St. Cloud has strict winter parking rules that run from November through March. Violate the odd-even overnight ban and your car will be towed during snow removal.
St. Cloud enforces a winter parking ban every year from November 1 through April 1. Between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., you cannot park on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered calendar days, and you cannot park on the odd-numbered side on odd-numbered days. This applies to all streets in the city unless signs say otherwise.
The rule exists to give plows room to clear snow. St. Cloud averages 47 to 48 inches of snow each winter, with December typically bringing the heaviest snowfall at around 9.3 inches for the month. Heavy late-season storms are also common. Three of the four biggest February-through-April snowfalls on record happened in 2013, 2018, and 2019, so the winter parking ban often stays busy well into spring.
If you park in violation of the winter ban, you can be ticketed and towed. The city contracts with three towing companies to remove vehicles that block snow removal. You will pay the tow fee, typically $150 to $200, plus impound storage fees of around $40 per day until you retrieve your vehicle. Contact the St. Cloud Police Department Parking Violations office at 320-255-7209 if your car has been towed.
When the city declares a snow emergency, parking enforcement becomes aggressive. Vehicles parked in violation of the ordinances will be towed to clear the streets for plows. The cost and expense of towing and impounding are your responsibility as the vehicle owner.
Snow emergencies are declared when heavy snowfall or blowing snow makes roads impassable or dangerous. The city announces emergencies through local media, social media, and its website. If you are unsure whether an emergency is in effect, check the city website or call Public Works at 320-650-2900.
Even if a snow emergency is not declared, the standard winter parking ban is always in effect from November 1 to April 1. Do not assume you are safe to park overnight just because a big storm has not hit. The odd-even rule applies every night during those months.
You cannot park a vehicle, trailer, or recreational equipment on any St. Cloud street for more than 24 consecutive hours. After 24 hours, the vehicle is subject to ticketing and towing. This applies year-round, not just in winter. If you have a trailer or camper, move it every day or park it on private property.
Trailers and recreational equipment are not allowed in municipal parking ramps at any time. On streets and in city parking lots, they cannot stay longer than 24 hours whether they are attached to a vehicle or not. If a vehicle is abandoned on a public street, a parking officer will chalk it. If it is not moved within 24 hours, it gets a ticket. After five consecutive tickets, it will be towed once the fifth ticket is seven days old.
Downtown St. Cloud has additional restrictions. No parking is allowed on streets or in municipal parking lots within the Central Business District between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Time-limit parking zones are enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meters are not enforced on weekends or holidays.
If your car is towed by the city, contact the Parking Violations office at 320-255-7209 to find out which impound lot has it. St. Cloud uses three contracted towing companies: All Care Towing at 320-253-5203, Andy's Towing at 320-251-5691, and Collins Brothers Towing at 320-257-5525. Each company has its own impound lot and fee schedule.
Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when you go to retrieve your vehicle. You will need to pay the tow and storage fees before the vehicle is released. Storage fees add up quickly at around $40 per day, so pick up your car as soon as possible.
Under Minnesota state law, a towing authority must prepare a written towing report when a vehicle is towed from public property. A peace officer or parking enforcement officer must document the vehicle and the reasons for towing. If your vehicle was towed improperly, you may be entitled to recover damages. However, most tows during snow emergencies or for winter parking violations are legitimate and properly documented.
The simplest way to avoid a winter tow is to park off-street. Use a private driveway, garage, or rent a spot in a city parking lot or ramp. Monthly permits are available from the City of St. Cloud Finance Department at 320-650-3374. Rates vary by location, but quarterly permits for some lots start around $55 and annual permits run $198 to $746 depending on whether you are in a surface lot or ramp.
If you must park on the street, pay attention to the calendar date and move your car before 1:00 a.m. Set a phone reminder if you need to. On even-numbered days, park on the odd side. On odd-numbered days, park on the even side. It is a simple rule but easy to forget, especially after a long day.
Watch for narrow streets. No vehicle, trailer, or recreational equipment may be parked on any street with a paved surface less than 32 feet wide, regardless of the time of year. If you are not sure whether a parking spot is legal, it is safer to find another place. Parking tickets in St. Cloud range from $20 to $25 for most violations, but towing and impound fees cost much more.
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