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Winter Parking

Seasonal parking requirements increase the efficiency and effectiveness of snow removal and other street maintenance activities. Additionally, more effective snow removal throughout the season reduces the need to declare a snow emergency.

Effective snow removal creates safer roads for the traveling public and provides access for emergency vehicles. Seasonal parking requirements (Code of Ordinances Section 11-6-49) were adopted on September 16, 2019 to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of snow removal. More effective snow removal throughout the season also reduces the need to declare a snow emergency.

What this means:

  • Alternate side parking requirements are in place city-wide from November 1 to April 1 from 2am to 3pm.
    • Park your vehicle on the side of the street with EVEN house numbers when the calendar date is EVEN.
    • Park your vehicle on the side of the street with ODD house numbers when the calendar date is ODD.
    • Cars parked within the round part of a cul-de-sac must follow alternate side parking requirements.
    • While cars can be parked on both sides of the street in the evening hours, drivers should park their vehicles overnight for the requirements that are in place following day from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Alternate side parking requirements do not apply to streets where parking is only allowed on one side.
  • Posted parking signs must be followed regardless of the calendar date.
  • This does not apply to metered spaces; however, parked vehicles must still comply with posted signs.

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During and after designated snow events street parking in the Central Business District (CBD) will be restricted to facilitate the plowing and removal of snow. All parking restrictions will be posted on impacted meters and drivers are responsible for adhering to the restrictions.

Parking enforcement by Public Works is used as needed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the snow plowing by City crews and to provide safe access for emergency vehicles. The Rochester Code of Ordinances 11-6-28 states vehicles are not allowed to park on the street for more than twenty four (24) consecutive hours. Violations are subject to a parking ticket and a possible towing. 

Public Works Department have been given authority to issue parking tickets during snow related events:

  • Public Works Enforcement Inspectors respond to plow driver concerns
  • PW Enforcement inspect the streets of concern for vehicles with snow accumulation surrounding vehicle and indication that it has moved within 24-hours
    • Vehicles Chalked Orange
    • Warning Tag displayed on vehicle
  • If the vehicle has not moved then a PW Inspector verifies the vehicle has not moved within 24-hours and parking ticket is issued.

Learn how to pay your parking ticket.

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City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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