The Commercial Vehicle Loading Zone Ordinance in Austin City Code (Chapter 12-5) allows the City of Austin to issue permits to commercial delivery vehicles creating efficient parking options for the delivery of goods and merchandise to the downtown area, while balancing the mobility needs of major arterial roadways.
Commercial Vehicle Loading in Austin
- A Commercial Vehicle Loading Permit allows loading in the Downtown Area Project Coordination Zone (PDF), subject to certain restrictions on specified streets.
- Established 30-minute commercial loading zones can be used without a permit for up to 30 minutes.
- When 2 or more travel lanes in one direction are available, delivery vehicles with permits can use a curb-side travel lane to conduct loading or unloading activity.
- Permits can be used at metered parking spaces to conduct loading or unloading activity for the duration of the permit time limit.
- When using a Commercial Vehicle Loading Permit, make sure the permit is always properly displayed.
Permit types and fees
|
SIZE CATEGORY 1 SMALL VEHICLE |
VEHICLES UP TO 10 FEET IN LENGTH |
This Size Category 1 permit allows double parking in a travel lane, at a meter, and in any CVL zone (see map). Choose a maximum per-stop parking time limit of 30, 60, or 120 minutes: 30 Minute Permit = $125 60 Minute Permit = $250 120 Minute Permit = $400 |
|
SIZE CATEGORY 2 MEDIUM VEHICLE |
VEHICLES GREATER THAN 10 FEET IN LENGTH, BUT LESS THAN 26 FEET IN LENGTH |
This Size Category 2 permit allows double parking in a travel lane, at a meter, and in any CVL zone (see map). Choose a maximum per-stop parking time limit of 30, 60, or 120 minutes: 30 Minute Permit = $200 60 Minute Permit = $400 120 Minute Permit = $800 |
|
SIZE CATEGORY 3 LARGE VEHICLE |
VEHICLES GREATER THAN 26 FEET IN LENGTH |
This Size Category 3 permit allows double parking in a travel lane, at a meter, and in any CVL zone (see map). Choose a maximum per-stop parking time limit of 30, 60, or 120 minutes: 30 Minute Permit = $300 60 Minute Permit = $600 120 Minute Permit = $1,200 |
*Prices shown do not include sales tax (8.25%) and a one-time processing fee of $25.00. Submit an application for an exact quote.
Limitations on Commercial Vehicle Loading
Drivers using a commercial vehicle loading permit must observe the law and certain restrictions. Violators will be ticketed.
- All State of Texas and City of Austin parking laws still apply. Avoid parking illegally.
- Blocking or stopping in bike lanes, transit priority lanes, or a travel lane on a street with a single lane in each direction for the purpose of delivery vehicle loading/unloading is prohibited at all times.
- Some major arterial streets have restrictions or prohibitions on loading activities from a travel lane. See PDF map of restricted travel lane usage for more detail.
- Usage of Cesar Chavez Street, Congress Avenue and Lamar Boulevard for the purpose of commercial loading/unloading is prohibited at all times.
|
Violation |
Early Fine |
Standard Fine |
|---|---|---|
|
Without a permit |
$250.00 |
$500.00 |
|
Restricted hours or area |
$150.00 |
$300.00 |
|
Beyond time limit |
$150.00 |
$300.00 |
|
Adjacent lane obstruction |
$150.00 |
$300.00 |
|
Bike lane obstruction |
$150.00 |
$300.00 |
|
Permit not properly displayed |
$150.00 |
$300.00 |
|
Single travel lane |
$150.00 |
$300.00 |
Early fine amounts are due within the first 30 days of citation date or scheduled hearing date.
Standard fine amounts are due if no court arrangement is made prior to the scheduled hearing date listed on the citation.
Apply for a Permit
Completed applications can be sent to residentialparking@austintexas.gov. A prompt reply with a quote and next steps will sent once the application is processed. Please review the application packet for specific guidelines on how to apply and make sure to follow all steps before submitting your application.
Commercial Vehicle Loading Zone Application Packet – To submit this form, please download and save the application packet to your computer. Fill out the form on your computer and submit it electronically. Most PDF viewers should provide a "submit form" button.
For additional information or questions about the program, please call the Parking Enterprise Division at 512-974-1563.