Overnight Parking: Albany vs Colonie

How do I know if an Albany snow emergency has been declared?

Sign up for Snow Emergency alerts at the City of Albany website, follow @CityofAlbanyNY on social media, or check local news. Signs flash in affected neighborhoods. You typically have 4-8 hours to move your vehicle.

Can I park overnight in Colonie or Bethlehem?

Generally yes, except during declared snow emergencies. Both towns allow most overnight street parking under normal conditions, but driveways are preferred. Check town-specific ordinances for restricted streets.

Can I park overnight on the street in Colonie?

On most Town streets yes, provided the block is not listed in Schedule IX (parking prohibited at all times) or Schedule X (parking prohibited during certain hours) under § 181-38 of Chapter 181, and provided you are not in a private apartment complex or shopping center with its own posted overnight rules.

Does Colonie tow during snow events?

Yes. Article IV (§ 181-40 et seq.) of Chapter 181 authorizes the Town police and the Highway Superintendent to remove vehicles obstructing snow removal or other operations. Vehicles are taken to a tow yard, and owners must pay tow and storage costs to recover them.

Can I sleep in my RV overnight at a Colonie residence?

The Chapter 190 zoning rules require RVs and motor homes to be stored in an enclosed building or in the area where an accessory garage would be permitted. Using an RV as overnight living quarters on a residential lot would generally violate residential occupancy provisions; check with Building and Fire Services.