Seasonal parking requirements begin this week

Rochester’s seasonal parking restrictions kick in on Monday, Nov. 1.

The ordinance requires alternate side parking on city streets and on cul-de-sacs through April 1. The rules are in effect regardless of the weather forecast or if there is snow and ice on the roadways — according to the city, the ordinance also allows for more efficient street sweeping.

“This is really important as we get into that snowier season,” said City Administrator Alison Zelms during Monday’s Rochester City Council meeting. “Right now it is important because the street sweeping helps to protect local waterways and assure that different types of pollutants and things don’t get into the waterways with leaves and other debris.”

Below is an overview of the parking requirements, via the City of Rochester:

• Alternate side parking requirements are in place city-wide from November 1 to April 1 from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Park vehicles on the side of the street with EVEN house numbers when the calendar date is EVEN.

  • Park vehicles on the side of the street with ODD house numbers when the calendar date is ODD.

  • 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.

• 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.

• Alternate side parking is not applicable on streets where parking is only allowed on one side.

The seasonal parking restrictions first took effect in 2019. Earlier this year, the Rochester City Council opted to shorten the season (which had run October 1 to May 1) by one month in the spring and one month in the fall.

More information about seasonal parking requirements can be found here.