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Winter Parking Restrictions

NOTE: Winter Parking Restrictions are not in effect at this time. Visit the snow season parking page to see if a Snow Emergency is in effect.

Some winters, when we have a large accumulation of snow, the City may put Winter Parking Restrictions into place. When streets are narrowed by large piles of snow along the curb, for public safety reasons, Winter Parking Restrictions are put into place to limit parking to one side of many streets. That way, emergency vehicles and everyone else can continue to get around town. The restrictions prohibit parking on the even numbered side of non-Snow Emergency Routes until April 1, or until City officials announce conditions warrant that they may be lifted.

Winter parking restriction rule

Winter Parking Restrictions – English flyer (pdf)

Winter Parking Restrictions – Multi-language flyer (pdf)

Snow Emergencies during Winter Parking Restrictions

If a Snow Emergency is declared while Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect, the Winter Parking Restrictions rules will be temporarily suspended as described here, and Snow Emergency rules will apply. Drivers may start moving their cars off of Snow Emergency routes and on to EITHER side of non-Snow Emergency routes beginning at 4 p.m. on the day the Snow Emergency is declared (Day 1). Winter Parking Restrictions resume again at 8 a.m. the morning following Day 3, when the Snow Emergency comes to an end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need Winter Parking Restrictions?

During some winters, the snow that is plowed up along curbs reaches a point where streets become too narrow for large vehicles to use. Public safety is a concern because fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles may be slowed or prevented from getting to people who need help. The City may then implement a one-side parking ban on non-Snow Emergency routes for as long as necessary, but no later than April 1. This change in the parking rules is commonly known as “the one side parking ban” and officially called Winter Parking Restrictions.

How is parking affected?

DO NOT park on the even numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes until April 1, or until City officials announce a lifting of the ban. Vehicles parked where they are not allowed are subject to being ticketed and towed.
Drivers may still park on Snow Emergency routes, parkways and along the odd numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes, provided a Snow Emergency has not been declared, or unless otherwise posted with signs.
Also, parking will be restricted on the following Snow Emergency routes to make it easier for emergency vehicles and transit buses to use. Follow the posted signs on:

Bryant Avenue South from Lake Street to 50th Street.
Grand Avenue South from Lake Street to 48th Street.

How can I find out if Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect?

There are several ways to know if the restrictions are in effect. Go to the City’s Web page, tune into the City’s cable channels 14 and 79 or call the 24-hour Snow Emergency hotline at 612-348-SNOW. People can also “like” and “follow” Snow Emergency on Facebook and Twitter.

Can I park at metered parking spaces during Winter Parking Restrictions?

Yes. Unless otherwise posted with signs, parking in metered street spaces is allowed.

Who decides if winter Parking Restrictions are needed?

The decision to implement Winter Parking Restrictions is made by the director of the City’s Department of Public Works. The director makes the decision based on advice from Public Works staff and public safety officials like the fire chief.

What if there are temporary “No Parking” signs posted?

Always look for and follow posted “No Parking” signs.
“No Parking” zones on one-side of street
On some streets that are not Snow Emergency routes, parking is normally allowed on only one-side (odd or even). When Winter Parking Restrictions are in place, revised signs are installed allowing parking to comply with the Winter Parking Restrictions. When there’s a Snow Emergency, drivers must follow both the Snow Emergency parking rules and any posted signs.
“No Parking” zones along schools
Unique parking restrictions exist around many Minneapolis schools. When Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect, parking rule signs will change. For instance:
- Where the ODD side of a street is posted as:
  “No Parking 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. School Days”,
- the City will change it to:
  “No Parking Anytime”, and the EVEN side will be posted as
  “Parking Permitted Except EVEN Side Plowing Day”
Disability transfer zones – These are parking zones for short-term loading, not long-term parking. These will not be affected by the Winter Parking Restrictions.
Disability parking zones – Some streets have parking zones specifically for disability parking. In places where the zones are on the EVEN side of a non-Snow Emergency street, the property owner who had the zone put into place may request an exemption to Winter Parking Restrictions by calling 311. These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

How do I park in areas where permits are required?

Critical Parking Permits
If you have a permit for a Critical Parking Area, you will still need to follow Winter Parking Restrictions (DO NOT park on EVEN side of non-Snow Emergency routes). Only permit holders are allowed to park on the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency routes within the Critical Parking Area. If ODD side parking does not exist, parking will need to occur on another street.
Street Use permits (trash bins and storage units)
All Street Use permits must comply with the EVEN side parking ban on non-Snow Emergency routes during Winter Parking Restrictions. If you have a Street Use permit , your trash bin or storage unit will need to be removed from the street until the parking ban has ended.
Obstruction permits
When Winter Parking Restrictions are in place, all Obstruction permits will be reviewed and those with permits for overnight parking or use of the EVEN side of a street will be told that their permit is not valid during the Winter Parking Restrictions. Any permit holders with questions can call Public Works at the phone number printed on the permit.

Can’t find what you want here? Call 311

Call 3-1-1 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a 311 agent will help you. If you are outside the Minneapolis city limits or are unable reach 311, call 612-673-3000. For TTY/TDD customers please call 612-673-2157.

Last updated Dec 31, 2014