The Waukee Brief

Reference · Snow ordinance

Waukee snow ordinance: the parking ban, the odd/even rule, and how to avoid a ticket.

When it snows in Waukee, the city can activate a snow emergency parking ban, and that changes where you're allowed to park so the plows can do their job. Here's the plain version: when it kicks in, where to move your car, the odd/even rule for tight streets, the sidewalk rule a lot of people forget, and what it costs if you get it wrong.

The quick answer

When Waukee activates a snow emergency parking ban, parking is banned on any public street or alley citywide so plows can clear the roads. It applies when two or more inches of snow or ice has fallen or is predicted by the National Weather Service. In tight neighborhoods, Odd/Even Snow Parking Zones apply from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A car left out can be ticketed $25 and/or towed. Separately, property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours after snow ends.

The rules

What do I do when Waukee declares a snow parking ban?

The costs

What happens if you park during a Waukee snow ban?

Leaving a vehicle on the street during the snow emergency parking ban can get you a $25 fine and/or a tow, done to clear the way for plows. The cost and hassle of a tow are a lot more than the ticket, so it pays to move the car early, before the ban takes effect. If your vehicle is towed, contact the Waukee Police Department to locate it.

Don't forget

What is Waukee's sidewalk snow rule?

As a property owner, you are expected to remove snow and ice from your sidewalks within 24 hours after a weather event ends: the rule that surprises new residents. It applies to homeowners and businesses alike, and the city can fine uncleared sidewalks, listed as $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and increasing from there. If you travel in winter, line up someone to shovel while you're away.

Stay ahead

How do I know when a Waukee snow ban is in effect?

The city announces when a snow emergency parking ban is activated, so watch the City of Waukee channels and local news, which keep running lists of metro snow ordinances during storms. Because Waukee's ban can trigger on a forecast of 2+ inches, it may go into effect before the first flake falls. We also flag it in the weekly Waukee Brief when a big storm is coming. When in doubt during a snow event, move the car off the street, it's the safe default.

Related

Winter in Waukee

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Quick answers

Waukee snow ordinance FAQ

What does a snow emergency parking ban mean in Waukee?

Parking is banned on any public street or alley citywide so plows can clear the roads. The ban applies when 2 or more inches of snow or ice has fallen or is predicted by the National Weather Service. Cars left out can be ticketed and towed.

Where can I park during a Waukee snow emergency?

Off the street, in a driveway, lot, or legal off-street spot, until the ban is lifted and your street is plowed. In odd/even zones, park by the house-number rule from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What happens if you park on the street during a Waukee snow ban?

You can get a $25 fine and/or your car may be towed. If it's towed, contact the Waukee Police Department to find it.

Do I have to shovel my sidewalk in Waukee?

Yes. You must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after a weather event ends. The city can fine you, listed as $50 for a first offense and $100 for a second.

When does Waukee's snow parking ban take effect?

The city activates the snow emergency parking ban when two or more inches of snow or ice has fallen or is predicted by the National Weather Service, so it can take effect before the snow even starts. Watch the City of Waukee channels and local news, and when in doubt during a snow event, move your car off the street.

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Updated August 2026
Sources: City of Waukee Snow Emergency Parking Ban page (waukee.org/275) - citywide no-parking rule during a ban, the 2-inch fallen-or-predicted trigger, Odd/Even Side Snow Parking Zones (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), the $25 fine and/or tow, and the 24-hour sidewalk-clearing requirement with $50/$100 escalating fines. Rules and fines can change; confirm current details with the City of Waukee during a snow event.