snow regulations

Evanston's snow plan is a cooperative effort.

These are the basic rules we ask you to follow

  • Don't park on the Snow Routes at night.
  • During a snow emergency, park on the proper side of residential streets between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Clear your sidewalks after any accumulation of snow and ice
  • Clear parking lots for which you are responsible, without pushing snow into adjacent streets, alleys or sidewalks.

How do I find out if there is a Parking Ban/Emergency?

The City offers the following 10 ways to get notified of parking bans/emergencies

  1. Sign up for text message snow alerts online, text COE SNOW to 468311, or text COE SNOW YourEmailAddress to 468311
  2. Follow the City of Evanston on Twitter or Facebook
  3. Call the Snow Hotline at 847-864-SNOW (7669)
  4. Tune in to Cable Channel 16
  5. Check the City homepage
  6. Listen to Evanston Radio AM 1650
  7. Listen for the City's emergency sirens (see siren notification timing below)
  8. Call/text 847-448-4311 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours of operation will be extended during snow events
  9. Text SNOW to 847-448-4311 (Automated message available 24/7)

Snow Route Parking Ban

Streets affected

Main thoroughfares designated as Snow Routes. See a map of Snow Routes and a sample sign.

In effect

After an accumulation of 2" of snow

Restriction

No parking between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Notification

Emergency sirens will sound at 8:15 p.m. if a parking ban begins at 11 p.m. Additional notification methods above.

Fine for violating

$60 plus towing and storage

Length of Ban

One night or more, depending on the snowfall

Snow Emergency, Side Streets

Streets affected

Streets with parking on both sides which are not posted as Snow Routes. See sample sign.

In effect

By declaration after an accumulation of 4" or more of snow

Restriction

No parking between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered dates (ex. January 12)

No parking between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered dates (ex. January 13)

Notification

Emergency sirens will sound at 7:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Snow Emergency days. Additional notification methods above.

Fine for violating

If ticketed: $60; if towed: $155 (If towed, your car will be returned to the vicinity from which it was towed)

Length of Ban

Determined by Public Works Agency.

Most streets with parking on one side only now have permanent “ODD date” or “EVEN date” signs. This allows them to be plowed during snow emergencies.

 Sign

Special Notes

Snow parking regulations are in effect until the time indicated on the sign. It is illegal to park on the street during the restricted time, even if the plows have been through. Plowing and salting operations may require a return visit by City trucks.

Residents can help facilitate snow removal by abiding by posted parking restrictions and parking as close to the curb as possible, clear of alleyways and intersections, so City trucks and emergency vehicles have access. Whenever snow is present on roadways, voluntarily abiding by posted even/odd parking rules helps Public Works plows clear snow to the curb. Thank you for your assistance in keeping Evanston safe.

Clearing Sidewalks and Parking Lots

Homeowners and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property. Landlords are responsible for keeping sidewalks, parking lots and all common areas, including open stairwells, free from all hazardous conditions at all times.

More on snow shoveling.

When shoveling a sidewalk, please clear a path that is at least 36 inches wide to allow everyone, including children, people with disabilities and the elderly, to travel freely using the sidewalks instead of the streets. If snow is packed and difficult to remove, it's acceptable to use salt or sand to make them passable. Please be aware of elderly or disabled neighbors who can't shovel their own walks and offer to help them clear snow if you are able.

To report a snow removal violation or to inquire about snow removal operations please call 3-1-1 or 847-448-4311 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

City Code section addressing snow removal requirements

Driving during snow removal operations

Give snow plows enough room to do their jobs safely

  • Don’t follow too closely behind the plow
  • Don’t pass a snow plow on the right
  • Slow down!
Visibility may be reduced due to blowing snow caused by plowing.