Subd. 1. Definitions.
A. For purposes of this section, the term “emergency” means a condition created on city streets because of the presence of snow, freezing rain, sleet or ice thereon or other natural phenomenon which create or are likely to create hazardous road conditions or impede or are likely to impede the free movement of fire, health, police, emergency or other vehicular traffic, when the same has been duly declared.
B. For the purposes of this section, the definitions included in § 11.13 of this City Code, as passed and adopted by the City Council of Redwood Falls, and as the same may be amended from time to time, shall also apply.
Subd. 2. Declaration of Emergency. Whenever in the opinion of the City Administrator, or in his or her absence the Chief of Police, an emergency exists, he or she may declare the same and cause an announcement thereof to be made to local news media.
Subd. 3. Beginning and Duration of Emergency.
A. When declaring an emergency the City Administrator will state the date and time when the emergency goes into effect and the date and time the emergency will end. The emergency shall begin no earlier than one hour after announcement to news media.
B. Once declared, the emergency shall remain in effect until the effective end date and time; provided that the emergency may, in the same manner, be cancelled prior to expiration or redeclared for subsequent like periods of time.
Subd. 4. Unlawful Acts.
A. During an emergency, it is unlawful to park or leave standing any vehicle upon a snow emergency route designated and duly sign-posted as such.
B. During an emergency, it is unlawful to park or leave standing any vehicle upon a street on which parking has been restricted by the declaration of an emergency.
C. The act of parking or permitting a vehicle to remain parked on any street contrary to the prohibitions of this section constitutes a violation notwithstanding the progress of street maintenance operations.
Subd. 5. Exceptions. This section shall not apply to persons in charge of wreckers or authorized emergency vehicles while actually servicing mechanical, fire, police or medical emergencies.
Subd. 6. Rules and Regulations. Rules and regulations relating to snow removal shall be in accordance with the uniform policy promulgated by the City Administrator. The regulations shall be posted in the office of the City Administrator and further notice may otherwise be given as the Council may direct.
Subd. 7. Residential Property Parking During Emergency. Notwithstanding any prohibition or limitation contained within any other provision, paragraph, subdivision, section, or chapter of this code, after an emergency has been declared and only while the emergency remains active, a person may park or store on residential premises any number of motor vehicles or accessory vehicles on non-impervious surfaces within a side or rear yard. All such vehicles shall be licensed, registered, and operable and must not be parked within any setback line applicable to the particular parcel unless on an impervious surface.
(Ord. 107, Third Series, passed 11-1-2005; Am. Ord. 87, Fourth Series, passed 11-7-2023)