Mason City Alternate Side Parking Status EFFECTIVE AT 7 PM MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026.

MASON CITY — The City of Mason City has activated its Alternate Side Parking (ASP) ordinance and designated Emergency Snow Routes as part of winter weather operations to keep streets safe and accessible throughout the snowy season.  The Alternate Side Parking will go into effect this evening Monday January 19th at 7:00 PM.

Under the ASP ordinance, when in effect, vehicles must be parked according to the calendar day to facilitate snow removal and improve traffic flow. Residents must park on the odd-numbered side of streets on odd-numbered days and on the even-numbered side on even-numbered days. The required changeover period runs daily from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and vehicles must be on the correct side by 7:00 p.m. to comply with the rule for the following day.

Certain standard parking restrictions are adjusted during ASP: on streets subject to the ordinance, parking signs prohibiting parking on one side of the street at all times are temporarily unenforced so the alternate-side rules apply. Parking is always prohibited where no parking is allowed on both sides or where other permanent restrictions exist.

Weekend and holiday exceptions also apply:

• On Saturdays, parking is allowed on both sides of the street from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• On Sundays, both sides are permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• On Christmas Eve, both sides are allowed from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. the following day.

In addition to the ASP rules, the City may designate specific streets as Emergency Snow Routes, which require all vehicles to be removed entirely from the roadway when in effect. Currently, First Street NW from Monroe Avenue to Pierce Avenue is designated as an emergency snow route to ensure clear passage for snowplows and emergency vehicles on this narrow, high-traffic corridor.

The ASP ordinance is typically in effect annually from November 15 through March 31, though the City Administrator may suspend or extend the designation as weather conditions dictate.

Residents can check the current status of alternate side parking and snow emergency declarations by:

• Calling the 24-hour ASP hotline at (641) 424-7188

• Visiting the City’s website at masoncity.net

• Following the City on Facebook, Instagram, and X

• Signing up for alerts via the Alert Iowa notification system or TextMyGov (text MCPARKING to opt-in).

City officials urge motorists to pay close attention to notifications and street signage to avoid fines or towing during active alternate side parking periods.