Show All Answers

1. What do I need to purchase a license?

All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies to qualify for a license. You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccine when purchasing a license and renewal of vaccine.

2. Do I have to renew the license every year?

No. The license you purchase through the Flathead County Animal Shelter is a lifetime license.

3. How much is a license?

A lifetime license is $45.

4. Does my dog need to be on a leash?

Yes. Dogs and all other animals are not permitted to run at large. When not on the owner’s premises, dogs must be kept on leashes. Loose dogs may be impounded.

5. Who do I contact if my dog is impounded?

If your dog is impounded, it will be taken to the County Animal Control Shelter located south of Kalispell. The dog will be held up to 96 hours. If it has a tag, shelter personnel will notify the owner within one business day that the dog is impounded and how it can be redeemed. Contact the County Animal Control Shelter at 406-752-1310.

6. What are the consequences to a loud or frequent barking dog?

Loud or frequent barking is considered disturbing the peace, and the owner is subject to substantial penalties under the ordinance.

7. Do I have to pick up my dogs feces?

Yes. Any person who owns or is in control of a dog or other domestic animal that deposits feces in any City park, City boulevard, or other City-owned property, or in any other publicly-owned property, or in any privately-owned property, and who fails to promptly dispose of such feces in a trash receptacle, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor unless the owner of such property consents thereto.

8. How do I report a lost dog?

If the dog has a current Flathead County license, you can call the County Animal Control Shelter at 406-752-1310, for the owner’s information. If the dog does not have a current license and no identification please call the Police Department.

Show All Answers

1. How do I purchase a lot?

Currently, the City Cemetery is sold out. Until a new location is found, the City Clerk’s Office has a waiting list. Some lots are sold back to the City and some lots are sold by the owner. If you purchase a lot from the owner please contact the City Clerk’s Office to update the records.

Columbarium

The City now has cremain remains vaults available in a standing monument called a Columbarium (PDF). The current prices for Columbarium vaults are contained in the Resolution (PDF) creating the fees for the Columbarium.

Memory Wall

A memory wall is available for those loved ones that are not interred in the cemetery. The Resolution (PDF) was passed in December 2015 creating the fees for reserving a space on the wall. A prepayment is paid with the City Clerk’s office to have Glacier Memorial Gardens engrave the nameplate.

Fees

• $60 - Reserving space
• $290 - Engraving by Glacier Memorial Gardens

2. How much is a lot?

The price of a cemetery lot depends on whether the purchaser lives inside or outside City limits.

Fees

• Baby/Crematory - $100
• City Residents - $250
• County Residents - $500

For Columbarium pricing, see the Resolution (PDF) creating the fees for Columbarium vaults. The opening and closing of the vault is contained in the initial price of the vault and there is no additional charge for the opening and closing of the vault.

3. How much is the service?

Most funeral homes will include the opening and closing costs at the time of the funeral. The City of Whitefish does allow family internments for ashes at no extra cost with the condition of notifying the City Clerk’s Office of the date, time, and person of internment. The City of Whitefish crew will open and close the location of internment.

Fees

• Ashes - $150
  • Weekends and Overtime (OT) - $200
• Full Burial - $750
  • Weekends and OT - $850

4. How do I place a monument or headstone?

These local monument companies will place the monument and/or headstones and will know the rules and regulations of the Whitefish Cemetery:

• Big Sky Monuments
• Glacier Memorial Gardens
• Glacier Monuments

5. How do I find a person interred?

You can search your loved one by name and find the location on the cemetery directory (PDF). The cemetery map (PDF) will help you find the location.

6. What are the Policy and Procedures of the Cemetery?

At their regularly scheduled meeting on April 5, 2021, the City Council adopted the Cemetery Policy and Procedures by Resolution No. 21-11.

Show All Answers

1. Why do we have conservation ordinances?

Balancing the water use with recent hotter, drier summers is a critical challenge for Whitefish’s population today and for the future. Reducing the amount of water that is wasted is part of the City’s Climate Action Plan and an effective way to balance water demands with limited available water resources.

Currently, Whitefish’s water supply infrastructure is at a maximum capacity, and the summer water use is extremely high relative to the base/winter use. This puts severe stress on the City’s infrastructure and operations. Conservation practices and wasting less water will reduce the peak summer demand and costs of supplying water, as well as the life of the City’s water infrastructure. Using less water also reduces our impact on the environment and preserves resources for future generations who live, work and play in Whitefish.

2. How will I know what conservation stage we are in?

Until further notice, Whitefish will remain in the General Conservation stage. Changes in stages will be triggered by excessive use, drought conditions and/or major infrastructure failures. Residents will be notified of changes in conservation stages by issuance of a proclamation by the Public Works Director through public service announcements, website and social media.

3. What is the General Conservation stage?

• All outdoor watering is prohibited between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.
• Commercial lodging establishments must provide guests the option of choosing not to have linen washed every day.
• Watering must not result in coverage of pavement areas or result in excess runoff.
• All hoses used for watering or car washing shall be equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle.

4. What is a positive shut-off nozzle?

Positive shut-off nozzles are placed on the end of garden hoses and other water delivery systems to stop any waste of water prior to the user’s need. This piece of equipment will help you waste less water (and money).

5. Can I water my vegetable garden?

Under all stages, watering of vegetable gardens during allocated times and dates are allowed. Where possible, utilize soaker hoses, timed watering systems, and mulch soils to retain moisture. Look for ways to waste less water and only water areas that require moisture.

6. Will the General Conservation stage change?

Wasting less water is critical for the sustainability of Whitefish’s water infrastructure. It is also key to maintaining the City’s commitment to the approved Climate Action Plan. Key priorities of this plan include conserving water, protecting the City’s watersheds, and diversifying the City’s water supply resources. In order to meet these goals, the General Conservation stage will remain part of routine operation for the city.

7. What triggers the additional conservation stages?

• Stage I, Severe Water Shortage, will be declared whenever the City must utilize all of its water treatment infrastructure due to extreme demands, or when portions or all of Flathead County is in Extreme Drought as declared by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
• Stage II, Extreme Water Shortage, will be declared if the City’s infrastructure experiences a critical equipment failure or when portions or all of Flathead County is in exceptional drought as declared by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

8. What’s the difference between the Stage I and Stage II water conservation regulations?

• Stage I Severe Water Shortage includes all General Conservation requirements plus watering is limited to two days per week in accordance with the following schedule:
  • No watering is allowed on Monday
  • Single residential properties with odd-numbered addresses may water on Saturday and Wednesday
  • Single residential properties with even-numbered addresses may water on Sunday and Thursday
  • All other properties (multi-unit, Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs), commercial, industrial, government) may water on Tuesday and Friday
  • New turf planting is prohibited
  • Exterior water features must be turned off
  • Car washing is prohibited except at commercial car wash facilities
  • The City may limit the number of minutes of irrigation that an area of turf may receive or a maximum total amount of time during which irrigation at a premise may occur
• Stage II Extreme Water Shortage includes all General Conservation and Stage I requirements in addition to the following:
  • All outdoor watering is prohibited public or private, for:
    • Gardens
    • Lawns
    • Trees
    • Shrubs
    • Plants
    • Parks
    • Golf courses
    • Playing fields
    • Swimming pools or other recreational areas
  • No new landscaping is permitted
  • Washing is prohibited for:
    • Motor vehicles
    • Boats
    • Trailers
    • Pavement
    • Exterior of any building or structure

9. Are there exceptions to Stage I and Stage II regulations?

• A Commercial Outdoor Water Use Permit may be issued by the Public Works Department to businesses that cannot maintain their operations without the use of outdoor water
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Trailer/boat decontamination
• Vegetable gardens have unlimited days of watering during the permissible hours set in the General Conservation requirements

10. Are there penalties for excessive water usage?

• For a violation of General Conservation restrictions, a warning will be issued for the first offense followed by a $25 fine for each subsequent offense.
• Violation of Stage I restrictions will result in a fine not less than $50 and not more than $300 for the first offense and increase by $50 for each subsequent offense.
• Violation of Stage II restrictions will result in a fine not less than $100 and not more than $500 for the first offense and increase by $100 for each subsequent offense.
• Third time offenders utilizing more than 50 gallons per minute of water for a prohibited use may have their water shut off.

11. Water usage is necessary for my business to survive. Is there anything I can do?

Looking for ways to waste less water should be a standard operating procedure, but under General Conservation stage, you may operate as normal. If the City enters Stage I or Stage II restrictions and your business requires water for daily operation, contact the City of Whitefish to obtain a Commercial Outdoor Water Use Permit.

12. What will it take to rescind water shortage proclamations?

Stage I restrictions will revert to General Conservation restrictions if there are 10 consecutive days of water demand less than or equal to 3 million gallons per day (MGD) at the Water Treatment Plant.

Stage II restrictions step down to Stage I restrictions when critical infrastructure is repaired, or the U.S. Drought Monitor Index condition changes to severe or less for the identified area.

13. Who declares the drought?

Drought conditions are monitored by reviewing the reports from the U.S. Drought Monitor. For more information or to review reports, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor website.

14. Will my lawn be damaged by not watering during the day?

The timing of watering is important. Cooler temperatures in the evening results in the best time to soak or drip irrigate; this gives the soil all night to absorb the water. Early morning is the best time for sprinklers because grass leaves can absorb water and not be wet and cold all night.

For more yard and garden tips review the Montana State University Extension Yard and Garden Water Management (PDF) document.

15. How can I stop the water from going on the pavement?

• When using a garden hose, always use a positive shut off nozzle.
• Consider using drip or soaker hoses when watering areas that quickly dry out.
• Frequently check the alignment of sprinklers so you are not watering the side of houses, streets or sidewalks.
• Look for obstructed heads, broken parts or clogged nozzles, which all create spray pattern issues.
• Water an appropriate amount (no surface runoff) for the time of year and grass conditions.

For more information view some Irrigation Runoff Prevention (PDF) tips.

Show All Answers

1. I am taking Amtrak, where can I park overnight?

The City of Whitefish has given Amtrak spaces North of the Library for Amtrak customers. Please contact Amtrak for the availability of those spaces.

2. Is there a penalty for overtime parking?

Yes. Whitefish has a Parking Enforcement Officer that will issue a $20 Citation for overtime parking.

3. Where can I pay my overtime parking citation?

The Finance Department, Customer Service Clerk can collect overtime payments. You can also mail your payment to the Whitefish Municipal Court.

Show All Answers

1. Will the Whitefish Ambulance bill my insurance?

Yes. If you have been transported by Whitefish Ambulance, and you have insurance, please contact Systems Design (our billing company) at 1-800-238-9398 with your insurance information.

2. Does the Whitefish Ambulance have a payment policy?

Yes. Full payment is required or arrangements must be made within 90 days of the date on the original invoice.  The minimum monthly payment required is $35.00, unless other arrangements have been made with our billing service.  Please contact Systems Design at 1-800-238-9398 for more information.    

3. How do I pay my ambulance bill?

Please call Systems Design West at 1-800-238-9398 to make your payment.  

4. Does Whitefish Ambulance provide a membership program?

Yes. Residents inside the City of Whitefish and within the Whitefish Fire Service Area are eligible to apply for Rescue Care. 

5. Why does a fire truck respond with the ambulance on requests for medical assistance?

All of our firefighters are cross-trained to provide emergency medical care.  This combined response provides the additional personnel necessary to assist with a medical event.  Because the fire truck can help with scene lighting and diverting traffic, this response increases safety for the responders and the patient.  It also carries diverse rescue equipment needed for extracting individuals from a vehicle or confined space.   

Show All Answers

1. How does Rescue Care work?

If a Rescue Care member needs ambulance transport by the Whitefish Fire Department, Rescue Care will bill the individual’s insurance carrier and consider whatever insurance covers as payment in full. The annual membership fee covers everything else.

2. Who in my household is covered under the membership?

A member’s Rescue Care coverage extends to all household members who are: permanent residents of the same single-family (non-commercial) dwelling, within the City’s ambulance service area, and living together as a family unit.  Please note that this excludes roommates and boarders. 

Membership benefits also include household members living in nursing homes or other substitute care facilities in the City’s ambulance service area. Those not included in the household membership are required to obtain their own membership. 

Rescue Care coverage does not entitle a member to be picked up or transported outside of the City’s ambulance service area.

3. When can I apply for the membership?

Rescue Care is an annual membership that runs July 1 through June 30. You can purchase Rescue Care anytime during the year and the price is the same.     

4. Does my membership start on the date of payment?

Yes. Rescue Care will start when the Ambulance Billing Clerk receives the payment.

5. When will my membership expire?

Rescue Care memberships expire on June 30th. Memberships do not expire one year from the date of payment.

6. How much is the Rescue Care Program?

Rescue Care household membership is just $59 for residents within City limits or $185 per year for individuals residing outside of City limits, but still within the Whitefish Ambulance Service Area.  

7. How do I apply?

It is as simple as completing the Rescue Care application and returning it to the Whitefish Fire Department with your payment.  

Show All Answers

1. How can I determine the required setbacks for my property?

Once you have determined the zoning for the property, visit the Sterling Codifier’s website to view the City of Whitefish Zoning Regulations under Title 11 .

When you are viewing the zoning regulations, you should expand Chapter 2 Zoning Districts and select the specific zoning district you are looking for. This will list all permitted uses, conditional uses, and property development standards (including setbacks, building heights, and lot coverage) specific to each zone. 

Most Current Copy

We do not have a PDF of the current City Code on our website. The Sterling Codifiers is updated for every text amendment and is the most current.

2. How do I find the current zoning on my property?

In order to look up the zoning for your property, go to the City zoning map. You can search by address or zoom directly to your property to see what the zoning district is for your property or neighborhood. For a summary of the permitted uses and development standards for that zoning district, go to Sterling Codifier’s website to view the City of Whitefish Zoning Regulations Title 11, Chapter 2.

3. Do I need a building permit to construct a structure on my property?

If the proposed structure will be greater than 200 square feet in size, it will require the issuance of a building permit. This includes both residential and commercial structures, as well as accessory structures such as sheds, decks, porches, etc.

Please contact the City of Whitefish Building Department at 406-863-2410 for questions regarding the issuance of building permits. Additionally, all structures regardless of size, must comply with the setbacks established in the City of Whitefish Zoning Regulations.

4. What is a Conditional Use/Conditional Use Permit?

Within each zoning district there is a list of permitted uses (which can be commenced on a property without additional zoning review) and a separate list of conditional uses. Conditional uses require additional review through a Conditional Use Permit prior to commencement as the uses may be more impactful on the surrounding neighborhood, traffic and roadways, or include additional performance standards. 

Conditional Use Permits are first reviewed by the City Planning Board for a recommendation for final review from the City Council, and run with the land not the property ownership. The time frame from application submittal to final decision on a Conditional Use Permit application is approximately 3 months.

To learn more about submitting Conditional Use Permit applications or to obtain a copy of the form, visit the Applications, Forms and Fee Schedule page.

5. What is a Zoning Variance?

A Zoning Variance is a request for a deviation from the requirements of the zoning regulations. For example, a deviation from the required setbacks or building height in a particular zone. Zoning Variance applications are reviewed by the City Board of Adjustment, and there are specific criteria which must be met in order for a variance to be approved. 

The criteria for review can be found in Section 11-7-7 of the City of Whitefish Zoning Regulations. In order for a variance request to be approved, all of the criteria must be met or found to be not applicable. 

The time frame from application submittal to final decision is approximately 2 months. To learn more about Zoning Variance or to obtain a copy of the Zoning Variance Permit application form, visit the Applications, Forms and Fee Schedule page.

6. I want to sell a portion of my property. How do I do that?

Subdivision

In order to sell a portion of a property, the property must first go through subdivision review and receive both Preliminary Plat and Final Plat approvals before the new lot can be sold. Depending on a variety of factors, the division may require review as a minor waiver, a minor, or a major subdivision Preliminary Plat. Each has a different time frame for the application and review period, with the longest (major subdivisions) taking approximately 3 months before a final decision is made by the City Council. 

Final Plat

Once a subdivision has received Preliminary Plat, the new lot or lots are not officially created until the applicant completes Final Plat. This is a separate application process where the applicant must demonstrate they have met all conditions approved during the Preliminary Plat process. The Final Plat review takes approximately 1 to 2 months with a final decision made by the City Council. Once the Council approves the Final Plat, the lots will be created and can then be sold by applicant.

Exemptions

There are a few instances when subdivision review is not required for the creation of a lot under Montana State Law. These instances are know as Subdivision Exemptions and include Boundary Line Adjustments, Family Transfers, and Agricultural Exemptions.

Contact the Planning Department

If you are interested in dividing your land, you are encouraged to contact the Planning Department at 406-863-2410 to discuss the overall process and submittal requirements.

For more information on subdivisions or to review the applications, visit the Applications, Forms and Fee Schedule page.

7. What is the Architectural Review Committee?

The Architectural Review Committee reviews and acts on applications for commercial, industrial or public buildings, or duplex/townhouse or greater residential structures within the City of Whitefish. Detached single-family homes are exempt from the Architectural Review Standards.

For More Information

For additional information or to download the application specific to your project visit the Architectural Review Committee page under the Boards and Committees.

8. What is the process to install a dock on my property?

First, if the subject property has not been annexed into the City of Whitefish, the property owner or applicant must contact the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office at 406-751-8200 in order to obtain a lakeshore permit.

If the subject property is located within the City of Whitefish city limits:

• Complete and the Lakeshore Construction Permit Application (PDF) 
• The overall size of a proposed dock is calculated in relation to the amount of lakeshore frontage for the subject property
• Additionally, if there are other constructed areas or surfaces within the Lakeshore Protection Zone (20 feet landward of the high water mark), this may affect the size of the dock permitted

Submittals & Questions

The completed application, required fee, and additional application submittals must be turned into the City of Whitefish Planning Department. For additional information, visit the Lakeshore Development page which includes a link to the City of Whitefish Lakeshore Regulations, or contact the Planning Department.

9. How do I apply for a Business License?

Business License applications are submitted to the Whitefish City Clerk’s office. For information regarding the applicable application and required fee, visit the Business License page or contact the City Clerk’s office at 406-863-2400.

10. I want to do Short-Term Rentals on my property. What do I need to do?

Short-term Rental Brochure, sometimes referred to as a vacation rental, rental of an entire privately owned house, townhouse unit, condominium unit, apartment or other residence, or any space within a dwelling unit rented independently, for stays of less than 30 days.  Short-term rentals are only permitted in certain areas of town (map).  Properties eligible for short-term rentals are required to obtain a Short-term Rental and Business License Combined Application.  If you have any questions, please call our office at 406-863-2410.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Legacy Homes Program and why is it needed?

The Legacy Homes Program is a voluntary inclusionary zoning, was a recommendation from the 2017 Strategic Housing Plan (PDF). This program is intended to provide new housing in Whitefish affordable to people with moderate incomes who work in Whitefish. The program includes both rental and home ownership opportunities; homes will be located throughout the community.

The 2022 Community Housing Needs Assessment (PDF) identified 1,380 new housing units are needed in Whitefish by 2030; 1,035 of those (or 75%) need to be priced below market rate to:

1. Ensure the people who work in Whitefish are able to live here and
2. Help local businesses attract and retain employees

2. What does the Legacy Homes Program mean to developers?

• If a developer would like to obtain the Legacy Home incentives, 10% of the project will include housing affordable to people with moderate incomes.  A developer can receive incentives for subdivisions, residential conditional use permits (CUP), or residential planned unit developments (PUD).
• A Housing Mitigation Plan (PDF) must be submitted as part of a complete application and describe how the project will comply with the regulations.
• To help off-set the cost to developers, the regulations provide for Legacy Homes Program Incentives (PDF) which are incremental reductions to some development standards.
• There are several ways to comply with the Legacy Homes Program including development the units within the development, pay a Fee-in-Lieu (PDF) of units, providing the units off-site, dedicate land or an alternative, including a combination of the various options.

3. Who is eligible to rent or buy a Legacy Home?

The Whitefish Housing Authority (WHA) will guide prospective renters and owners through the application process and determine eligibility for a Legacy Home. Visit the WHA website, call 406-862-4143, or email the WHA to learn more about the application process and to get qualified to rent or buy a Legacy Home.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

For more information on affordable housing initiatives in Whitefish visit the Whitefish Strategic Housing Steering Committee page.

4. Where can I find more information about the Legacy Homes Program?

View the Legacy Homes Program Administration (PDF), stop by City Hall, or call 406-863-2410 to talk with a Planner. The Whitefish Planning Department is coordinating administration of the Legacy Homes Program with the Whitefish Housing Authority.

Show All Answers

1. Where is the Whitefish Police Department located?

The Whitefish Police Department is located in the Whitefish Emergency Services Center (ESC) at 275 Flathead Avenue. Flathead Avenue is to the west of Baker Avenue. We are located at the top of the hill (behind Safeway and the Wave Fitness Center). Also located in the ESC is the Whitefish Fire Department and the Whitefish Municipal Court.

2. What are the lobby hours for the Whitefish Police Department?

The lobby of the Whitefish Police Department is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm If you are at the police department after hours, you may use the lobby phone to contact the Flathead Dispatch Center. The lobby phone is located on the wall to your left (as you are coming in) between the two sets of glass doors (the inner doors are locked after hours).

3. How do I pay for or dispute a citation?

Once you have received a citation, you must contact the Whitefish Municipal Court to have it resolved by either paying a fine or appearing before the judge. The Whitefish Police Department cannot take payments or dismiss/void a citation after it has been issued. The Whitefish Municipal Court can be reached at 406-863-2440. View the Whitefish Municipal Court page for more information about the court including their hours of operation and open court times.

4. How do I obtain a copy of an Accident Report or a Case Report?

Accident Reports

You may come into the Police Department during our regular business hours to get a copy of a Motor Vehicle Accident Report. There is a $10 fee for this report.

Case Reports

Please contact the Whitefish Deputy City Attorney at 406-863-2446 to request a case report. Whitefish Police Department does not release case reports without the authorization of the prosecutor. There are fees involved for these reports depending on the volume of information and the time required to retrieve and prepare it.

5. How do I file a police report?

Where you live will determine which department will take your report. You may have a Whitefish mailing address but be outside of the city limits and in Flathead County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. The best way to file a report is to contact the Flathead 911 Emergency Communications Center (dispatch) at 406-863-2420, option Number 2. This center works with all of the law enforcement agencies in the Flathead Valley and can quickly direct your information to the appropriate officer on duty. You may also come in to the Whitefish Police Department lobby during business hours and fill out a Voluntary Statement form (PDF) to begin the process

6. How do I get a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on someone?

First, if a crime has been committed in the City of Whitefish, contact the Police Department at 406-863-2420 to file a police report. You must appear before a judge to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and articulate a reason the order is needed. If the incident that initiates the need for a TRO occurred in Whitefish, or if you are a resident of the City of Whitefish, please contact the Whitefish Municipal Court at 406-863-2440 for additional information. If you reside outside the City of Whitefish, or the incident initiating the need for a TRO occurred outside of the Whitefish City Limits, please contact the Flathead Justice Court at 406-758-5643 for more information.

7. How can I obtain a copy of someone’s criminal record?

Contact the Montana Department of Justice Criminal Records Unit to obtain criminal records:

• Montana Criminal History Records Online Search
• Phone: 406-444-3625

For more information, please visit the Montana Department of Justice Criminal Records website.

8. Can I have my fingerprints taken by the Whitefish Police Department?

Whitefish Police Department offers fingerprinting services by appointment only. You must provide a photo ID and pay a $25 fee at the time of fingerprinting. Fingerprint cards must be filled out completely before your prints are taken. If fingerprint cards were provided to you, please fill them out to the best of your ability before coming in for prints. Whitefish Police Department utilizes Livescan and will do ink prints if needed.

9. Why did I receive a “Warning” on my trash can?

The City of Whitefish has a Trash Container Ordinance (City Code 4-2-4A) that restricts the time containers can be out on the street. In short, containers may not be placed out prior to 4 am on the day of collection and must be retrieved by 7 pm the same day. The ordinance is in place to discourage bears from coming into our neighborhoods and searching for food.

10. How do I get a VIN Inspection completed on my vehicle/boat/trailer?

You may come by the Whitefish Police Department with the MVD form and the vehicle or trailer that needs to be inspected. View the MVD form (PDF) is available. There may be a short wait depending on officer availability. You may also contact the Flathead 911 Emergency Communications Center (dispatch) at 406-863-2420, option Number 2 to set up a time to meet an officer.

Show All Answers

1. How does the alternate side parking ordinance work?

Simple. During the months of October through April, between the hours of 5 am and 5 pm, do the following:

• On the even calendar days, park on the even side of the street
• On the odd calendar days, park on the odd side of the street

2. Why implement a new parking initiative now?

The new ordinance was developed to manage the challenges that are created by parked vehicles. The ordinance will primarily help with snow removal, by allowing plows to clear snow all the way to the curb line, however the new ordinance will also assist with the other roadway maintenance activities such as leaf pickup and street sweeping.

3. Does the alternate side parking apply to every street in town?

No. Streets with existing parking regulations do not fall under the alternate side regulations. Examples of this would be:

• Any street posted as "No Parking Anytime" on one or both sides
• Streets in the downtown district where no parking is permitted from 2:30 to 6 am
• Streets with angled or head in parking on one or both sides

4. Is alternate side parking in effect every day, even if it doesn't snow?

Yes. In order to allow residents time to adjust to the new regulation we thought it would be beneficial to implement alternate side parking in October. The fall implementation will also promote more effective leaf collection and street sweeping operations.

Our hope is that people will be accustomed to the new parking ordinance once it begins to snow, which will make for efficient and effective snow removal operations this winter with very few citations.

5. What happens if it snows in the middle of the night; am I supposed to get up and move my car?

Alternate side parking begins at 5 am every morning of the snow season, regardless of whether it snows or not. Therefore, you should plan to park or move your vehicle after 5 pm each day to the side of the road that will be permissible to park the following day.

Think of it this way: if it is 5 pm on November 11th, and you’re parked on the odd side of the street, you have 12 hours to move your vehicle. If that does not make sense, please refer to the first Alternate Parking Ordinance question.

6. I think I got towed. Where is my car?

Vehicles will only be towed after multiple citations or after a significant snowfall.

If you believe that your vehicle was towed, you can call the Police Department at 406-863-2420, ext. 2.