General Parking Rules

Parked vehicles on-street can cause visibility and accessibility issues.
To account for these issues, just remember the 5-10-15 rule:

• Park at least 5 feet from a driveway
• Park at least 10 feet from a fire hydrant or mailbox
• Park at least 15 feet from a crosswalk or intersection

Our officers don’t like giving out tickets and we’re sure you don’t like receiving them, so keep this rule of thumb in mind to help you from getting unnecessary tickets. If you’re interested in the rules that apply this section see Wisconsin State Statute 346.53 and City Code 16-90(b).

The maximum amount of time a vehicle may be parked on a public street or parking lot is 24 hours.  If a vehicle is parked longer than this period, it may be ticketed or towed. For more information on the 24-hour maximum limit rule, see City Code 16-90(c).

To keep the spaces available for visitors of the downtown, Neenah has a “No Re-Parking” rule in time limit areas. This means that it is not OK to park for 2 hours and move to another 2 hour space. It also means that you cannot park from one parking lot or street to another for the purposes of extending the time limit. 

If you need more time than the signed time limit, check out the downtown parking page for more information. There you can find information on locations with longer time limits and on day passes. For more information on the “No Re-Parking” rule, see City Code 16-91(f).  

You may have noticed that some areas in Neenah have signs that state “No Stopping.” No stopping is more restrictive than no parking, because even pick-ups and drop offs are prohibited. Some communities also use the term “No Standing.” Definitions for each are bulleted below:

• No parking: You shall not stop your vehicle except when loading or unloading passengers or property.
• No standing: You shall not stop your vehicle except when loading or unloading passengers.
• No stopping: You shall not stop your vehicle.

Emergencies are of course an exception to the rule. For more information you can visit the rules of the road statute definitions at Wisconsin State Statue 340.01.

Motorcycles and mopeds are permitted to park in crosshatched areas within city-managed parking lots as long as:

• The crosshatched area is not adjacent to a handicap parking stall,
• The crosshatched area is not a loading zone, or
• The crosshatched area is not a crosswalk, walkway, or any location that impedes pedestrian access to sidewalks or paths.

Where permitted, motorcycles/mopeds may be parked in these areas regardless of a time limit or permit restriction.  If however a motorcycle/moped is parked within a parking stall, then those restrictions apply.

Vehicles that are primarily used for commercial use (including trailers) are prohibited from parking in residential areas, except for when loading or unloading the vehicle. For clarity, a commercial vehicle is either over 8,000 pounds, over 20 feet in length, or over 8 feet tall.  For more information, see City Codes 16-90(g) and 26-550(1)(g).

Click here for information on parking rules on residential properties.  If you have questions regarding parking restrictions on residential properties, you may contact the Community Development Department at 920-886-6130.

If you’re looking to place any of the following items within the public right-of-way (city sidewalk, street, or terrace), you will need to apply for a Street Occupancy Permit.  Click here to apply.

• Portable storage containers
• PODs
• Dumpsters
• Gravel/soil piles
• Commercial/construction equipment

Please note that any obstruction will need to be barricaded with reflective sheeting if placed overnight.  The City does not provide barricading materials; it is expected that the dumpster provider will provide or contract out any materials required. For more information, see City Code 26-550(1)(f).

Parking trailers on city streets and parking lots is not permitted unless it hooked on vehicle.  All parking regulations still apply.  See City Code 19-90(f).

If you are needing a temporary exemption to a parking regulation, contact the Neenah Police Department at (920) 886-6000.