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Residential Permit Parking Program

The purpose of the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program is to reduce the impacts of non-resident parking in neighborhoods with limited street space, particularly adjacent to commercial properties. Aspects of the program include the implementation of designated areas and times for resident-only parking and the issuance of parking permits for residents and their visitors.

Revised rules governing the RPP program took effect on July 16, 2025.

Read the RPP Rules

Submit your street for Residential Permit Parking

Discuss eligibility for the Residential Permit Parking Program by contacting Austin Transportation and Public Works (TPW) at ResidentialParking@AustinTexas.gov.
1. TPW staff will contact the applicant to discuss parking issue(s)/concerns on the potential street, determine if the street is eligible for residential permit parking, and discuss the steps and process for submitting the street for consideration.
Submit this online application and a fee of $350. TPW staff will review the application and reach out regarding payment. Staff will also confirm requested times for restrictions and provide a digital petition, including a map for the proposed residential parking zone.

Submit RPP Application
Collect resident signatures and responses. Use the staff-provided petition sheet to gather signatures from residents living at addresses on the proposed street block. These signatures may indicate support, no support, or neither for the proposed residential permit parking restriction.
1. A 66% majority is required to proceed to the next application phase for most Residential Permit Parking applications.
2. The digital petition must be completed and turned in within 90 days.
3. During the petition process, City staff will install temporary yard signs indicating that the street is under consideration for residential permit parking. The signs will include an email address for members of the public and residents to use for questions or comments.

Staff Review Process

City staff will review eligible petition responses to determine whether the 66% majority has been met to proceed to the parking study phase of the application process. If the 66% majority has not been met, staff will notify the applicant.
City staff will conduct a parking occupancy study. If the majority support is met and verified, then City staff will conduct a 2-week parking study of the proposed area. The parking study must indicate at least 75% parking occupancy in legal parking spaces, with no less than 50% of the traffic non-resident commuter traffic, as determined from license plate information collected during the petition phase.
1. The final determination of days and times for the proposed residential parking zones will be based on data collected during the parking study.
Austin's Area Traffic Engineer reviews the area and parking study. If the parking study meets the criteria, the Area Traffic Engineer will review for approval. If approved, the residential permit parking restrictions will be enacted and signs installed on the requested street. Enforcement of the zone typically starts two weeks after sign installation.

Check what residential parking permits you may apply for

If your street participates in the Residential Permit Parking Program, you can check permit details, such as allowed permits per household and parking restrictions for your block, in the Permit Eligibility Listing.

You can also view a larger map of residential parking permit eligibility. This map includes options to search for addresses, instructions for applying for permits, and more.

Permit Renewal Calendar and Pricing

There are two different renewal periods. We encourage residents to renew their permits before the expiration deadline listed below, as there is no grace period. Please check the street/zone/color district in the Permit Eligibility Listing to see what renewal period you are in.

Orange area permits (covering the area around the University of Texas campus) expire on July 31 each year.
All other color area permits expire on December 31 of each year.

Pay RPP Fees

Yearly Permits

There are two types of yearly permits:

RPP Resident Vehicle Permits – digital permits registered to your vehicle’s license plate.

RPP Visitor Hangtag Permits – physical hangtags displayed inside the vehicle’s windshield.

Each residence may purchase up to four (4) RPP Resident Vehicle Permits at tiered prices (see table below).
No more than two (2) RPP Visitor Hangtag Permits can be purchased per residence.
Mueller residences remain limited to a maximum of two (2) permits total, any combination of resident and visitor.

Yearly RPP Resident Vehicle Permits Permit Cost*

1st Resident Permit $60

2nd Resident Permit $70

3rd Resident Permit $80

4th Resident Permit $90

RPP Visitor Hangtag Permits Permit Cost*

Each Visitor Permit $90

Hybrid Parking Zone Discount:

Residences located within a Hybrid Parking Area (a mixed-use area blending Pay-to-Park with RPP) are entitled to two (2) RPP Resident Vehicle Permits at no cost upon request. Please note that this does not include RPP Visitor Hangtag Permits.

CAP Program Discount:

Qualified participants in Austin Energy’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) are eligible for reduced pricing on up to two (2) permits:

RPP Resident Vehicle Permits: $20 each

RPP Visitor Hangtag Permits: $30 each

*All permits are subject to an 8.25% sales tax.

Day Parking Passes

Day passes are $5 each, plus sales tax. Each eligible residence in the Residential Permit Parking Program can purchase scratch-off day passes at the time of yearly permit purchase or at any time throughout the permit year. To be eligible for day passes, a resident must have purchased yearly permits for their residence.

How to Apply for Residential Parking Permits

Before you apply, required submission items include:

Copy of an identification card such as driver license
Proof of residency
- A current lease/mortgage agreement
- Utility bill issued within the last 30 days
- Driver license if residential address is current
Payment made by credit card, exact cash, or checks made payable to the City of Austin.

In-person appointment

Apply for permits in person by appointment or walk-in.

The Transportation Public Works Department's Residential and Commercial Parking Permitting Office is now open for both scheduled appointments and walk-ins.

To schedule an appointment, email ResidentialParking@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-7857. Alternatively, feel free to visit us during any regular weekday, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for immediate walk-in service.

To save time, please feel free to fill out the below paper application before your visit:

For a smooth process during your visit, ensure to bring the following items:

A completed application
Identification card
Proof of residency
Payment (Options: exact cash, credit cards, or checks payable to the City of Austin)

Visit us today at:

Residential and Commercial Parking Permitting Office
1501 Toomey Road
Austin, TX 78704

Frequently Asked Questions about Residential Permits

Why do I have to pay for permits?
The Residential Permit Parking program is funded partially by the fees charged for each permit. These expenses consist mainly of the fabrication and installation costs of “Residential Parking” signs, routine maintenance, and enforcement of the zones.
Do I have to buy the permits?
No, it is up to the homeowner if they decide to purchase permits each year. Homeowners can purchase permits any time of the year, but although there are set expiration dates for permits, there is no proration for permits purchased at any time.
What if I lose a permit?
Report lost permits to the City of Austin. Replacement permits will cost the next permit price unless the maximum number of permits has been purchased in which case the cost is $75.78 with tax. If the old permit is found, it may not be used again and is subject to citation if used.
What if I receive a citation but I had my permit displayed?
All parking disputes are handled by the Austin Municipal Court. Additionally, permits are just one aspect of parking regulations. Please remember you must still follow all city and state ordinances regarding safe parking practices.
How many renewal areas are there and what is the difference between them?
There are two renewal areas in Austin one for January and one for August. The difference between them is their location. The August to August renewal area is around the University of Texas to help the students moving in around that area.
Where can my guests park?
Participating residences are allowed a number of visitor passes as outlined in the Permit Eligibility Listing. If you are expecting a number of people beyond the number of allowed visitor passes, you can purchase day passes for visitors through our office. Day passes are good for a 24-hour period and cost $5.41 per permit. Day passes are available to residences that have already purchased yearly passes.
Whom do I contact if I have non-permit holders parking on a street designated only for residents?
Report parking issues to Austin 3-1-1 by phone or through the mobile app under “Parking Enforcement.” You can also email complaints to ResidentialParking@austintexas.gov. Parking enforcement has a dedicated residential parking enforcement officer who will respond to such complaints.
Who can enforce the residential parking areas?
All parking enforcement officers, the Austin Police Department, and other police agencies that have the authority to write citations for parking violations can enforce residential parking areas. Residential parking signs are just like any regulated sign and can be enforced at any time. A dedicated parking enforcement officer enforces residential parking and will respond to complaints within residential parking areas. Enforcement is routine and is not only conducted if a resident sends a complaint.