Winter parking is enforced in the City of Chanhassen for several reasons, primarily to ensure the roadways are properly cleared. Snow-covered roads create hazards for anyone driving on a roadway and creates an additional cleanup need for the city and residents when a car must be plowed around. During snowstorms (and in the immediate timeframe afterward), the number of motor vehicle crashes increases substantially compared to times of no snow. Having these roadways cleared promptly helps emergency vehicles safely navigate these streets to reach those who need assistance.

The biggest benefit to enforcing the ordinance in this way is that it can reduce the amount of time it takes for the plows to adequately clear the roadways. Enforcing the ordinance helps to ensure several things:

1. Roads are plowed in a timely manner.
2. It allows the streets to be plowed curb-to-curb.
3. It reduces the risk of property damage from a plow accidentally striking a vehicle and/or the vehicle being damaged.
4. Plowing the roads completely reduces the need for additional passes, which  provides cost savings to the city.
5. It helps ensure the safest possible road conditions for the residents, visitors, and those passing through the City of Chanhassen. 

Depending on the location of your vehicle, the amount of snowfall, and many other factors, you may receive a citation or your vehicle may be towed. Deputies tend to make all reasonable efforts to contact the registered owner of a vehicle before proceeding with having the vehicle towed; however, certain snow emergencies may require it.

Representatives of the Carver County Sheriff's Department, Minnesota State Patrol, and Code Enforcement Specialist shall have the authority to impound vehicles in violation of this section. These agencies try to work hard to educate the public about this winter parking ordinance. Typically, during the first few weeks of November, deputies will place warning letters on motor vehicles educating them about the winter parking restrictions.

Deputies record the license plate numbers of the vehicles that receive warning letters, as repeated violations during the grace period may result in a citation.

There are exceptions for temporary on-street permit parking. Temporary permit parking can be requested through the Carver County Sheriff’s dispatch center through the non-emergency line at (952) 361-1231. Each request is handled by a Deputy, and decisions are based on current weather and parking conditions. 

The fine for the citation is $30, plus a $12 court surcharge, making the total fine $42.