Milwaukee County winter parking laws start December 1, 2024. Don’t get towed.
Milwaukee County winter parking laws go into effect on December 1, 2024. Different municipalities and neighborhoods have different rules, so we’ve compiled winter parking regulations from larger municipalities in this blog post for your convenience.
Van Severen Law Office, S.C. is a criminal defense law firm with offices in Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Milwaukee Counties. We represent individuals facing drunk driving and criminal issues anywhere in the state. If you’re facing a criminal allegation, or confirmed charges, contact us at (414) 270-0202. We offer free consultations to potential clients.
Milwaukee, WI winter parking laws begin December 1, 2024
The City of Milwaukee has its own winter parking regulations. They’re as follows:
- No parking December 1 – March 1
- Overnight parking is not allowed on through highways (major streets) and mass transit (bus) routes between December 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025. There is no signage on these streets, but the city does list them on its website.
- Exception to alternate side parking
- Between December 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025, overnight parking must follow alternate side parking rules. On even-numbered calendar days (before midnights), vehicles must be parked on the side of the street with even house numbers. On odd-numbered calendar days, vehicles must be parked on the side of the street with odd house numbers.
- 4 inch rule
- Certain streets are marked with signed that indicate “No Parking When Snow Falls 4 Inches or More.” Parking is allowed on both sides of these streets, except when snow accumulates to a depth of 4 inches or more. When snow accumulations are 4 inches or more, parking is prohibited on the side of the street with the sign. This applies during the day and at night.
- Specific side parking
- Certain Milwaukee streets only allow parking on one side of the street between December 1 and March 1. These rules are posted on signs on the streets.
- Night parking during snow emergency – snow route tow-away zone
- During a snow emergency, night parking regulations are in effect between 11:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. Vehicles parked in violation of snow emergency regulations will be towed.
- MPS parking for snow emergencies
- Some Milwaukee Public Schools make their parking lots and playgrounds available for parking during snow emergencies. To find the closest location, contact the Department of Public Works at (414) 286-8282 during regular business hours.
West Allis, WI winter parking regulations
On December 12, 2023, the West Allis Common Council repealed the previous winter parking ordinance. New winter parking rules are in effect anytime the Director of Public Works issues a snow emergency. West Allis snow emergencies are announced on various media sources, including their Facebook account. Emergencies are declared due to snow, ice, sleep, or any other wintery weather. When snow emergencies are declared, they will include start and end times.
Importantly, normal West Allis parking regulations require a permit for parking between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. All overnight parking in West Allis all year follows the even/odd numbering requirement: on even-numbered calendar nights (before midnight), parking is only allowed on the side of the street with even-numbered houses. On odd-numbered dates, parking must be on the side of the street with odd-numbered houses.
Wauwatosa, WI winter parking regulations
Unlike Milwaukee and West Allis, Wauwatosa does not allow for regular overnight parking between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m. Instead, the only vehicles allowed to be parked on the street are 1) guests, 2) stalled vehicles, and 3) vehicles impacted by road/street construction. In order to park on the street in Wauwatosa, you must obtain permission. If you require overnight parking, you can request it using Wauwatosa’s online request form. You must make your request before 3:00 a.m. on the date you intend to park your vehicle on the street.
Snow emergency parking in Wauwatosa is as unforgiving as the normal overnight parking regulations. During a snow emergency in Wauwatosa, you are not allowed to park on any street, at any time, for any length of time. Prior overnight parking approvals are immediately deemed null and void.
Oak Creek, WI winter parking regulations
Oak Creek, WI winter parking goes into effect December 1, 2024 and lasts until March 31, 2025. During winter, parking is prohibited on Oak Creek, WI streets Monday through Friday, 2:00 – 6:00 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Oak Creek Ordinance 10.40(c) describes winter emergency regulations:
(c) Parking During Snow Removal. No person shall park, place or leave standing any automobile, truck or other vehicle on any street or public way during the time that a snow emergency has been declared.
A few other important ordinances apply during the winter:
- Blowing or shoveling snow onto public streets is a violation of the City of Oak Creek Municipal code. Doing so could result in ticketing.
- It is your responsibility as a property owner to keep mailboxes and fire hydrants on your property clear of snow and ice.
- You are required to clear snow and ice from your sidewalks within 24 hours of the conclusion of snow or ice accumulation.
Franklin, WI winter parking regulations
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 245-5.C, between December 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025, individuals are prohibited from overnight parking on Franklin, WI streets. These prohibitions span Monday – Saturday between 2:00 and 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 and 7:00 a.m. on Sundays. If you require overnight parking, contact the Franklin, WI police department at (414) 425-2522. Interestingly, physicians actively responding to emergency calls are explicitly excluded from these regulations.
A snow emergency occurs in Franklin, WI when snow is falling at a minimum rate of 1 inch per hour or has accumulated to a depth of 4 inches or more. During a snow emergency in Franklin, you’re prohibited from parking on any street between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Van Severen Law Office, S.C. is a Wisconsin criminal defense law firm
Parking issues can lead to all kinds of problems. Having your car towed for illegally parking is a huge pain, and hopefully our blog post allows you to avoid that result.
If you’re facing a criminal or drunk driving allegation, contact us. We’ve helped thousands of people in your position. You can reach us at (414) 270-0202.