Chelsea will keep its alternate side parking rule for snow emergencies this winter, the city announced Monday. When a snow emergency parking ban is in effect, cars must be off the even numbered side of the city’s designated emergency arteries for the rest of 2026. After January 1, the ban switches to the odd numbered side.
The city calls the program a pilot and says it is meant to make parking easier for residents during storms while giving plows a clear lane to work. The restriction applies only while a snow emergency parking ban is in effect and only on streets the city has designated as emergency arteries. Side streets outside that list are not affected by the alternate side rule.
What changes on January 1
- Through December 31, 2026: no parking on the even numbered side of designated emergency arteries during a snow emergency parking ban.
- From January 1, 2027: no parking on the odd numbered side of designated emergency arteries during a snow emergency parking ban.
The city also warned that it may post additional temporary parking restrictions after major storms so crews can remove snow overnight. Those notices are posted separately from the alternate side rule.
How to find out when a ban starts
Snow emergency parking bans are announced through the city’s emergency alert system, which residents can join at chelseama.gov/signup, and on the city’s official social media accounts. The list of designated emergency arteries is published in the city’s news article on the policy on chelseama.gov. Residents who park on a main street should check that list before the first storm so they know which side to clear.
The announcement came the same weekend the city confirmed the Winter Farmers Market opens November 18 at 179 Winnisimmet Street. Details on the market and the city’s $20 produce coupon are in our story from Sunday.