Winter Parking Restrictions
High snow accumulations can narrow streets, making them harder for fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles to navigate. When that happens, Winter Parking restrictions are enacted. These restrictions prohibit parking on the even numbered side of streets designated as non-Snow Emergency Routes until April 1, or until conditions warrant a lifting of the ban.
 Winter Parking Restrictions are about Public Safety |  Winter Parking Restrictions (video) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Winter Parking Restrictions?
During some winters, snow accumulations can reach a point where streets become too narrow and difficult to navigate. Public safety is jeopardized when this happens because fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles are slowed down or are prevented from responding to calls for help. Minneapolis City ordinance allows for the implementation of parking restrictions on non-snow emergency routes for as long as necessary.
These restrictions are formally called Winter Parking Restrictions, but are often commonly referred to as “the one-side parking ban.”
Why do we declare Winter Parking Restrictions?
Public safety is the City’s primary concern, and access for emergency vehicles is paramount. High snow accumulations can make streets narrower, which make it difficult for fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles to reach their destinations. When this happens, Winter Parking Restrictions are declared so access to Minneapolis homes and businesses is less restricted for emergency personnel.
How is parking affected?
Parking is banned on the even numbered side of streets designated as non-Snow Emergency Routes until April 1, or until conditions warrant a lifting of the ban. Vehicles parked on these streets 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.
Parking will be restricted on the following Snow Emergency routes to facilitate both emergency vehicles and transit buses:
- Bryant Avenue South from Lake Street to 50th Street.
- Grand Avenue South from Lake Street to 48th Street.
- Dupont Avenue South from 28th Street to 36th Street.
- Emerson Ave South from 28th Street to 36th Street.
- follow the posted signs on these streets.
How can I find out if Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect?
To find out if Winter Parking 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. You can also become a fan and follower of Snow Emergency on Facebook and Twitter.
Can a Snow Emergency be declared during Winter Parking Restrictions?
Yes. The Snow Emergency parking rules are slightly different when one is declared while Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect. If there is enough snowfall to warrant a Snow Emergency declaration during Winter Parking Restrictions, go to the City’s Web site or call (612) 348-SNOW for information on where to park.
Should a Snow Emergency be declared in Minneapolis during the time Winter Parking Restrictions are in place, to make the transition from Winter Parking Restrictions to Snow Emergency rules, drivers may start moving their cars off of Snow Emergency Routes and on to EITHER side of the non-Snow Emergency Routes beginning at 4 p.m. on the day the Snow Emergency is declared. Once the Snow Emergency period runs its course, - Return to Winter Parking Restrictions – 8:00 a.m. on Day 4.
Can I park at meters during Winter Parking Restrictions?
Yes. Unless otherwise posted with signs, parking in metered street spaces is permitted.
What if there are “No Parking” signs posted?
- Please look for and follow the posted signs.
- “No Parking” zones on one-side of street
Some non-Snow Emergency streets had one-sided parking either on the odd or even sides prior to the Winter Parking Restrictions. Revised signs were installed allowing parking to comply with the Winter Parking Restrictions. During any subsequent Snow Emergency parking on these streets must follow both the plow day (Day 1, 2, & 3) rules and any posted signs. - “No Parking” zones along schools
Unique parking restrictions exist around many Minneapolis schools. Signs have been changed for Winter Parking Restrictions. For instance:
Where the ODD side of the street is permanently signed as
“No Parking 8 am – 4 PM School Days”, we changed it to
“No Parking Anytime”, and the EVEN side will be posted
“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 residential 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 respective property owners may request an exemption by calling 311. These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case situation.
How do I park in areas where permits are required?
- Critical Parking Permits
All Critical Parking Areas will need to comply with the EVEN side parking ban on non-Snow Emergency routes during Winter Parking Restrictions. The existing Critical Parking Area signs on the EVEN side of non-Snow Emergency routes will not be changed. Critical Parking permit holders are allowed to park on the ODD sides within the Critical Parking Area. If ODD side parking does not exist, parking will need to occur on another street. - Street Use permits (dumpster 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 unit on the street, it will need to be: - Moved to the ODD side of the street unless otherwise signed to allow EVEN side parking as stated above, or
- Removed completely until the parking ban has ended.
- Obstruction permits
All Obstruction permits were reviewed and those with permits for overnight parking or use on EVEN sides of the street were informed that their permit is not valid during the Winter Parking Restrictions. If you have additional questions please contact Public Works at the phone number printed on the permit.
Can’t find what you want here? Call 311
- Just call 3-1-1 weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a 311 agent will assist you. If you are outside the Minneapolis city limits or are unable reach 311, call (612) 673-3000. For TTY/TDD customers please dial (612) 673-2157.
Last updated Dec. 13, 2011