During snow emergencies this winter, residents must park on the EVEN side of the road only, unless otherwise posted.

 Parking will NOT be on the odd side as in the past. Parking will switch sides each year in November.

Say it ain’t snow! As snow season approaches, the City of Somerville reminds all residents that, beginning this winter season (2016-2017), the side of the street where snow emergency parking is allowed will now alternate by winter season. Because this winter season begins in 2016 – a year ending in an even number – it is an EVEN-side parking year, unlike previous years, which were odd-side parking years.

In 2015, the city instituted an annually alternating parking policy for snow emergencies, using even-side-only parking for winter seasons that begin in an even year, and odd-side-only parking for winter seasons that begin in an odd year. Winter seasons begin in November and run until May of the following calendar year.

So, for example, this winter season begins in November 2016, and since 2016 is an even number, parking is on the even-numbered side of the street for the entire 2016/17 winter season through May 2017, unless otherwise posted. However, in November 2017, because 2017 is an odd number, parking will be on the odd side of the street during snow emergencies for the full 2017/18 winter season. This alternating pattern will continue with each new winter season going forward.

Any exceptions for designated streets will be posted with official roadside signage. For example, roads that have parking only on the odd-numbered side of the street year-round will also park on the odd side during snow emergencies.

The change comes after a discussion between the Administration and the Board of Aldermen, following continued requests from residents.

“Residents living on the even side have long had to deal with the snow and ice buildup as snow is plowed toward their side of the street. So after careful review, and taking into account community feedback, we determined that we could bring fairness to our snow plowing operations by alternating sides,” said Mayor Curtatone. “As this is the first time for a parking switch of this magnitude, there will of course be some challenges for our operations and for residents. We are undertaking a full-scale outreach campaign in the coming days and weeks, and encourage residents and businesses to review materials available at www.somervillema.gov/snow, and to sign up for our City Alerts by visiting that page or by calling 311.”

Mayor Curtatone also noted that the city will closely monitor and track plowing routes, parking, and any challenges that may arise over the course of the winter season in order to consider adjustments to make the policy effective and efficient for both constituents and the city’s plow crews. The city’s existing snow removal policy dictates that residents may park on one designated side of the street only during snow emergencies (unless otherwise posted), as plows push snow to the curb on the other side of the street.

The city’s outreach campaign includes but is not limited to:

• 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

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 ($100 fine assessed by the tow company).
• Vehicles parked within 20 feet of any intersection will be ticketed and towed.
• For a list of designated City and School parking lots available for snow emergency parking, visit www.somervillema.gov/snow.
• 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 orGoogle Play, by searching “311Somerville.”