Winter Parking Restrictions

Winter parking restrictions go into effect on November 1st. No parking on city streets: 1 am to 7 am.

Snow brings beauty to Minnesota’s winters, but it also creates slippery sidewalks and roads. Many deicing products, especially salt, wash into lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater when snow melts. Just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water. Excess salt harms fish and wildlife, damages roads and sidewalks, injures vegetation, and can even hurt our pets’ paws.

You can help by shoveling promptly before snow turns to ice—removing more snow manually means less deicer is needed, and sometimes sunshine will finish the job. If you use salt, limit it to high-traffic areas and apply lightly. Only 1 to 4 lbs. (1–4 coffee mugs) are needed to treat 1,000 square feet.

Remember that salt does not work when pavement temperatures drop below 15°F. Other products may work in colder conditions, but should still be used sparingly. After the snow and ice are gone, sweep up leftover salt or deicer to prevent it from washing away. By planning ahead and using these practices, we can stay safe on our roads and sidewalks while keeping Minnesota’s water, wildlife, and communities healthy.