CCPD reminds residents to move vehicles once snow plows come out

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

With forecasts that are beginning to include the possibility of measurable snowfall, Charles City residents need to be aware of the city rules regarding parked vehicles and keeping the streets clear.

Charles City’s snow ordinance states “no person shall park, abandon or leave unattended any vehicle on any public street, alley, or city-owned off-street parking area during snow removal operations unless the snow has been removed or plowed from said street, alley or parking area and the snow has ceased to fall.”

Charles City Police Captain Brandon Franke said warning stickers will be placed on vehicles that are not in compliance with city code.

“What we do is, once the snow’s done and the plows go out, (for) the cars that have been plowed around, we’ll put a warning sticker on them. Then we’ll wait 24 hours. We’ll go back. If the car with the sticker still hasn’t moved, they will get a ticket. They can be towed after that also,” said Franke.

He said the cost of the ticket is $15.

“Anyone that has a driveway, obviously we recommend parking in their driveway. I realize some people don’t have driveways or garages in town, so they’ll just have to move their car,” he said.

“If you do get an orange sticker or the warning, move your vehicle right away so the plows can plow where your vehicle was,” Franke said.