Parking Ban Rules – Questions and Answers
When do the new rules start?
The new rules are in effect now. Overnight, on-street parking is no longer banned every day between November and April like it was in previous years. It will only be banned when a Winter Weather Parking Ban or a Scheduled Maintenance Parking Ban notice has been issued by the Public Works Department.
When can I park on the street overnight, and when can I not park on the street overnight?
Vehicles may park on the street overnight (in areas where it is not otherwise prohibited) until the Public Works Department issues a notice that on-street parking will be banned due to forecasted inclement weather or scheduled maintenance such as street sweeping, line painting, etc. The notices will be issued at least six hours in advance and will include the start time and date. After operations are complete, the Public Works Department will lift the ban so vehicles may be parked on the street again.
How can I sign up to get notices when on-street parking is banned, and where will the information be posted?
There are email and text (SMS) messaging lists people can sign up for to receive parking ban notices electronically. The www.KeeneNH.gov/parkingban web page will also always display the current parking ban status, and City social media posts will be published to notify the public of parking ban status.
- www.KeeneNH.gov/subscribe – sign up to receive parking ban emails and text messages
- www.KeeneNH.gov/snow – web page to view current parking ban status
- www.facebook.com/CityKeene – Facebook posts including parking ban updates
- www.instagram.com/city_of_keene/ – Instagram posts including parking ban updates
Where can I park my vehicle during a parking ban?
Certain City parking lots will be open to the public for overnight parking. Maps showing which lots are available on which days/nights are posted online and linked from the KeeneNH.gov/parkingban web page. *Please be careful to park only in public spaces in the parking lots and look for signage that identifies/restricts reserved spaces. Each lot must be cleared of snow or, in warmer months, have scheduled maintenance, so the specific lots that are available to the public overnight rotate to accommodate both public parking needs and maintenance operations.
What is a “metered” parking ban?
“Metered” parking refers to any parking spaces that are paid for by the hour with parking meters or parking kiosks (pay stations). A “Metered Parking Ban” prohibits vehicle parking in any metered space. There are times when Public Works needs only to work in parking spaces, sidewalks, and roadways in the downtown area. When that is the case, there is no need to ask people in other areas to remove their vehicles from the street overnight.
I signed up for text messages but I am not receiving them. Why?
Email and text subscription services require subscribers to confirm their email address or phone number. Make sure to reply “YES” to the confirmation text message sent to you if you sign up for text notifications – it will state, “City of Keene: Reply YES to recurring news & promo texts. Msg&data rates may apply. Terms:…” If you need to sign up again to get this working, that is fine! *ALSO – make sure to add the City to your contacts so that future messages are not trapped in spam filters.
What if my car gets towed? How do I get it back?
Call the Keene Police Department at (603) 357-9813. Vehicles parked on the street or in incorrect parking lots during a parking ban may be ticketed or towed.
What will happen if a vehicle is left parked on the street during a parking ban?
Public Works will use ticketing and towing to gain compliance with this program. Ample space is needed to effectively maintain streets and parking areas. Vehicles that are not towed and are left in on-street parking spaces in winter months will likely be covered with snow and other debris that is plowed out of the roadway. Vehicle owners will be responsible for digging out their cars, paying for tickets, and retrieving towed vehicles.
Can I run out to my car when I see the maintenance truck coming, move my car out of the way, and then return my vehicle to parking in the street?
No. Truck routes, storm intensity, variety and volume of precipitation, and road treatment and maintenance operations may involve more than a pass or two with a truck, and safety is a priority. When the ban is in effect, no on-street parking is allowed at any time until the ban is lifted.
Last updated 04/01/2025
Contact: Keene Public Works, (603) 352-6550