CITY OF FERNDALE RESOURCES:

Snow Emergencies

A snow emergency is a temporary parking restriction used to support snow removal operations during significant winter weather events. When a snow emergency is declared, residents may be required to move vehicles from public streets so snowplows can safely and effectively clear roadways.

 

Removing vehicles from the roadway allows plows to clear curb-to-curb, improves visibility, reduces hazards, and helps crews complete snow removal operations more efficiently.

How Snow Emergencies Are Declared

Snow emergencies are declared based on roadway conditions, weather forecasts, parking impacts, and operational needs.

 

Ferndale no longer uses a fixed snowfall threshold, such as four inches, to determine when a snow emergency will be declared. Winter weather events vary significantly, and operational decisions are based on the conditions affecting the community at that time.

 

Factors considered may include:

 

  • Roadway conditions
  • Forecasted snowfall
  • Ice accumulation
  • Refreezing potential
  • Vehicle parking impacts
  • Ability to safely maintain transportation routes
  • Timing and duration of the storm

Because every storm is different, snow emergency decisions may vary from one event to another.

Snow Emergency Parking Restrictions

Ferndale recognizes that some residents do not have adequate off-street parking available during snow emergencies. A snow emergency parking exemption program is available for qualifying residents.

 

General program requirements include:

  • Annual application and approval
  • Limited number of permits per household
  • Vehicles must comply with all permit conditions
  • Permit holders must follow designated parking requirements during snow emergencies
  • Approval is subject to review by the City

Residents should review all program requirements before applying.

Snow Emergency Parking Exemptions

Ferndale recognizes that some residents do not have adequate off-street parking available during snow emergencies. A snow emergency parking exemption program is available for qualifying residents.

 

General program requirements include:

 

  • Annual application and approval
  • Limited number of permits per household

  • Residents should review all program requirements before applying.

  • Vehicles must comply with all permit conditions
  • Permit holders must follow designated parking requirements during snow emergencies
  • Approval is subject to review by the City 

 

Handicap Parking Exemptions

Residents with qualifying accessibility needs may be eligible for additional accommodations during snow emergencies.

 

Applicants must meet program requirements and provide any documentation required as part of the approval process.

APPLY FOR A SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING EXEMPTION

How Residents Are Notified

Snow emergency declarations are communicated through multiple channels, including:

  • City website
  • Social media
  • Cable
  • Other City communication platforms

Residents are encouraged to monitor official City communication channels during winter weather events.

Safety Tips & Helpful Reminders

  • It is illegal to “reserve” cleared parking spaces—objects left in street parking areas/spaces will be removed.
  • Think safety: clear fire hydrants and street drains when removing snow on your driveway.
  • When digging out your car, think about how you pile snow—don’t create new problems in streets or on sidewalks. 
  • Keep your children and pets safe from plows—never allow them to play on or around roadside snow piles.
  • We understand the frustration when plows deposit snow around cars and at the bottom of driveways. Please remember that it’s not personal! The plow is designed to push snow, which makes it an unavoidable situation.