The Johnston Brief
When it snows in Johnston, the city can declare a snow emergency, 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, how long it lasts, where to move your car, the sidewalk rule a lot of people forget, and what it costs if you get it wrong.
When Johnston declares a snow emergency, no parking is allowed on any city street, alley, or city-owned off-street lot so crews can clear snow and ice. The ban runs from when it's declared through 5:00 p.m. the following day, and it can be extended if more clearing time is needed. A car left on the street can be ticketed $25 and towed. Separately, property owners must clear their sidewalks within 48 hours after a snowfall.
Leaving a vehicle on the street during a snow emergency can get you a $25 ticket, and the car may be towed to clear the way for plows. If your vehicle has been towed, the Johnston Police Department non-emergency line (515-278-2345) can help you locate it. The cost and hassle of a tow are a lot more than the ticket, so it pays to move the car early.
As a property owner, you are responsible for clearing snow from the sidewalks next to your property, within 48 hours after a snowfall: the rule that surprises new residents. It applies to homeowners and businesses alike, and the city can issue a fine for sidewalks left uncleared. If you travel in winter, line up someone to shovel while you're away.
The City of Johnston announces a snow emergency several ways: a red bar at the top of the city website, text and email alerts through its Notify Me signup, posts on the city's Facebook and Twitter/X pages, and local news and radio. The city can declare one for snow, sleet, freezing rain, or blowing snow. We also flag it in the weekly Johnston 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.
Setting up in town for your first winter? Our moving to Johnston guide covers the basics, and the Johnston guides hub has the rest of the city-services rundown.
The Johnston Brief is a free weekly email with the local news you can use, including a heads-up when winter weather is coming. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
When Johnston declares a snow emergency, no parking is allowed on any city street, alley, or city-owned off-street parking lot so crews can clear snow and ice. The ban runs from when it is declared through 5:00 p.m. the following day, and it can be extended if more clearing time is needed. Vehicles left on the street can be ticketed and towed.
A Johnston snow emergency parking ban continues from its proclamation through 5:00 p.m. the following day. The city can extend it using the same process if conditions require more time to clear the snow and ice.
Park off the street, in a driveway or another legal off-street spot that is not a city-owned lot, until the ban ends and your street has been plowed. City streets, alleys, and city-owned parking lots must be clear for plows.
A vehicle parked on the street during a Johnston snow emergency will be ticketed $25 and may be towed. If your car is towed, contact the Johnston Police Department non-emergency line at 515-278-2345 to locate it.
Yes. In Johnston, property owners must clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours after a snowfall, or a fine may be issued. The rule applies to homeowners and businesses alike.
The City of Johnston announces a snow emergency with a red bar at the top of the city website, text and email alerts through its Notify Me signup, posts on Facebook and Twitter/X, and local news and radio. When in doubt during a snow event, move your car off the street.