Rochester, NY Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)

Under City Code § 111-73, the Commissioner of Environmental Services advises the Mayor when vehicles parked on city streets are preventing adequate snowplowing. The Mayor may then declare an emergency and restrict parking, publicized by announcement over not less than two radio or television stations covering the city; the restriction stays in force until a similar announcement declares the emergency over. The declaration can include any or all of three restriction types: snow emergency restrictions banning parking along designated snow routes, parking emergency restrictions banning parking along residential streets, and plowing day restrictions limiting parking to one side of a residential street under the alternate-parking schedule (if plowing day restrictions apply, all other street-specific restrictions stay in force too).

Police and Parking Bureau personnel cite violations specifically as a 'snow emergency' or 'snow parking emergency' violation. A vehicle parked or abandoned in violation may be towed, stored and redeemed under § 111-72B. The fine schedule at § 111-85A(1)(c) sets the charge for a snow-operations parking violation at $40, separate from the general restricted-area fine. Section 111-73 was first added in 1958 and has been amended repeatedly through 1985, most recently updating the enforcement mechanics in 2010.