Parking Regulations

Welcome to the Parking section of the City of Ames website. If you own or drive a vehicle in Ames, we want you to be aware of regulations governing the parking of vehicles in the city. 

 • It is unlawful to park vehicles in the same place for more than 48 hours on any city street or municipal parking lot.

• Vehicles cannot obstruct or park across sidewalks, in front of a public or private driveways, or in a front yard.

• Vehicles must park with the front end of the vehicle in the same direction of traffic flow.

Snow Routes
Certain streets around Ames have been designated as part of the city's snow routes. Parking on snow routes is prohibited from the time the snow ordinance goes into effect until the snow has been plowed from curb to curb, and it has stopped snowing. The snow ordinance goes into effect when 2 inches or more snow has accumulated on major streets (such as Grand, Duff, or Lincoln Way) 

Check the City website, City Channel 12, or local media to find out when and if the snow ordinance is in effect. If snow is expected overnight, please move you car ahead of time. Click here to view additional information on the City's snow ordinance, including a map of snow routes.

Ames Municipal Code

Click here to view the Ames City Code, Chapter 18, Parking Regulations, or find it at www.cityofames.org/municipalcode.

Parking Problem
To report a parking problem or concern, call the Police Department non-emergency number at 515-239-5133.

Paying Parking Tickets
To pay parking tickets, click here or go to www.amesparking.com.

Ames Parking Meters - As per Ames City Code 18.4, Ames parking meters are enforced 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. (depending on location) to 6:00 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, except on city holidays or as otherwise provided. This information can be found on each meter, under the lens area.  Meter time limits and coin rates are also listed on each meter.  

Parking meters will take coins and pre-paid parking "Smart Cards."  Smart cards can be purchased at the Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue or call 515-239-5283 for more information.  In addition, motorists will be able to pay with the mobile parking application, ParkMobile.  For drivers with internet-enabled cell phones, the ParkMobile app provides pay-by-phone services for the collection of the parking meter fees. In addition, the app will map the City’s parking zones to show customers where parking is available in Campustown and Downtown areas. Once a customer selects a zone, the ParkMobile app will show users how much time is left on the meter and send notifications in advance of the time expiring, all remotely from their smart phone.

ParkMobile - How to & Register

ParkMobile - Wallet Instructions

For more information about parking in Ames visit www.cityofames.org/ParkSMART