Residential permit parking (RPP) is a program that limits on-street parking in a neighborhood to residents and their guests who hold permits, usually during set hours. Nonresidents may be limited to short time periods or excluded.
Cities create RPP zones where commuters, students, shoppers or event visitors fill residential streets, often near downtowns, campuses, hospitals, stadiums and transit stations. Residents typically petition for a zone, and the city sets its boundaries, hours and fees.
Design choices
- Price. Many permits are free or nominal, which encourages residents to use the street for storage and can leave too few spaces. Pricing closer to value helps.
- Number of permits. Limits per household keep demand within supply.
- Visitor access. Guest permits, time limits or paid parking for nonresidents.
- Enforcement. License plate recognition and digital permits replace hang tags and stickers. See parking enforcement.
- Revenue. Some cities sell nonresident permits and spend the proceeds locally. See parking benefit district.
The Parkonomics view
Permit districts protect neighborhoods from spillover, but a free permit is a free storage unit on a public street. Price and cap permits so the curb still works.
Related terms: On-Street Parking, Parking Enforcement, Parking Benefit District, Curb Management, Parking Ordinances