Snow Parking Regulations Now in Effect in Evanston

The following press release was submitted by the city of Evanston:

The City of Evanston’s Streets and Sanitation Division would like to remind residents that the City’s snow parking regulations go into effect beginning December 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014 in the event of a declared Snow Route Parking Ban or Snow Emergency.

Snow Route Parking Ban
A Snow Route Parking Ban can be declared after an accumulation of two inches or more of snow for main thoroughfares that are designated as Snow Routes as these roads are cleared first. Permanent red, white and blue signs are posted to indicate that parking is illegal on these streets between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. after the accumulation of at least two inches of snow. The City’s emergency sirens will sound at 8:15 p.m. on Snow Route Parking Ban nights. For a map of the Snow Routes, click here.

Residents are asked to keep in mind that snow plows may need to make multiple passes, therefore the City recommends that residents abide by posted signs. If a resident moves their car to a nearby side street, be sure to follow the snow clearing regulations for that side street. Violating the Snow Route Parking Ban can result in a $55 fine plus towing and storage charges. Snow Route Parking Bans can be in effect for one night or more, depending on the snowfall.

Snow Emergencies
A Snow Emergency can be declared after an accumulation of four inches of snow or more and apply to residential streets that are NOT posted as Snow Routes. These streets are plowed over a two-day period (even or odd side one day and the opposite side the next day). Snow Emergencies can be extended if conditions warrant it. The City’s emergency sirens will sound at 7:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Snow Emergency days.

Residents are reminded NOT to park on the even side of streets on even days or on the odd side of streets on odd days between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on most residential streets. Please follow the posted signs on the street. If a street is not plowed during a Snow Emergency, please report it promptly by calling 3-1-1 or online at www.cityofevanston.org/311. Requests for missed snow removal that are received prior 4 p.m. on the day of the emergency will be cleared the same day by 6 p.m.

Cars parked illegally are subject to ticketing and towing, along with the newly proposed fines. Specifically, fines for snow emergency parking violations have increased from $40 to $55 to match those of a snow route parking ban and the snow relocation fine has increased from $105 to $150. The new charges were implemented to help offset the City's cost for snow relocation.

If towed, the resident’s car will be returned to the vicinity from which it was towed (within a one block radius). Residential snow removal operations will be conducted in accordance with the date even if a snow emergency is not in effect, so residents are asked to abide by the even/odd parking protocol whenever there is accumulated snow.

Curbs, Driveways and Alleys
The City does not plow alleys. Please clear snow to allow access to your refuse and recycling containers so crews can empty them. Mounds of snow left along the curb by City plows are unavoidable. Please understand that work crews cannot stop to clear driveways as this occurs. To have an alley plowed, ask neighbors about sharing the cost of one of the many private plowing companies listed in the Yellow Pages on online.

Sidewalks and Parking Lots
Homeowners and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after ANY snowfall. If snow is packed and difficult to remove, please use salt or sand to make sidewalks passable. Landlords are responsible for keeping sidewalks, parking lots and all common areas, including open stairwells, free from all hazardous conditions at all times.

Sidewalks should be completely cleared to allow everyone, including people with disabilities and the elderly, to travel freely using the sidewalks instead of the street. Removal of snow and ice from the sidewalks, curb cuts and parking lots can help to prevent needless accidents and injuries. Also be aware of elderly or disabled neighbors that cannot shovel their own walks and offer to help.

How to Find Out if Parking Restrictions are in Effect
There are many ways to find out if parking restrictions are in place when it snows: Comcast Cable Channel 16; the City’s web site at www.cityofevanston.org; WPXZ-497 AM Radio 1650; sign up for our City Newsletter or text messages for snow alerts at www.cityofevanston.org/newsletter; on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/cityofevanston; on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cityofevanstonor call the snow line for a recorded message at 847-864-SNOW. Please note that the best way to ensure compliance is to follow the instructions on the signs posted on the street.

For more information about snow parking regulations in Evanston, please visitwww.cityofevanston.org/snow.