Show All Answers

1. What do the flashing blue lights at intersections mean?

When the blue lights at traffic signals in downtown Northampton and Florence are flashing a snow emergency is in effect. That means no overnight on-street parking.

2. How do I know if there is a ban in effect for on-street parking?

When the blue lights on the traffic signals in downtown Northampton or Florence are flashing, a winter parking ban is in effect, there is no on-street parking throughout Northampton from 12:01 a.m. - 6 a.m. (2 a.m. - 7 a.m. for Main Street). When a Snow Emergency is called, a city-wide parking ban goes into effect: overnight parking is prohibited on any street from 12:01 a.m. - 6 a.m., except downtown on Main Street where the prohibition is from 2 a.m. - 7 a.m. Snow Emergencies remain in effect until canceled and are often enforced for more than one night. The Winter Information Line is updated and alert emails are sent when the Snow Emergency is canceled. Overnight parking is available in the John E. Gare garage at all hours on a space-available basis. There is a fee for overnight parking in the garage. Free overnight parking is available in the city parking lot on Armory Street (near the Parking Garage) from 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. If you park on a city street or in a city parking lot (except the Armory Street lot) your vehicle will be subject to ticketing and towing. This is a public safety issue. Parking bans can extend a few days, stay informed by calling the snow information line at 413-586-6969 or by signing up with Reverse-911 to receive email, text, or telephone updates.

3. How do I know if a parking ban has been lifted?

Snow emergencies remain in effect until canceled and are often enforced for more than one night. The Winter Information Line is updated and alert emails are sent when the Snow emergency is cancelled. Sign up here to receive alerts and stay informed.

4. My street was plowed, why is there still a parking ban?

Snow emergencies and parking bans can remain in effect for several days. Department of Public Works crews not only plow snow but also sand streets and perform snow removal operations. Snow clearing and removal operations may take place over several days and a parking ban will remain in effect until the roads are clear and safe for on-street parking.

5. Where can I park during a snow emergency?

Overnight parking is available in the E.J. Gare Garage at all hours, on a space-available basis. There is a fee for overnight parking in the garage. During Winter Parking Bans, free overnight parking is available in the city parking lot on Armory Street (near the garage) from 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. All cars must be moved by 8 a.m. and cannot return until 10 a.m. and moved again from 6 p.m. allowed to return at 8 p.m. for plow crews to clear that parking lot.

6. My vehicle was towed now what do I do?

If your vehicle was towed contact Emergency Dispatch (413) 587-1100 to find out where your vehicle is and who to call to retrieve it. Any vehicle that is towed was also ticketed. If you think your vehicle was wrongly towed you must first appeal the parking ticket, information on appealing the parking ticket can be found on the ticket itself or by visiting Parking Ticket Appeal.

7. My mailbox was hit by a city snowplow, what do I do?

Occasionally mailboxes are damaged due to snowplowing operations. The Department of Public Works makes every effort to avoid damaging mailboxes but sometimes due to the amount of snow, the weight of the snow or ice, and the speed the plows need to travel, mailboxes are sometimes damaged. If you are unable to receive mail as a result go to your local Post Office and make arrangements for mail pick up. If your mailbox was damaged as a result of city snowplowing operations visit the City Clerk's Office website for information on filing a claim.

City Clerk's Office

8. Does the city provide sand to residents?

Winter sand is free for residents (two bucket maximum) and is available at the Department of Public Works, 125 Locust Street, on a self-serve basis any time the main Department of Public Works gates are open.

9. Can I push snow into the street for removal?

When plowing or snow blowing your driveway, please do not put snow into or across the street. It's against city ordinances to do so because it can freeze and cause ice ruts, making driving dangerous for everyone, including plow drivers.

10. Do I have to shovel out my fire hydrant?

If possible, please shovel out the fire hydrant near your home as well as any storm drain grates. If rains follows the snow, street flooding and icing can quickly become a problem.

11. When do I have to shovel my sidewalk?

It is important for the health and safety of residents that sidewalks are cleared of snow within 24 hours from the end of a snow event. If you are responsible for a sidewalk on your property please clear the snow as soon as possible. Fines can be levied by the Police Department if snow is not cleared. Changes were recently made to the sidewalk snow removal ordinance, a link to the ordinance is available below.

Code of Ordinances 285-17