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City of Madison

Alternate Side Parking Program Updates

The City of Madison is reviewing its Alternate Side Parking Program to find ways to improve safety, efficiency, and communication during winter months.

  • Location

    Citywide, including Snow Emergency Zone

  • Project Type

    Study of policy and procedures related to Alternate Side Parking

  • Status

    Study

  • Estimated Schedule

    Phase 1: Winter 2025 - Spring 2026

  • Alder District

    Citywide, all districts included

Project Information

Project Overview

The City of Madison is exploring updates to the winter Alternate Side Parking program with the goal of improving snow removal efficiency and reducing confusion among residents. This planning effort builds on lessons learned from past winters and feedback from community members.

This City is considering a more data-driven and flexible approach to winter parking restrictions. We are focusing on a system that leverages modern technology, clearer communication, and responsive operations that better align with real-time weather conditions.  Through this process, we aim to evaluate strategies that could improve compliance, streamline snow removal, and support more equitable enforcement across neighborhoods.

Project Limits

Citywide including the Snow Emergency Zone

Map showing boundaries of the Snow Emergency Zone in yellow, and the Alternate Side Parking areas in green.

Testing a New Approach for This Winter

Beginning with the 2025-2026 winter season, the City will test a delayed enforcement model and expand public education efforts to help residents better understand parking requirements and improve compliance.

For this winter:

  • Enforcement will begin only when the Street Superintendent declares the first general plowing operation or snow emergency.  A “general plow” is the term used when every street in the City of Madison is plowed curb-to-curb.
  • Once activated, the Alternate Side Parking requirements will remain in effect until March 15, 2026. However, ticketing for alternate side violations may be paused during prolonged periods without snow or ice.
  • The City will also evaluate enforcement timing to determine whether adjustments to the overall winter parking timeframe are appropriate in future years.

Additional Adjustments

  • Posted weekly daytime street maintenance restrictions will be enforced after snow events to enhance curb access and facilitate more efficient cleanup. This may include towing from posted areas.
  • Priority enforcement will focus on streets with unsafe driving conditions or areas that obstruct access for emergency and public safety vehicles.

Project Schedule

  1. Phase 1: Planning, Testing and Public Awareness

    Test a delayed approach to enforcing Alternate Side Parking (ASP) until the Streets Superintendent declares the first general plow or snow emergency.  This will activate Alternate Side Parking for the remainder of the season but will allow for paused enforcement during prolonged periods without snowfall and ice accumulation.

  2. Phase 2: Gradual Implementation and Policy Shift

    The City may modify the alternate side parking system to activate only during general plow or snow emergency events. Enforcement within the Alternate Side Parking Zone could be adjusted to a model similar to the snow emergency system, replacing the current fixed seasonal schedule. Specific details and enforcement parameters will be established following the completion and evaluation of Phase 1.

  3. Phase 3: Full Implementation

    The final phase will introduce a new winter parking system based on results, feedback, and data collected from earlier phases. This phase aims to establish a consistent and effective approach to winter parking management that aligns with the program’s overall goals.

Public Involvement

There will be opportunities during this project where the public is encouraged to give feedback.  More details to come!

News Release(s):

Updates to Winter Alternate Side Parking Program - (posted 11/3/2025)

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