West Allis Department of Public Works (Municipal Yard Hours) — Local services in West Allis

Confusing, Unfair Parking Laws

The City of West Allis enforces some of the most confusing and punishing parking rules I’ve ever seen. Their system, based on odd/even calendar days and switching sides of the street, is difficult to understand—even after reading the official instructions multiple times. It’s frustrating and stressful, especially for residents who simply want to park legally.

People who don’t own homes with private driveways are forced to move their cars every single day, no matter the season. And to top it off, they must pay a monthly fee just to park on the street!

What’s worse: if someone leaves town for a few days—or even weeks : whether for work, family, or vacation—there’s no option or flexibility. You can’t register your car or ask for a temporary solution. That means people either risk getting fined or have to rely on someone else to move their car daily.

A friend of mine, who pays monthly for a permit, forgot to move the car for just one night. They were immediately fined $35. No warning, no grace period, nothing. It’s harsh and unnecessary. And way too much. 10 dollars for permit holders would be fair enough. Somebody could just be ill! Like in this case.

These parking laws don’t serve the community—they punish the ones who already have fewer options. Very disappointing and honestly exhausting. That kind of rigid enforcement, especially for paying permit holders, is excessive and punitive.

Add to this the reports of poor communication and unresponsive customer service, and it paints a picture of a system more interested in issuing fines than serving the community.

These policies feel less like public service and more like a trap for hard-working residents.

It feels like the city is more focused on punishing people than helping them. Extremely...

I hired a company today for the 3rd time this year, to remove some items from my home. They went to my local dump with my ID and some “woman” on a power trip refused to let them dump my items there “as commercial vehicles are not allowed”. It was a small box truck, not at all full. Approximately 10 items.(old patio table and chairs, a vacuum and dehumidifier). She even looked inside and still refused service. Said that I would have to bring it myself and not in a commercial vehicle. I called several times, as did the company I hired. She must be the only miserable female in the office today, as she is the only person we got through to. She was rude and...

I have lived in West Allis since 1969 and have only very positive comments about the DPW. The attendants at the lot are always cheerful and helpful. The few times I have called with a problem, the response is almost immediate. I have commented to friends so many times that we are so fortunate to have such a great DPW. This also applies to our weekly garbage pickup. The nicest crew and we always get a wave and a greeting. ...