Watch Where You Park in Rochester Next Tuesday

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A new Rochester parking ordinance that kicks in next week will affect the whole city - even if it’s sunny and 75.

The city’s brand new Seasonal Parking ordinance will take effect Tuesday and affect vehicles parked on public streets.

It was primarily adopted to help the city deal with snow events. The ordinance will be in effect between Oct 1st and May 1st - even if there is no snow on the roadway or in the forecast.

Here’s how the alternate side parking ordinance will work:

Parking will be permitted on the side of a street with EVEN house numbers when the calendar date is EVEN.

Parking is allowed on the side of the street with ODD house numbers when the calendar date is ODD.

These restrictions will be in effect every day from 2:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The ordinance also prohibits parking in the bulb (circular portion) of any cul-de-sac at ANY TIME between October 1st and May 1st.

The city says it will “actively work to educate community members on the implementation of these changes” but beginning next Tuesday, “the use of tickets is up to the discretion of the law enforcement officer on duty.” The ordinance also gives Public Works employees to issue parking tickets during snow-related events.

These parking restrictions will not apply to metered parking spaces. Also, posted signs with parking restrictions still apply at all times.

More information is available online.

News Update: Two Rochester teenagers ran into the lobby of the Law Enforcement Center Thursday night and told authorities they were being chased.