Know the Winter Parking Restrictions in Owatonna Before Its Too Late

It is that time of year now when the city of Owatonna reminds us that there are parking restrictions and snow removal details. All of this will be in effect from November 15 through March 31. These restrictions facilitate effective snow removal and allow crews to perform other street maintenance.

In a recent reminder release, it is noted that during this period, street parking is only allowed on alternating sides of the street every night between 12:01 a.m. and noon, regardless of the weather. On even-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may park on the sides of streets with even-numbered addresses. On odd-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may park on the sides of streets with odd-numbered addresses.

One thing the city notes us that:

between noon and midnight, the winter parking restrictions are not in effect. Therefore, parking is allowed on both sides of the street (unless otherwise marked). At 12:01 a.m., parking is only allowed on the side of the street that corresponds with the calendar date. Anticipating the date change at 12:01 a.m., there’s no need to move from one side of the street to the other at midnight. Instead, park prior to midnight on the side of the street that corresponds with the next day’s date. Keep in mind December and January both end and begin with odd dates – the 31st and the 1st. Parking restrictions are enforced nightly from November 15 through March 31 regardless of weather conditions.

Vehicles parked in violation of the winter parking restrictions may be ticketed or towed.

The City’s easy-to-use Winter Parking Map app shows where to park during winter months. The app is available on the City of Owatonna’s website Owatonna.gov, search for “Public & Winter Parking.”

These restrictions do not apply to streets where parking is limited to one side, cul-de-sac’s with both even and odd house numbers, or streets with more restrictive parking requirements such as those in the downtown area. City parking lots in the downtown area can be used at no charge within the year-round parking restrictions as shown on signs in those lots. Watch for signs in lots stating parking restrictions. Restrictions also exclude street parking within two blocks of religious facilities for regularly scheduled weekend services, holiday services, funerals and weddings. Street parking in these areas is allowed one hour prior and one hour after the scheduled service times or events.

See The Downtown Public Parking map.

Within the release statement it is explained that each year, unavoidable damage to privately-owned mailboxes occurs during the snow removal season.

Homeowners are responsible for ensuring their mailboxes are firmly attached to posts sturdy enough to withstand the snow that gets deflected from plows. Mailboxes damaged by the snow that comes from plows are the homeowner’s responsibility. The City is responsible only for mailboxes damaged from coming into direct contact with the actual snow removal equipment.

Additional information is available at Owatonna.gov, search for “Mailbox and Property Damage”. In addition, recycling and trash containers should be placed in driveways or boulevards and then removed promptly after being emptied. 

All information is credited to the release statement from the city of Owatonna and owatonna.gov.