Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. If you have five or more unpaid parking tickets your vehicle may be towed.

No. The graduated fine system only involves tickets that are issued for 2 or 4 hour parking violations.

If you were the registered owner of the vehicle at the time you received the parking ticket you are responsible for paying the ticket. If you did not own the vehicle when the parking ticket was issued, then it is your responsibility to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to notify them you sold the vehicle. You will continue to receive notices of additional tickets as long as the state shows the title in your name.

Yes. As the registered owner the ticket is your responsibility. Parking tickets can not be cancelled due to the registered owner not being made aware of the parking ticket.

According to the City of Owatonna’s Snow and Ice Control Policies and Procedures City crews begin snow and ice control operations when two inches of snow accumulate, when drifting snow causes problems for travelling, when icy conditions affect travel or when road conditions could deteriorate due to peak traffic volumes. Full mainline and cul-de-sac plowing operations begin at various times, depending on the start time and duration of the storm event. Routes and operations are designed to maintain access of emergency vehicles to all areas as a first priority. The plowing of high volume roadways generally occurs first, followed by residential plowing. In general, city roadways are cleared of snow within 8 to 12 hours of the end of the storm events. These guidelines are used to remove snow from streets throughout the city including in the downtown area.

Odd/Even parking enforcement is not contingent on an impending snowstorm or a snow event. It is the objective of the City of Owatonna to educate community members and seek voluntary compliance, followed by consistent enforcement. This allows for a significantly more effective and efficient street maintenance operation.

You may request an investigation of mailbox damage with the Public Works Department by contacting 507.444.4350 or Report a Concern online. Find more information regarding mailbox damage issues here. 

Use the Owatonna Winter Parking Map App to see where to park where parking is allowed and areas that are exempt from the winter parking restriction. Easily search an address to determine the odd and even sides. Please review the initial screen for pertinent information that explains how to interpret and understand the winter parking restriction. A green line indicates the side that is even. A red line indicates the side that is odd. A black line indicates this area is exempt from the winter parking ordinance due to restrictions. A yellow line will appear during 12:01 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon) to indicate the side of the street you should park on if the area is not restricted. 

Please email publicworks@owatonna.gov or call 507.444.4350.

Only plastic-edged shovels should be used on new concrete sidewalks. Metal edges can cause damage leading to deterioration. A salt-free grit material is suggested in place of traditional ice melt.