St. Paul is embarking on a second year of a pilot program designed to improve residential snow removal, testing a system of alternating side parking in select neighborhoods. The initiative, which began January 4, 2026, aims to create clearer streets for plows and enhance the efficiency of winter operations in a city often challenged by significant snowfall. The program represents a proactive effort to address concerns raised after particularly difficult winters, including the 2022-2023 season which saw nearly 90 inches of snow fall in the Twin Cities according to the Monitor Saint Paul.
The pilot program focuses on two designated areas: Snelling-University, bounded by Thomas Avenue, Snelling Avenue, St. Anthony/I-94, and Aldine Street, and Selby-Western, bounded by Selby Avenue, Western Avenue, Summit Avenue and Dale Street. Residents within these zones are required to park on alternating sides of the street each week, switching sides every Sunday between 3 and 9 p.m. This system is in effect until April 11, 2026 as detailed by the City of St. Paul. The goal is to allow plows to clear both lanes of traffic more effectively without navigating around parked cars.
How the Alternate Parking System Works
The alternating parking schedule is straightforward: residents should park on the side of the street corresponding to the date. Parking is permitted on both sides of the streets on Sundays between 3-9 p.m. To allow residents to move their vehicles. The schedule is as follows:
- EVEN Weeks (January 4, January 18, February 1, February 15, March 1, March 15, March 29): Park on the side of the street with even-numbered addresses.
- ODD Weeks (January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22, March 8, March 22, April 5): Park on the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses.
City officials are also addressing the needs of residents with disabilities. Temporary ADA parking areas will be posted on the alternate side of the street for those with residential ADA disabled parking signs according to the city’s website. Residents are reminded to always follow all permanent and posted street signs.
Previous City-Wide Parking Bans and the Push for Improvement
St. Paul has previously implemented city-wide one-sided parking bans in response to heavy snowfalls, most recently in 2019 and 2023 the Monitor Saint Paul reported. However, the challenges experienced during the winter of 2022-2023, where snow piles significantly narrowed streets, prompted city officials to explore alternative solutions and study snow removal practices in other northern cities. Public Works Director Sean Kershaw discussed the pilot projects with city council members during the 2026 Public Works budget presentation according to the Monitor Saint Paul.
Snow Emergency Protocol During the Pilot
Despite the implementation of the pilot program, the city has clarified that standard snow emergency parking rules will not apply within the designated pilot areas. If a snow emergency is declared, residents in the Snelling-University and Selby-Western neighborhoods will continue to follow the weekly alternating parking schedule. All other areas of the city will adhere to the usual snow emergency parking regulations as outlined by the City of St. Paul.
The two-year pilot program carries a cost of approximately $425,000 according to KSTP. City officials hope the new system will improve access for emergency vehicles and allow for more efficient plowing of both driving and parking lanes.
As the pilot program progresses, the City of St. Paul will continue to monitor its effectiveness and gather feedback from residents. The data collected will be crucial in determining whether to expand the alternate parking system to other neighborhoods in the future and further refine the city’s winter operations strategy. Share your thoughts on the new system in the comments below, and help us continue the conversation about improving St. Paul’s response to winter weather.
