With winter approaching, the Ellenville Village Board is considering changes to its overnight parking restrictions to make snow removal safer and more efficient.

Under current village rules, parking on the side of the street is prohibited from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. between Nov. 1 and March 30. The restriction allows the Streets Department to plow roads during snowstorms without navigating around parked vehicles, which can obstruct plowing and risk damage.

At a recent board meeting, Mayor Evan Trent introduced a discussion about potentially adopting a two-inch snow rule, which is used in parts of the Northeast. Under such a policy, vehicles would have to be removed from streets designated for plowing once snowfall reaches two inches.

Deputy Mayor Ray Younger asked Mike Jeter of the Streets Department about the proposal. Jeter said safety was the primary concern, noting that the village previously prohibited parking from 2 to 7 a.m. However, Streets Department employees were concerned about navigating around parked cars and drivers when plowing began during overnight snowstorms.

Trustee Victoria Messner added that she had not seen much enforcement of the existing 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. restriction.

Younger also questioned how a two-inch rule would be implemented, asking, “Who determines that it’s two inches deep?”

That question, along with others about enforcement and implementation, will be part of the board’s continuing discussion.

Canal, Center and Main streets are state highways maintained by Ulster County, while the village’s Streets Department handles snow removal on local roads.

The current restrictions can create challenges for residents who rely on street parking, particularly when snowstorms are approaching. A snowfall-based policy could change when residents must move their vehicles, but the board has not yet announced a final decision.

The discussion comes as the village prepares for winter, when keeping roads clear is essential for safe travel and emergency access.