On-street parking and city lots are convenient spaces for folks doing business in downtown Bozeman. That's why we limit the time for free parking during the business day. In 2003, the Bozeman City Commission adopted a new law to prevent someone from moving their vehicle within the same block or parking lot to avoid the time limit. Moving your vehicle within the same 'block face' - same side and same block of street - to avoid the 2 hour limit, or leaving to return to the same block face or lot within 3 hours, may result in an overtime parking fine. (Section 36.04.260 Bozeman Municipal Code)

Snowed-in vehicles are subject to citation and tow if City staff from the Streets or Parking Department determine the vehicle is restricting City Right of Way. Individuals have 48 hours from receiving a citation to clear any obstructions from the right of way to avoid a tow. (Bozeman Municipal Code 34.02.020) 

City Right of Way must remain clear to allow individuals to move freely and for city vehicles including police, fire, and maintenance vehicles to provide services to our neighbors. Any vehicle causing an obstruction is subject to citation fines and towing costs. Towing costs begin at $250 for snow hazards and can escalate from there. 

Contractors, moving companies, service vendors, and other entities may need to park in the downtown area, on-street, in excess of the two hour time limit, in order to complete a job or service. For these situations, the City of Bozeman offers a TEMPORARY ON STREET PARKING PERMIT (PDF) for $20 per day (for each 24 feet of parking space). Limit one permit per job site.

The City of Bozeman requires that all vehicles parked on city streets move every 72 hours. To avoid a citation, vehicles should move at least 500 feet--almost two football fields. This is necessary to ensure that the public streets are being used for appropriate parking, not the long term storage of vehicles.

The Parking Services Division enforces this regulation with a $30 citation. After Parking Enforcement Officers collect evidence indicating a vehicle has not moved in at least five business day, they will call a Best Rate Towing to remove the vehicle. Towing fees can be up to $500 plus daily storage fees. For more information on "72 hour" violations contact the Parking Manager: 406-582-2039, or email nfocken@bozeman.net.

The City of Bozeman has an excellent opportunity to advertise in the downtown parking garage. With 15,000-20,000 visitors annually, the garage provides an economical way to create high visibility to your business or  event. Contact Mary at ColorWorld, 406-580-3158 for more information. Bozeman Parking Garage (PDF).