by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — What begins as a familiar post-snowstorm frustration is increasingly turning into a public safety concern across major Northeast cities, as disputes over street parking spiral into confrontations, injuries, and police intervention.
After back-to-back winter storms buried urban neighborhoods in deep snow, residents across cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., are clashing over who has the right to claim freshly shoveled parking spaces on public streets.
Shoveled Spots Spark Rising Tensions
In many dense neighborhoods, snowbanks have dramatically reduced already limited parking options. After spending hours clearing out a single space, some drivers have attempted to reserve their spots by placing chairs, cones, trash cans, or household items in the street.
While long considered an informal winter tradition, officials say the practice is now fueling anger and, in some cases, violence.
“Even though it may seem minor, we’ve seen truly tragic outcomes tied to these disputes,”
— Philadelphia Police Sgt. Eric Gripp
Police and city leaders warn that what starts as a parking disagreement can escalate quickly — especially when emotions are already high after severe weather.
Violent Incident Raises Alarm
Last week in Philadelphia, a dispute over a space saver ended with multiple people fighting, leaving one man hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities said a knife and a legally owned handgun were involved, though both weapons were reportedly placed on the ground before the physical altercation continued.
“It’s very disturbing,”
Sgt. Gripp said. “That’s why we take these situations seriously.”
Officials say the incident highlights how rapidly everyday disputes can become dangerous during extreme winter conditions.
A Longstanding Tradition Under Scrutiny
The practice of reserving parking spots after snowstorms dates back decades. In Chicago, the custom emerged after the historic 1967 blizzard, which dumped more than 20 inches of snow and left residents digging out for days.
Different cities have given the ritual their own names — from “dibs” to “savesies” — with Pittsburgh’s version famously dubbed the “parking chair.”
Over the years, residents have used everything from lawn chairs and traffic cones to folding tables, bins, and even appliances to mark territory.
“We’ve seen all kinds of things,” said a Boston-area snow removal contractor.
“This year someone even put an ironing board in the street.”
Cities Push Back Against Space Saving
As disputes increase, cities are making their positions clear: saving parking spaces on public streets is not allowed.
Philadelphia police have stated plainly that space savers are illegal. In Baltimore, city officials have begun removing objects left in roadways.
“If I see a lawn chair in the street, it’s going away,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. “If you’re out shoveling, help your neighbor too — not just yourself.”
Transportation officials say space savers pose additional hazards, including damage to snowplows, blocked snow removal, and risks to passing vehicles.
Officials Warn of Broader Safety Risks
Authorities across the region emphasize that no individual has the legal right to claim a public parking space, regardless of how much effort was spent clearing it.
Washington, D.C., officials echoed similar warnings following past snowstorms, cautioning that space-saving often leads to disputes between neighbors.
“When people try to reserve spots, tensions flare,” a former D.C. police chief warned after a major storm. “Nobody owns the street.”
Police say increased patrols and enforcement may follow if conflicts continue.
Community Cooperation Encouraged
City leaders and law enforcement alike are urging residents to focus on cooperation rather than confrontation. Helping neighbors clear snow, officials say, can ease pressure on limited parking and reduce friction.
With more winter weather still possible, authorities warn that parking conflicts are likely to increase unless residents de-escalate and follow local rules.
Anyone involved in a parking-related dispute is encouraged to step away and contact local authorities rather than attempting to resolve the situation themselves.
Do you think space savers should be banned after snowstorms, or should communities allow limited use? Share your thoughts in the comments.
