Austin residential parking permits (RPP)

Short answer

Austin's Residential Permit Parking program works two ways. If your street has no zone yet, residents can create one: email Austin Transportation and Public Works at MobilityServices@AustinTexas.gov, submit the online application with a $350 fee, then collect resident signatures on the city-issued digital petition within 90 days - 66% support is required. The city then runs a two-week parking study that must show at least 75% occupancy with no less than 50% non-resident traffic, the Area Traffic Engineer reviews it, signs go up, and enforcement typically starts two weeks later. If your street already has a zone, yearly permits are digital and tied to your license plate: $60 for the first vehicle, then $70, $80, and $90, up to four per residence, plus up to two $90 visitor hangtags, all plus 8.25% sales tax. Austin Energy CAP participants pay $20 per resident permit or $30 per hangtag on up to two permits. Renew before the deadline - July 31 for the UT-area orange zone, December 31 for every other zone - because there is no grace period.

Who this is for

Austin residents on streets with commuter or event parking pressure, and anyone moving into an existing RPP zone.

The steps, in order

1. Check the city's Permit Eligibility Listing map to see if your block already has a zone and what it allows.
2. No zone yet? Email MobilityServices@AustinTexas.gov to discuss eligibility, then submit the online zone application with the $350 fee.
3. Collect signatures on the city-issued digital petition within 90 days; 66% support moves it to the parking study phase.
4. The city runs a two-week parking study (needs 75% occupancy, at least 50% non-resident vehicles), then the Area Traffic Engineer approves and signs are installed.
5. In a zone already? Gather proof of residency: a driver license, property tax statement, utility bill dated within 30 days, voter registration card, or an executed lease.
6. Buy permits through TPW: resident permits are digital and plate-linked; clear any unpaid parking citations first, because they block the purchase.

Have this ready

• Proof of residency with the property address (license, tax statement, recent utility bill, voter card, or lease)
• Texas registration and insurance at the residence address for each vehicle
• No unpaid or unresolved parking citations
• For a new zone: the $350 application fee and neighbor contacts for the petition

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing the renewal deadline. There is no grace period: July 31 for the UT orange area, December 31 for all other zones.
• Paying full price in a Hybrid Parking Area. Mixed pay-to-park and RPP areas get two resident permits free on request.
• Applying with unpaid parking citations on record; they block the permit until resolved.
• Counting on a sublease. Only tenants named on the executed lease qualify; subleases are not accepted.
• Mueller residents assuming four permits. Mueller is capped at two permits total per residence.

Common questions

How much do Austin RPP permits cost?

Resident vehicle permits are tiered: $60 for the first, $70 second, $80 third, $90 fourth. Visitor hangtags are $90 each, day passes $5. All plus 8.25% sales tax. CAP discount: $20 resident, $30 visitor, up to two permits.

How do I get a permit-only zone on my street?

Email MobilityServices@AustinTexas.gov, file the $350 online application, then collect 66% resident support on the city's digital petition within 90 days. A two-week parking study (75% occupancy, 50% non-resident) and the Area Traffic Engineer's approval follow.

When do RPP permits expire?

July 31 each year for the UT-area orange zone; December 31 for all other color zones. There is no grace period.

Can I get day passes for guests?

Yes, $5 scratch-off day passes, but only if your residence already holds yearly permits. Limit: 20 passes per event, six events per year.

What about construction workers' trucks?

Residential construction passes cover workers' vehicles: up to three per address, each valid 45 consecutive days, extendable in 45-day increments via the RPP Construction Pass application.

Official source

• Austin Residential Permit Parking program

Checked August 26, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.

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