Overview of RPP
Phoenix established the Resident Permit Parking Program (RPP) in 1987, as a tool to address difficult neighborhood parking intrusion problems. Its purpose was to address significant intruder parking problems, such as those that occur in neighborhoods adjacent to the Arizona State Fairgrounds, Chase Field Ballpark, or a major employer. In most cases, parking intrusion problems can and should be addressed using traditional methods that have far fewer drawbacks for residents. To make traditional methods work, the city is willing to go to great lengths to custom-design parking prohibition signs with specific hours that will successfully thwart intruder parking, yet retain most resident parking privileges.
The drawbacks associated with RPP include:
Costs: Residents who want to park on the street in front of their own home must pay to do so.
Convenience: It can become a hassle for residents to accommodate guests for parties or service vehicles (landscapers, handymen, etc.).
Rigid eligibility guidelines: There are legal issues associated with allowing some persons to park on a street maintained with public tax dollars, yet prohibiting others. The city adheres to the guidelines established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1977.
If the rigid guidelines are met, and the residents are willing to accept the drawbacks listed above, RPP will prohibit nonresidents from parking on designated streets, yet allow residents, who purchase permits, and their guests to park along the street.
Area Map
RPP Handout
"No Parking" Zone Program
Application for Permits in EXISTING Resident Permit Parking Areas Only
How does a neighborhood become eligible?
RPP is an expensive, labor-intensive proposition for the city to install and maintain. Accordingly, residents of qualifying neighborhoods are required to pay a fee, which only recovers a small portion of the costs related to RPP. To qualify for RPP, the following conditions must exist:
Confirmation that the use of traditional ‘NO PARKING’ signs will not adequately solve the problem.
Confirmation that there is strong neighborhood support for RPP. This support is demonstrated by submitting a Traffic Study Request Form(PDF) after distributing a Fact Sheet(PDF) discussing the pros and cons of RPP.
If support is shown, the city will conduct a traffic study to determine if the parking problems meet the rigid requirements established by the U.S. Supreme Court.
If the neighborhood meets the requirements, the city will hold a public meeting with the sponsors and all interested residents to share the results of the study, answer questions, and make sure residents understand the available options and the benefits/consequences offered by those options.
If studies confirm the neighborhood is eligible for RPP and wants such a program, the city will then identify RPP boundaries and ask the City Council to amend City Ordinance Section 36-157 to create a new RPP area.
Where does RPP exist?
There are currently 26 areas in the city of Phoenix that are eligible for ‘resident only’ parking. View the area map(PDF) to see if you live in one of these areas.
What is ‘intruder’ parking?
‘Intruder parking’ is parking inside a neighborhood by persons traveling to adjacent businesses, commercial properties, universities, etc., outside the neighborhood.
Are residents who live in a RPP area required to buy parking permits?
No. Purchasing parking permits is purely optional. You may decide to purchase the annual parking permit which will allow you to park on the street during restricted hours, or you may decide not to purchase the annual parking permit and refrain from parking on the street during restricted hours.
How long does it take to establish a new RPP area?
It can take several months to establish a new area. Most neighborhoods that request ‘Resident Only’ parking will find that they are not eligible once the study is complete. These areas may qualify for traditional parking restrictions, which can be implemented much quicker.
What if I am planning a party with a large group of people?
You must notify the Street Transportation Department with the details of your party, at least one week in advance. This can be done online, calling 602-495-6769, sending a fax: 602-534-2469 or sending a letter: Street Transportation Department - Resident Permit Parking Coordinator, 200 W. Washington St., sixth floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003. If your request is approved, you will be required to notify affected neighbors and cover the parking signs for the duration of the party. Police will be notified to refrain from issuing tickets during the party.
How much do permits cost?
There are two different types of permits that can be purchased: Resident and Visitor Permits.
Resident Permits are permanently assigned to vehicles that are registered to your name at your address. They may be purchased for $10.00 each per year.
Visitor Permits are used by guests or service vehicles. They may be purchased for $5.00 each per year. Visitor Permits are limited to three per household.
ALL PERMITS MUST BE RENEWED ANNUALLY!
Why should I have to pay to park on my street?
RPP is an additional service that costs money to provide. The price of permits only covers a small fraction of the expense involved with the installation and maintenance of the parking signs, police enforcement, printing and mailing costs, and program maintenance. RPP is subsidized by tax dollars to keep permit prices low. Remember that you are actually paying to keep 'intruders' from parking on your street.
Can I park in any area that has RPP signs posted?
No. Each area is assigned a specific area number and color. You may only park in the area that is indicated on your permit. Parking in another area will subject you to a fine. RPP cannot guarantee or reserve the holder a parking space within a designated Parking Permit Area. Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis to individuals holding a permit.
How can I purchase a permit?
You can call 602-495-6769 to request a permit application by email or US Postal Service. Mail the completed application with your check or money order made payable to City of Phoenix Treasurer to:
City of Phoenix
Attn: City Treasurer
Resident Permit Parking Program
P.O. Box 2005
Phoenix, AZ 85001
Or, you may purchase permits in person at the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department - Traffic Services Field Office located at 1101 E. Jefferson St. If purchasing Resident Permits, be sure to have vehicle make(s), model(s), and license plate number(s) available.
What information do I need to provide to purchase a parking permit?
For resident permits, provide a copy of the vehicle registration form for each vehicle you are purchasing a permit for. If you are new to the area, a copy of your phone or water bill is acceptable until the vehicle is registered to your new address.
If you are only purchasing visitor permit(s), you must bring in proof of residence on a street that is currently posted with 'resident only' parking. A copy of your phone bill, water bill, or driver’s license will be acceptable.
How are the restrictions enforced?
The Police Department will issue tickets to vehicles that are in violation of the parking restriction. Enforcement is made by routine police patrol or by calling Crime Stop at 602-262-6151.
If you need further assistance or have questions, contact the Resident Permit Parking Program Office at 602-495-6769 or email Thomas.Thorpe@phoenix.gov
