ABOUT THE CITY OF ROCKFORD ODD/EVEN PARKING ORDINANCE
Snow Emergency
•
A snow emergency can be declared when we receive 2" of snow or more.
•
The odd/ even parking policy goes into effect at the same time the snow
emergency is declared.
•
The declaration of a snow emergency is made by the Director of Public Works
or his designee
Odd/Even Parking Policy was created:
•
To allow plow trucks to safely clean off one side of residential streets
completely.
•
Creates a safer environment for our citizens traveling on residential streets.
•
Odd/Even Parking works as follows:
•
•
Calendar days dictate odd/even rules
Sides of street change every morning at 8:00 A.M.
Snow Storm Characteristics
•
Storms dictate how we will manage the event
•
Every storm is different.
•
Our plan of action is based on how we anticipate the storm to affect us.
•
We rely on radar and forecasts to assist us in planning the operation.
Salt Usage
•
Analysis of last year’s salt usage and storm patterns have allowed us to improve
operations and spread salt more efficiently
•
We currently have 11,000 tons of salt on hand and will purchase additional salt after
the first of the year
EXCELLENCE EVERYWHERE FAQ’s
Question: How do I know if a snow emergency has been declared?
Answer: You can check the City of Rockford’s website at www.rockfordil.gov .
Additionally, our media outlets carry the announcements in the paper, on the news shows,
and on their web sites. We encourage you to monitor the situation actively during the snow
season.
Question: Today is January 1st an odd number but yesterday was December 31st which is also
an odd number. Which side of the street do I park on?
Answer: You would park on the odd side of the street again on the 1st. It’s the date that tells
us where to park, it’s not just changing from side-to-side.
Question: The plow went down my street first thing in the morning. Can I move my car
back to the spot in front of my house?
Answer: No, you need to wait until the snow emergency has been lifted or until 8:00 am the
next morning.
Question: One side of my street is posted “No Parking”. Where do I park my car on those
days?
Answer: We recommend you find a side-street near your home where you can park your car
and move it appropriately.
Question: I was parked on the correct side of the street and was plowed in when the plow
went down my street. Why does that happen?
Answer: The primary goal is to clear a path down the center of the street. When we plow the
center of the street, we may push snow against parked cars. You may have to remove some of
this snow in order to safely move your car. The street will be cleared to the curb as the cleanup progresses.
Question: When do I move my car?
Answer: If there is a snow emergency, cars must be moved to the correct side of the street
by 8:00 am. The city can start ticketing cars parked incorrectly at 8:00 am.
Question: I have the flu and can’t move my car. Will I still receive a ticket?
Answer: If a snow emergency has been declared and your car is parked inappropriately, you
may receive a ticket. You may want to ask a friend or neighbor to move your car for you in
you are incapacitated in any way.
EXCELLENCE EVERYWHERE Question: What's the safest rule to follow for the parking ordinance?
Answer: If the forecast is for more than a few inches of snow you should start to watch the
news media and checking websites for the declaration of a snow ordinance. It is safe to
assume that if we have a heavy snowfall, the odd/even parking ordinance will be in effect.
Question: I’ve heard a lot of discussion about the City of Rockford facing a tight budget year.
Does this mean you won’t be plowing residential streets?
Answer: Because of the tighter budget year, you may see a delay in city crews clearing
residential streets. However we will still do our best to ensure that our city streets are clear
and can be safely traveled within a reasonable timeframe.
###
EXCELLENCE EVERYWHERE