Snow & Ice

The City of Lancaster removes snow and ice from public streets during winter weather. For most storms, cars can remain parked on streets while snow plowing happens. However, if a forecast predicts 8 inches or more of snow, the City may declare a Snow Emergency. Snow emergencies allow the City to quickly clear snow from main streets in the city, making it easier for emergency service providers to move through the city. The City will attempt to clear snow emergency routes from curb to curb.

When a snow emergency is declared, cars parked along snow emergency routes must move within one hour of the beginning of the declared emergency. Cars that do not move will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

During a snow emergency, the City will notify the public through local media, the City website and social media outlets, Red Rose Alerts, and email.

Street cleaning happens on a regular schedule year-round, and is only suspended for holidays or exceptional circumstances. Cancellations are communicated through Red Rose Alerts, our website, and social media. Unless you hear directly from the city, residents should assume street cleaning is happening on its normal schedule.

Snow cannot be removed from streets with cars parked in the way. After snow, the City uses the street cleaning schedule to clear travel and parking lanes of snow and ice accumulation. Cars may return to parking lanes after the snow plow has passed during the routine street cleaning schedule.

• Do not double park or abandon your vehicle on any street or alley during snowfall, as this makes it nearly impossible for snow plows to pass.
• Park only in designated parking areas, with your car as close to the curb as you can and not extending into the street. If possible, pull in your mirrors, particularly when parking on narrow streets.
• Do not drive during a snow emergency unless absolutely necessary. The fewer vehicles on the road, the more quickly our crews can clear them!

Free parking in the following garages will end 2/23/26 at 6:00 p.m. Cars not moved by this time will be charged for parking.

Prince Street Garage (Lancaster Parking Authority)
111 North Prince Street

Water Street Garage (Lancaster Parking Authority)
220 North Water Street

East King Street Garage (Lancaster Parking Authority)
150 East King Street

Duke Street Garage (Lancaster Parking Authority)
150 North Duke Street

North Queen Street Garage (Lancaster Parking Authority)
424 North Queen Street

Penn Square Garage (Lancaster Parking Authority)
25-51 East Vine Street

Christian Street Garage (Lancaster Parking Authority)
148 North Duke Street

Steinman Park Garage (Colonial Parking)
35 South Prince Street

Queen Street Station Garage (Red Rose Transit Authority)
Corner of North Queen & West Chestnut

Important Reminders

• You must pull a ticket upon entry.
• All vehicles must be removed from parking garages when the snow emergency is lifted. The City of Lancaster will make every effort to schedule the end of the snow emergency to give residents ample time to plan and move their cars. Regular hourly rates will commence after that time.
• If you have issues with parking, please contact the entity that manages the garage you are parked in:
  • Lancaster Parking Authority
    www.lancasterparkingauthority.com
    [email protected]
    (717) 299-0907
  • Red Rose Transit Authority
    www.redrosetransit.com
    [email protected]
    (717) 947-7293
  • Colonial Parking
    www.colonialparking.com
    [email protected]
    (833) 491-5700