City Council Meeting Date: May 12, 2026
To: Mayor and Members of Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Jeff Schroepfer, Police Chief
Title
Discuss Winter Parking Rules and Overnight 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. November 15 to March 15 Winter On-Street Parking Ban.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council Discusses Winter Parking Rules and Overnight 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. November 15 to March 15 Winter On-Street Parking Ban.
Summary Report:
The overnight winter parking ban has been in place for decades in the City of Northfield. This overnight parking restriction has generally served the City well. It has allowed for ease of snow removal in the winter, with streets getting cleared curb to curb within 12 hours of the snow event. In addition to the ease of access for our emergency service, specifically the fire department, to have adequate clear space for responding with their apparatus.
The City has a hardship permit process for the winter parking ban. Residents can apply for permits if they have a hardship. For example, we do not issue convenience permits for residents that have available parking spaces in the garage and driveway but want to park on the street so they do not have to move specific household vehicles around. However, if the household does not have enough parking spaces in the garage and driveway, a permit is typically issued.
Below is a summary of permits issued and denied over the last three years.
Winter Season
Hardship Permits Issued
Permits Denied
Total Permit Request Received
2025-2026
31
30
61
2024-2025
15
16
31
2023-2024
17|1010|23
Note: The City has ~ 5060 Households so less than 1% of households are requesting a permit
If the City is considering eliminating the winter parking restriction, and only having it required for snow emergencies, there are some things to consider.
* Northfield is a college town, and this can cause issues with college students leaving their vehicles of...
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