Des Moines snow parking rules: Where and when it's safe, and where you could be ticketed

Shelby Fleig
Des Moines Register

With the possibility of substantial snowfall in the forecast, it's easy to forget the rules in Des Moines for parking when snowplows are out. This quick read can catch you up.

What are the street parking rules?

Snow routes: On snow routes, no parking is allowed on either side of the street. Plows start to operate when the city gets at least 1 inch of snow. Residential and odd/even streets are usually plowed after snow routes are cleared. The city issues an alert before this rule is enforced.

Odd/even: Some neighborhoods with limited off-street parking have "odd/even" signage, meaning drivers must park on the respective odd or even side depending on the calendar date. For example, on Jan. 17 — an odd number — park on the side of the street where the last digit on house numbers is odd.

The city issues an alert before this rule is enforced, and vehicles need to move to the correct side by 7 a.m. to avoid a ticket.

Residential streets: If you don't see "odd/even" or "snow route" signage, you're on a residential street. Restrictions can overlap, but no parking is allowed on residential streets during snow removal.

Residents can easily sign up for alerts about parking restrictions during snow events via email or text, or they can check the city's Facebook, Twitter and website.

How can you pay your ticket?

Residents wanting to pay their fines have three options:

  • Online at payparkingtickets.dsm.city, using a credit or debit card
  • In person at City Hall, 400 Robert Ray Drive, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. using cash, check, or a debit or credit card
  • By mail, by sending a check made out to the city of Des Moines, addressed to the Des Moines City Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 10326, Des Moines, IA 50306

Those wanting to appeal their tickets can do so by filling out an online form or going to the clerk's office at City Hall within seven business days of receiving the citation.