Avoid tickets & towing: know the Snow Emergency Policy
When winter weather hits, Iowa City may declare a Snow Emergency, which limits on street parking to allow plows to clear snow and ice quickly. Drivers who fail to move their vehicles off the street face tickets and towing fees that can cost upwards of $200.
The Snow Emergency will likely remain in effect for 48-hours, weather depending. City officials aim to give 24-hours notice, but at the very least will provide four-hours notice before towing begins.
Parking during a Snow Emergency
Parking options are limited during a Snow Emergency, but is legal in the following locations:
1. To get vehicles off of the street, additional parking is available during a Snow Emergency:
Downtown Parking Ramps
Park for free overnight in one of the Downtown ramps. Exit by 7 a.m. to
avoid fees.
Iowa City Parks
Temporary parking at City Park, 200 E. Park Road, or Mercer Park, 2701
Bradford Dr.
2. Limited two-way street parking
If it’s an even numbered date, park on the side with
even numbered addresses
If it’s an odd numbered date, park on the side with
odd numbered addresses
During a 48-hour Snow Emergency, vehicles must move
to the opposite side of the street by 8 a.m. on the second day of the snow
event
3. Limited one-way street parking
If the permitted side
has even addresses, park there on even days
If the permitted side
has odd addresses, park there on odd days
Never park on the side
where parking is prohibited
4. Street parking continues in the Downtown Central Business District
Area bound by Iowa
Avenue, Gilbert, Burlington and Capitol Streets is exempt
Snow Emergency Notification
Make sure you're aware when a Snow Emergency is declared:
