Parking on residential streets

Unless otherwise posted, parking is permitted on residential streets for up to 48 hours. This applies to passenger vehicles.

Trucks, vans, trailers, buses and other large vehicles are subject to additional restrictions. In general they may be parked only as long as it takes to load and unload. They may not wait with the engine running. More information.
See also Construction Vehicles and Dumpsters.

Vehicles must be parked at least 5 feet away from any driveway.

Permit parking

There are several areas of the city where parking for more than 2 hours requires a permit. Presently, these are the University Grove neighborhood west of the UM campus and the Lindig/Tatum neighborhood north of the campus. Residents may purchase annual permits. Temporary permits are also available. More information.

Parking during the State Fair

Special parking regulations are in force during the State Fair. Some streets are restricted to one-side parking; other streets become "No Parking" zones during the Fair. Watch for posted signs. Parking on lawns is not allowed.

Abandoned or junk vehicles

Abandoned or junk vehicles may not be stored outdoors anywhere in the city. Put it in your garage or get rid of it.

To be legal, a vehicle must be currently licensed, operational, and legally parked.

The City has a list of charities that accept cars and other vehicles. You can find this list at the Charities Review Council website along with other important information on donating your car.

Parking on Private Residential Property

The City Code requires at least 2, but not more than 4, parking places on each single-family residential property. At least one (1) of those parking spaces must be enclosed, that is, in a garage. Single-family residences are required to have garage space. Under the zoning code a double garage is the largest garage most properties can have. For information on zoning code for garages, see the Zoning Section.

Cars parked on private residential property (including multi-family residential zones) must be parked in a garage or on a driveway or paved surface that conforms to the city code. Cars cannot be parked on grass or landscaped area, with one exception (See Parking in Winter, below).

In most cases, the City zoning code does not allow for a “parking pad” in the front yard of a residence. The reason is that parking in front yards does not enhance the attractiveness and value of our neighborhoods. Some of these “pads” were allowed in the past. If you have one, please consider removing it and finding another parking solution. This will improve the value of your home!

Parking in winter

Parking is prohibited on any unplowed public street during a Snow Emergency. More information.

In some cases, one car can be parked next to the driveway of a single-family residence between November 15 and April 1. This exception is designed to give residents a temporary alternative to street parking during snow emergencies. It is not intended to provide semi-permanent parking for extra cars or visitors. Vehicles parked on upaved yard that do not qualify for this exception will be cited. For more information, contact City Hall.

Parking trailers, boats and RVs

City Code prohibits storage of boats, trailers, RVs and similar vehicles in your driveway or on the street.

These vehicles may be stored in one of the following places:

in your garage

in the rear 10 feet of your lot

away from your property, for example, in a rental storage facility

In summer the City does not usually enforce this restriction because trailers and boats are in use and parked temporarily in driveways. Enforcement begins the week after State Fair vehicle storage opens for the season (Late October/early November).

We recommend arranging your vehicle storage space rental early in the season. Many places are fully reserved by September. City Hall does not keep a list of facilities that rent storage space for vehicles.

Construction Vehicles and Dumpsters

Construction vehicles are subject to the parking restrictions set out in the City Code and administrative policies.

However, the City recognizes that it is not always practical to move construction vehicles and dumpsters within the 90 minute or 48 hour limit. Therefore, when the building permit is applied for, the applicant should discuss parking needs and vehicle access with the City. In most cases an extension and temporary permit can be arranged.

Temporary parking permits are required for construction dumpsters that are parked on the street. Dumpsters should have reflectors at each end.