City warns residents about street parking rules during snow

City officials reminded residents following the December 1 snow that a local ordinance restricts street parking when accumulation reaches 2 1/2 inches or more, and that compliance is necessary to allow snow removal equipment and emergency vehicles to operate safely. The rule, adopted earlier in 2025, applies from the time precipitation reaches the threshold until streets are plowed and cleared.

The reminder cited City Code Chapter 460 22, which states in full, "§ 460-22. Parking restrictions to aid snow plowing and snow removal. 1 [Added 2-18-2025] 'It shall be unlawful to delay, hinder or obstruct any vehicles or equipment engaged in the operation of snow plowing or snow removal in the City streets. After a precipitation of snow of 2 1/2 inches or more, and thereafter until the streets are plowed and cleared of snow, it shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle upon any street while said street is being plowed or cleared unless such vehicle is attended by a person capable of operating it. The owner or a person in charge of or in control of any vehicle standing in any street shall move or cause the same to be moved so as not to be in the path of the equipment plowing or clearing the street of snow.'"

Under the ordinance owners or those in charge of vehicles are obligated to move them out of plow paths or to remain with the vehicle while plowing operations occur. The city framed the restriction as an operational necessity, intended to reduce delays in snow removal and to protect access for fire, police, and medical response teams during storms.

For Orange County residents the practical impact is immediate. Vehicles left unattended on streets during qualifying snowfall can block plows and extend clearing time for entire neighborhoods. That can leave sidewalks and intersections covered longer, complicating commutes and increasing risk for vulnerable residents who rely on timely emergency services.

The code amendment was added on February 18, 2025 and the city asked for public cooperation in following the rules during snow events. Residents should plan alternative off street parking or be prepared to attend vehicles during active plowing until streets are cleared. Compliance will help speed restoration of safe travel conditions and minimize disruptions to city services.