Bikers on John Nolen for Ride the Drive.
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 Update: January 9, 2026

Alternate side parking enforcement began following a significant snowfall in late November 2025.

What’s Currently in Effect? 

  • Alternate side parking restrictions remain in effect and enforceable through 7:00 a.m. on March 15, 2026.
  • If you park outside of the Snow Emergency Zone, alternate side parking rules must be followed daily from 1:00 am to 7:00 am.
  • If you park within the Snow Emergency Zone, you are only required to follow alternate side parking rules during declared snow emergencies.

How are the Changes Working So Far?

This winter, we planned to delay the start of alternate side parking instead of automatically beginning on November 15 like usual. However, a significant snowfall hit just two weeks into the season, which meant enforcement needed to begin earlier than we had hoped. As a result, the overall experience this winter has felt similar to a typical season.

We’re actively reviewing winter parking data and working closely with the Streets Division to better understand what crews need during snowplowing events. What we learn this winter will help guide improvements for future winters.

Looking Ahead for the Winter of 2026/2027

We’re working on a new notification system to make winter parking rules clearer and easier to follow. This system will better communicate:

  • When alternate side parking is in effect
  • When enforcement is temporarily paused

For example, if a snowstorm triggers enforcement, conditions improve and melt, and then another storm occurs later, this system will help clearly communicate when enforcement is active or paused.

Our long-term goal is a winter parking program that:

  • Reduces on-street parking burdens
  • Is easier to understand
  • Focuses enforcement on times when snow and ice truly impact roadway conditions.

Thank You for Your Patience

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we test new approaches and work to improve how winter parking is managed. Your flexibility and feedback play an important role in helping us build a better system.

Fun Fact

It takes approximately 12–14 hours for the Streets Division to complete an initial plowing pass across 1,858 miles of traffic lanes in the City of Madison.

That’s roughly the distance from Madison to the Mojave Desert in California!

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.
enlargeable pdf version of map above

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. This means all vehicles outside the Snow Emergency Zone will need to abide by Alternate Side Parking rules.
    • Ticketing for alternate side violations may be paused during prolonged periods without snow or ice.  It is still recommended to follow Alternate Side Parking rules once activated, as no formal announcement of a return to relaxed enforcement will be made.
  • The City will 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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!

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