Parking Rules in Saint Paul, MN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Saint Paul or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Saint Paul has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

EV Charging

Ordinance 24-5 requires new surface parking lots with 15+ spaces to be EV-ready. At least 80% of spaces must have conduit to electrical service, with 1 in 30 fully wired.

Key details: Ordinance: Ordinance 24-5 (April 2024). Applies To: New lots with 15+ spaces. Conduit Requirement: 80% of spaces. Full Wiring: 1 in every 30 spaces. EV Space Violation Fine: $75-$150.

New parking lots that fail to include required EV-ready infrastructure may not receive final site plan approval. Non-electric vehicles occupying designated EV charging spaces are subject to fines ranging from $75 to $150. Residential charger installations without an electrical permit may result in a stop-work order and requirement to obtain the permit retroactively.

Street Parking Limits

Saint Paul manages extensive on-street parking with winter alternate-side rules for snow plowing. State Capitol and downtown government buildings create heavy weekday commuter demand.

Key details: Capitol: Government demand. Winter: Alternate-side rules. Downtown: Metered zones. State Fair: Special restrictions.

Snow emergency towing: $150 to $300+. Expired registration: citation + tow. Fire hydrant violation: citation + tow.

RV & Boat Parking

Saint Paul prohibits street parking of RVs 22+ ft long and 7+ ft wide for more than 30 minutes (Sec. 157.11). Unattached trailers limited to 48 hours on any street.

Key details: Large RV Limit: 30 minutes on-street (22+ ft long, 7+ ft wide). Trailer Limit: 48 hours unattached on same block. Towing: Violations subject to tow and impound. Snow Emergency: All vehicles must follow plow route rules. Report: 651-266-8989 (Saint Paul 311).

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

This is one of the stricter rules in Saint Paul's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Overnight Parking

Saint Paul enforces critical overnight parking rules during Snow Emergencies. Night Plow Routes ban parking from 9 PM-7 AM. Downtown bans all overnight parking during emergencies.

Key details: Snow Emergency: Move from Night Plow Routes by 9 PM. Downtown: No overnight parking during snow emergencies. Duration: Snow emergencies last up to 96 hours. Year-Round Limit: 48 hours in same spot. Alerts: Sign up at stpaul.gov for text/email alerts.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Compared to other cities, Saint Paul takes a harder line on overnight parking. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Abandoned Vehicles

Saint Paul considers vehicles abandoned if parked on a public street for 48+ hours. Inoperable vehicles outdoors for 48+ hours also qualify. MN Stat. 168B governs towing and disposal.

Key details: Public Street Limit: 48 hours in same spot. Private Property: 48 hours without owner consent. Inoperable Vehicles: 48 hours outdoors. State Law: MN Stat. 168B governs towing/disposal. Report: 651-266-8989 or online incident form.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Compared to other cities, Saint Paul takes a harder line on abandoned vehicles. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Saint Paul restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.

Key details: Weight Limit: Typically 10,000 lbs. Overnight: Heavy trucks prohibited. Deliveries: Temporary OK. State Law: MN Stat. §169.34.

Parking citations $50 to $250. Repeat violations: increased fines. HOA fines per CC&Rs.

Driveway Rules

Saint Paul requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.

Key details: Surface: Paved/improved required. Front Lawn: Parking prohibited. Modifications: Permit required. Contact: Saint Paul 311 / (651) 266-8989.

Parking on unapproved surface: code compliance notice. Fines after correction period. Inoperable vehicles: removal order.

The Bottom Line

Saint Paul is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Saint Paul, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Saint Paul can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.