From Nov. 15 to March 15, Madison follows alternate side parking rules. This means that on even-numbered calendar days, drivers are required to park on the even-house numbered side of the street from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. On odd-numbered calendar days, park on the odd-house numbered side of the street during the same timeframe.
But if you live in the Snow Emergency Zone, alternate side parking is only in effect during a snow emergency. This zone (see map here) covers the downtown isthmus area and several of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Madison will declare a snow emergency when all residential streets need to be plowed. This typically occurs when snow accumulates to three inches or more. During a snow emergency, people who park in the Snow Emergency Zone must follow alternate side parking rules for a minimum of the next two nights.
The city will always declare a snow emergency before 9 p.m. on the night it will start. Snow emergencies are usually 48 hours long, according to Bryan Johnson, the city’s recycling coordinator and public information officer. Sometimes the second night is canceled, and in other cases, the snow emergency is extended past two days.
Other Parking Notes
- It’s best to park off street when it snows. Plows will push snow right up to the curb. If that’s where your car is, you’re likely to get snowed in.
- During a snow emergency, you can park for free between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. in the city-owned parking garages that have cashiers. Some lots do not have cashiers, like the Buckeye Lot near State Street, for example. These are not free during snow emergencies.
- Alternate side parking rules do not apply on streets where parking is restricted to one side of the street at all times.
- If you live on a cul-de-sac, you have to follow alternate side parking rules unless your home is listed here.
- If you got towed, call the Madison Police Department at (608) 266-4075 to get the location of your car.
TL;DR: Sign up here for daily alternate side parking reminders.You’ll get a text every day at 5 p.m. telling you what side of the street to park. You can also use the “Where do I park?” function on the city’s website.
