Somerville Snow Parking On Odd Side This Winter

SOMERVILLE, MA — It's the time of year when the first snowfall could hit tomorrow or a month from now, so Somervillians should prepare for the inevitable. This winter starts in an odd year, so parking during a now emergency will be allowed on the odd side of the street.

Last year, the city tightened rules on available parking during snow emergencies by prohibiting the use of school lots.

Residents may only park on one side of the street during snow emergencies unless otherwise posted. In 2015, the city instituted an annually alternating parking policies, using odd-side-only parking for winter seasons that begin in an odd year and even-side-only parking for winter seasons that begin in an even year.

Winter seasons begin in November and run until May.

Snow Emergency Parking Information:

• Once a snow emergency has been declared, residents have four hours to move vehicles to the correct side of the street, or into a designated City parking lot.
• Vehicles not moved during this window of time will be ticketed ($100 fine) and towed ($90 fine assessed by the tow company, plus a $35/day storage fee).
• Vehicles parked within 20 feet of any intersection will be ticketed and towed.
• For a list of designated City parking lots available for snow emergency parking, visit www.somervillema.gov/snow.
  • Please note: Parking is not allowed in school lots during snow emergencies.
• Residents are encouraged to sign up for phone, email, and text alerts by visiting www.somervillema.gov/alerts.

For more information on the City’s snow removal and snow emergency policies, visit www.somervillema.gov/snow, or download the City’s 311 app in iTunes or Google Play, by searching “311Somerville.”

The city will inform residents of a snow emergency using the following methods:

• Placing informational flyers on vehicles during regular routes traveled by Parking Control Officers
• Sending information to media for inclusion in multimedia postings and print materials
• Sending information to residents and businesses via the Community Alert phone, email, and text system
• Posting information to the City’s website, cable bulletin boards, and social media feeds
• Including information in all City newsletters and brochures
• Public awareness banners, electronic message boards, and posters in key business districts