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Permits

RESIDENTIAL PARKING PROGRAM

Authorized by San Francisco Transportation Code Section 902 (D) and 905

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2011

PARKING PERMIT FEES WERE INCREASED

The preferential residential parking permit (RPP) was established in 1976 to preserve neighborhood living within a major urban center. It is designed to promote the safety, health and welfare of all San Francisco residents by reducing unnecessary personal motor vehicle travel, noise and pollution, and by promoting improvements in air quality, convenience and attractiveness of urban residential living, and increased use of public mass transit. The program’s main goal is to provide more parking spaces for residents by discouraging long-term parking by people who do not live in the area.

A resident of an RPP area who needs parking for longer than the posted limit must apply for a permit and display it on their vehicle. Parking Permits are issued to a license plate number and may only be used with that plate. A permitted vehicle will be subject to violation and towing if parked more than 72 hours in one spot. The vehicle must be moved 1 block or one-tenth of a mile.

Parking Permit Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I have to pay to park in front of my own home?

2. How do I get a permit?

3. How long is my permit valid?

4. Where can I park with a Residential Permit?

5. We have 5 roommates in our apartment, can we all get a permit?

6. My business is located in a Residential Parking Permit area...can I get a permit?

7. What if I have guests at my house?

8. My permit was damaged in an auto accident. How do I get a replacement?

9. What is the status of my permit application/renewal?

10. Questions about the Permit program? Complete this form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Why do I have to pay to park in front of my own home? A residential permit area is initiated by the residents of the neighborhood. The goal is to provide more parking spaces for residents by restricting long term parking for nonresidents. Click here to Add Permit Area.

 

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3.How long is my permit valid? Each permit area has a set month for renewal and your permit will expire in the same month every year and is valid until the last day of the expiration month. If you have less than 6 months before your area expires your permit will be pro-rated on a 6 month basis. For a list of permit areas click here.

 

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4.Where can I park with a Residential Permit? Residential permit areas are designated by signs indicating permit area in color circle with corresponding letter posted on the streets. Permit holders of that area may park up to 72 hours without moving their vehicles. All other restrictions such as "street sweeping" and "tow away zones" are enforced.

 

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5. We have 5 roommates in our apartment, can we all get a permit? For each permanent residence no more than 4 permits will be issued. If more than 4 permits are required, submit a written request to SFMTA Customer Service Manager, 11 South Van Ness, San Francisco, CA 94103-1226. There is a graduated fee for each permit over 4 e.g. permit 5 will cost twice the amount, permit 6 will cost three time the amount and any amount of permits over 6 will be four times the amount. For more information click here.

 

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7. What if I have guests at my house? Permits may be purchased by an individual with a permanent residence within an RPP area for visitor use. For complete information click here.

 

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8. My permit was damaged in an auto accident. How do I get a replacement? Please mail or bring proof of accident and damage (e.g. invoice from repair shop) to SFMTA Customer Services at 11South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103-1226.

For more information on replacement of permits.

 

 

 

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Shortcut to this page:

  • www.sfmta.com/permits
   
   

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