Seattle, WA Parking Rules: Dibs & Space Saving (2026)

Unlike cities such as Chicago or Boston, Seattle does not have a formal tradition or ordinance addressing 'dibs' or space-saving practices after snow events. The Seattle Municipal Code prohibits placing unauthorized objects in the public right-of-way that obstruct traffic or parking (SMC 15.04). Items placed in parking spaces to reserve them (chairs, cones, sawhorses, trash cans) may be treated as obstructions and removed by the city. During snow events, the Seattle Department of Transportation activates its Winter Weather Response Plan, which focuses on plowing and salting priority routes rather than managing individual parking spaces. Seattle's relatively mild winter climate compared to Midwest cities means major snow events are infrequent, and the practice of saving shoveled-out spaces is not deeply culturally ingrained. Residents are encouraged to use public transit, park in garages, or use alternate transportation during significant snow events. There are no penalties specific to space-saving, but general obstruction rules apply. Neighborhood disputes over parking during snow events are handled through normal channels.