chicago boundaries, you should contact the city’s Chief Sustainability Officer. You may also be required to create a safety plan for your event, which Friends of the Chicago River or the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee can help with.
For safety while navigating the river, become familiar with the City’s safe paddling guide and the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee’s guidelines. In addition, you should check that the necessary amenities are available at your launch and exit venues, notify each location, and secure on-land event permits if necessary.
ADA Compliance
Making our rivers accessible to people of all ages and abilities is a critical component to achieving the Our Great Rivers vision. Click here to learn more about making temporary events ADA accessible. For accessibility in the Chicago Parks, visit the Disability Policy Office site.
In Water: Infrastructure
Activities may include: art installation, habitat restoration, boat launch
For infrastructure that will be in the water, you need to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for structural regulations, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and Chicago Department of Transportation to maintain navigability. You may also need to contact the same city officials as mentioned in the Infrastructure on Land section.
ADA Compliance
Making our rivers accessible to people of all ages and abilities is a critical component to achieving the Our Great Rivers vision. Current infrastructure that is not ADA accessible should be retrofitted to meet ADA standards. The ADA site has information about current design guidelines to make your site accessible. For accessibility in the Chicago Parks, visit the Disability Policy Office site.
Daube Bicyle by Zoltan Kecskemeti (Designboom)
In-river art installation, Danube River