Snow emergency parking now in effect, Village Hall closes at 1 p.m. Friday as Oak Park responds to winter storm

UPDATE: Snow parking rules no longer in effect

Jan. 14, 2024 - Oak Park's snow emergency parking rules are no longer in effect. Please follow normal parking rules and regulations.  

***

Jan. 12, 2024 - Village Hall is closing at 1 p.m. today as weather conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day as part of the winter storm warning now in effect for Oak Park and the surrounding area. 

Essential public safety and snow command staff will continue with ongoing services around the clock as the Village continues its winter storm response.

Oak Park's snow emergency parking rules will remain in effect until conditions improve. 

Village Hall will also be closed Mon., Jan. 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tues., Jan. 16. More information about Village Hall hours is available on this website. 

After a two-inch snowfall, parking is prohibited on designated snow routes and restricted to one side on all other streets, the side determined by the date.

Parking on streets not designated as a snow route is restricted to one side from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in residential areas and from midnight to 8 a.m. in designated commercial districts. Park on the even-address side of the street on even dates and on the odd-address side on odd dates.

If you usually park on a designated snow route, you must move your car to a side street while the snow emergency parking plan is in effect so that the way can be cleared to ensure safe passage by emergency response vehicles, such as fire engines, ambulances and police.

The snow emergency parking rules are intended to give plows room to operate and execute the Village's snow removal strategy, with a focus first on clearing main routes to ensure emergency vehicle access.

Emergency snow parking rules override standard daytime restrictions such as for street cleaning.

Snow routes include Augusta Boulevard, Austin Boulevard, Chicago Avenue, Division Street, Garfield Street, Harlem Avenue, Harrison Street, Jackson Boulevard, Lake Street, Madison Street, North Avenue, Oak Park Avenue, Ridgeland Avenue, Roosevelt Road and Wisconsin Avenue from Madison Street to the emergency entrance of Oak Park Hospital (see map below).

Officials recommend planning where you park at night to meet the rules for the following morning.

The same rules apply in designated commercial districts, but from midnight to 8 a.m. More details are available on this website.

Officials also ask residents to please ensure their vehicles are not blocking the public way in an alley as it makes it difficult for plows to proceed.

Information will be posted via the Village's Facebook page and Twitter feed.

More information on the snow emergency parking rules can be found at www.oak-park.us/snow.

Sidewalk shoveling required

Property owners who shovel their sidewalks are doing more than making it safer for pedestrians of all ages - they also are complying with the law.

Village ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from the public sidewalk within 24 hours following any snow, sleet or freezing rain.

Being a good neighbor is important, too, so property owners are urged to assist those who may need help clearing a sidewalk. And remember to clear the crossing ramps to ensure safe travel by individuals with disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs who face extraordinary challenges navigating snow-clogged sidewalks.

For more information on the shoveling requirement or help resources, call 708.358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.

Dangerous cold in forecast

Dangerously cold conditions are forecast for early next week, with high temperatures in the single digits and lows below zero. 

When dangerously cold temperatures strike, residents are urged to limit time outdoors for themselves and their pets, as well as to check in on friends and neighbors who may need assistance.

Click here for information about local warming centers and other cold weather safety tips.

Help keep fire hydrants clear

Firefighters urge residents to clear snow from fire hydrants near their property as they shovel their sidewalks.

Seconds count when responding to a fire in progress, so any time spent digging out a hydrant is time not spent on fighting the blaze, officials say.

For more information on fire safety, visit www.oak-park.us/fire.