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Winter Parking and Snow Emergency Ordinance Changes

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At the 15th Regular Common Council Meeting on November 4th, the City of Sheboygan approved updates to its Winter Parking and Snow Emergency Ordinances. These changes aim to improve snow removal efficiency and prioritize public safety during the winter season.

Key Changes to the Ordinance
Winter Parking Adjustments

  • Shortened Winter Parking Restrictions: The winter parking restrictions will now be in effect from December 1 to March 31, a month shorter than previous years.
  • Alternate Side Parking: Alternate side parking will still be in effect from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM during winter parking season (December 1 to March 31), allowing for effective snow clearing.
  • Download the Winter Parking & Snow Emergency Regulations PDF available in the applicable links and resources section below for detailed guidelines.

New Snow Emergency Guidelines

  • Expanded Criteria for Snow Emergencies: Snow emergencies can now be declared for a range of winter weather conditions, not just heavy snowstorms or blizzards.
  • All-Day Alternate Side Parking: During a snow emergency, vehicles on non-snow emergency routes will be required to follow all-day alternate side parking, with parking based on the calendar date.
  • Post-Snowplowing: After snow is plowed to the curb on non-snow emergency routes (usually in two or three passes), residents are encouraged to move their vehicles to the plowed side of the street before 12:00 AM the next day.
  • Parking Prohibitions: There will be no parking on snow emergency routes, boulevards, cul-de-sacs, and dead ends during the snow emergency.
  • Suspended One-Side Parking Restrictions: All one-side parking restrictions will be suspended during a snow emergency, allowing for alternate side parking on non-snow emergency routes.

How the Snow Emergency Will Work

  • Snow Emergency Notification: The Mayor will declare a snow emergency when necessary, with 24-hour public notice Residents will be informed via the City’s social media platforms, local radio stations, and the DPW and Police social media accounts.
  • Prohibited Parking Locations: Once the snow emergency is in effect, parking will be prohibited on:
    • Snow emergency routes
    • Boulevards
    • Cul-de-sacs
    • Dead ends
  • Winter Parking Compliance: Vehicles that are parked in compliance with winter parking rules on the first day of the snow emergency will not be penalized. Once plowing is completed, vehicles must be moved to the opposite side of the street, but before midnight.
  • Duration of Snow Emergency: The snow emergency will remain in effect until it is officially canceled by the Mayor or City Council.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Vehicles that violate snow emergency parking restrictions will be subject to:

  • A $50 parking ticket.
  • Towing of the vehicle to allow for snow removal operations.
  • To retrieve a towed vehicle, the parking ticket must be paid at the Sheboygan Police Department prior to its release.

These penalties emphasize the importance of compliance to ensure streets are cleared efficiently and public safety is maintained.

Recommendations for Residents

  • Park Off-Street: Whenever possible, residents are highly encouraged to park off-street during a snow emergency to assist with snow removal efforts.
  • Stay Informed: Stay connected to the City’s social media platforms and local media outlets for updates on snow emergency declarations and parking guidance.

STAY, WAIT, RELOCATE, REPEAT

The City encourages residents to follow the simple steps:

  • STAY: Park on the correct side of the street for winter parking.
  • WAIT: Wait for the plows to clear the opposite side of the street.
  • RELOCATE: Move your vehicle to the plowed side before midnight.
  • REPEAT: Keep your car parked on the plowed side for the following day.

Applicable Links and Resources:

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