How 'Dibs' Parking Debate Is Dividing Neighborhoods During Winter Storm Fern

Many cities with mild climates are reeling from the record-breaking amounts of snow from Winter Storm Fern. As residents continue to shovel themselves out, they may spot an unusual sight on their city street: chairs and ironing boards.

This controversial winter tradition is known as "space-savers,” “dibs,” or “savesies.” Drivers use various pieces of junk as a way to claim street parking. “Dibs” has been utilized by the residents of snowy cities like Chicago and Boston for decades, often illegally. 

So why do it? Drivers often believe that if they put forth the effort of shoveling out a spot, they should get to reap the rewards of parking in the now-clear space, even if they have to move their car temporarily.

For drivers trying to find street parking, however, they may see this practice differently. They need somewhere to put their vehicle, and these household objects might be blocking the only parking spots for blocks. So, the driver may choose to hop out, move the item to the sidewalk, and park in the shoveled-out space.

And there begins the great argument that divides cities: do you respect the possibly illegal parking spot reservation of a lawn chair? Or do you move the space-saver and park, risking confrontation with the reservee? 

If someone wants to park in a “saved” spot but doesn’t want to risk an altercation, they can call the non-emergency hotline 311. This is the number to call to report any type of public nuisance, like a silly parking item or even potholes and graffiti.

Regardless of opinions on the practice itself, the objects used to reserve a spot can be rather creative. While many people use old lawn furniture that’s seen a winter or two (or ten), some grab more unique items out of their storage. A snow-frosted mannequin dressed for a black-tie dinner, for example, can reserve a spot and prompt a chuckle at the same time.

While parking may not be the priority for Nashville, Texas, and Georgia residents who face power outages and plummeting temperatures, it is one more snowy-weather surprise to face as the snow lingers for several more days. 

“This is an unusually large and severe winter storm,” the National Weather Service states. “Dangerously cold air remains in the forecast for more than half of the U.S. population through the middle of this week. The combination of significant snow and ice accumulations and frigid weather could cause power outages and icy roads to linger longer than usual after a typical winter storm.”

Despite the decades of proud, and not so proud, history, the legality of placing random junk on a snowy street varies by city. Pittsburgh embraces the tradition while Chicago hands out tickets, although the law is mostly unenforced. The Southern cities currently dealing with record-breaking snowfall get to decide for themselves if they want to respect the unorthodox parking tradition or refuse it.

There is one golden rule to follow, however: make sure to clear the street of all chairs, furniture, and other objects when a city snowplow comes. After one sweep, all the dibs and space-saver spats will melt away with the snow.