Iowa City, IA Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)

Code section 9-4-9 lets the city manager or designee declare a snow emergency based on falling snow, sleet, freezing rain, a National Weather Service forecast, or other weather service data showing conditions require expedited traffic and restricted parking for plowing. Once declared, on streets with parking allowed on both sides, vehicles must park only on the even-numbered side on even days of the month after 8:00 AM, and only the odd-numbered side on odd days after 8:00 AM; on streets with parking allowed on only one side, the same even/odd-day rule applies to whichever side is legal, with no parking on the prohibited side.

These rules do not apply to metered spaces, designated loading zones, or the central business district bounded by Iowa Avenue, Capitol Street, Burlington Street and Gilbert Street. A snow emergency takes effect no earlier than 4 hours after declaration, or not until 8:00 AM the next day if declared after 8:00 PM, and stays in force at least 48 hours unless canceled. The city manager must file a written signed notice with the city clerk stating start and end times, notify area radio, television and newspapers, and post information on the city website and signs on major highways entering the city.

Any vehicle parked where not permitted during a snow emergency is issued a parking violation notice under section 9-4-14 and towed to an impound lot under Chapter 9 without advance warning.