Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) Permits
January 31, 2023
Updated RPZ Fees in 2023
Seattle's 2023 budget approved a rate increase for RPZ permits effective January 2023. This is the first fee increase the program has had since 2010. The new fee will be $95 each for both vehicle permits and guest hang tags.
Zone 7 Renewal Letters Missing PIN
Recent Zone 7 renewal notices were sent to approximately 3,000 households without a renewal PIN. This was due to a software issue with our mailing vendor. Our vendor is re-sending letters to all affected individuals, with PIN information, which should arrive the week of February 6th. We apologize for the inconvenience, and there is no need to call or email the permit counter for this issue. Current permits in Zone 7 are valid until the end of February 2023. Once renewed in the portal, your new permit, which is based on your license plate, will be valid.
Permit Counters Closed
Due to COVID-19, our public-facing customer service counters remain closed until further notice. This includes both the Street Use and the Traffic and Parking permit counters at the Seattle Municipal Tower on floors 23 and 37. We are still processing permit applications. You can submit applications for all permit types online through the Seattle Services Portal.
The Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) Program helps make public, on-street parking easier in some residential areas. These areas have a parking demand generator like a college, hospital, school, or business district.
An RPZ is usually requested by residents. Most RPZs allow short-term parking for visitors while limiting the impact on residents in need of long-term parking. The cost of the permits covers the cost of managing the program.
For more facts about where RPZs exist, how they are managed, and who qualifies for a permit, review our Restricted Parking Zone Fact Sheet or continue reading below.
Existing RPZs
How to Apply
If your address qualifies for a permit, follow the steps below to get a new permit online.
Before you apply: Check to see if your Zone is about to expire. Each Zone operates on its own expiration cycle. Permits expire by Zone cycle, not from the date of purchase. If your zone is close to renewal, you may want to consider applying for a Short-Term RPZ permit.
Do you have a valid disabled parking permit? You do not need to apply for a separate RPZ permit. A disabled parking permit allows you to park in your Restricted Parking Zone up to the citywide 72-hour limit.
Before you start, make sure your vehicle is registered in your name and at your RPZ-eligible address. Have your documents ready to upload.
Submit the documentation listed below:
1. Current proof of residency showing your name and address, dated within the last 30 days. This can be a bill, bank statement, paycheck stub, a letter from your previous address that has been forwarded to your new address and has the yellow sticker from the post office showing a date and your new address, lease or rental agreement.
For more information on what qualifies as proof of residency, visit our FAQ page.
2. A copy of your current Washington State Vehicle Registration. Your vehicle must be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing (WA DOL) in your name and at your address. Out-of-state registration is accepted only for active duty military personnel providing proof of their status, or out-of-state students providing proof of non-resident status.
If your name does not appear on the vehicle registration, you may not qualify to receive a decal for your vehicle. Visit our FAQ page for more information on how to update your registration online with Washington State Department of Licensing.
For a Discounted Permit, include documentation of income. Acceptable documentation for a low-income permit is available here.
To apply online, create a profile in the Seattle Services Portal. You must create one before you try to apply or renew online.
- Create or log into your Seattle Services profile.
- Once you are logged into your profile, look up your address and submit your application. All applicants agree to the RPZ Conditions of Use.
- For more information on how to set up your profile in the Seattle Services Portal, click "Help" at the top of the Portal screen, then click on "Getting Started" for more information on the process.
Our staff will be available to provide application coaching and assist with issuing permits. We can be reached Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 pm at (206) 684-5086, or rpzinfo@seattle.gov.
Receiving and Using Your Permits
We are moving to a virtual permitting system for RPZ permits. No more decals! As of the date of the next expiration/renewal of your zone, you will no longer receive physical decals. Your license plate(s) will be stored electronically. If you order a guest pass, you will still receive a physical hangtag.
When you submit your application for permits online, you will be emailed a 28-day temporary permit to use while it is being reviewed and processed.
After your application is successfully processed, you will be emailed a 15-day temporary permit to use until you receive your permanent permits in the mail. If your Zone has already moved to virtual permitting, you will receive notice that your virtual RPZ permit is now active.
If you haven't moved or changed vehicle registration, be on the lookout: About 6 weeks before your RPZ permit is due to expire, you will receive a renewal letter in the mail. Your renewal letter is your proof of residency. It also contains your individual Renewal PIN and instructions to renew your RPZ permit.
For more details about this process, visit the FAQ.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page for more details about RPZ rules, vehicle types, obtaining or replacing permits, and more.
Don't Currently Live in an RPZ?
In some instances, it’s possible to expand an existing RPZ to your block or qualify your neighborhood for a new RPZ.
If you believe your neighborhood may be eligible for an RPZ, read more about the necessary qualifications and application process on the Creating and Expanding RPZs page.