KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The City of Keene has announced significant changes to its winter parking rules, allowing residents to park on streets overnight during the colder months. Previously, on-street parking was prohibited nightly from November through April, but under the new system, cars will only need to be moved during declared snowstorms.

The updated regulations, recently adopted by the City Council, are intended to ease parking restrictions, supporting both residents’ convenience and the City’s housing goals. The move marks a shift from the older, blanket parking ban to a more flexible system that adapts based on weather conditions.

In the event of a storm, the Public Works Director will declare a Winter Weather Parking Ban at least six hours in advance. Residents will be notified through a variety of platforms, including email, text, social media, and the City’s website. The notifications will outline the start of the ban and provide alternative parking options.

To help residents adapt to these new rules, the City plans to roll out an informational campaign in the early winter months, focusing on educating people about the new procedures. Officials are urging residents to sign up for parking ban notifications at www.KeeneNH.gov/snow. Additionally, updates will be posted on Facebook and Instagram, and a dedicated snow removal web page will track the status of parking bans.

The primary goal of the changes is to ensure road safety during snowstorms, while reducing the inconvenience of nightly parking bans. While cars left on the street during a parking ban may face ticketing, the City’s initial focus will be on communication and education rather than strict enforcement.

Residents are encouraged to share the new parking procedures with neighbors and visitors to ensure everyone is prepared for snow removal operations. More information, including detailed FAQs and maps of alternative parking areas, is available on the City’s website, and questions can be directed to the Public Works department at (603) 352-6550.

These updated parking rules underscore Keene’s commitment to serving its residents’ needs while ensuring public safety during the winter months.