As of October, 2016, Residential Parking permit enforcement will no longer require a physical tag on your vehicle as proof of a valid parking permit. The license plate on your vehicle is now your permit. Permittees are required to provide a registered license plate number for the particular vehicle to be parked in the residential permit parking zone.
Residential Parking Permits
A Residential Parking permit is required to park on certain streets in the City of Rochester. The effective time of Residential Permit Parking Zones will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The effective times may be varied from these standard times only with substantial justification. In no case will the effective time be less than six consecutive hours.
Permit Types, Costs & Requirements
There are 3 types of residential parking permits:
- Residential
- Business
- Temporary
Costs & Requirements for Each Permit Type
- Annual (Residential) Permit
- Cost: $33 per vehicle
- Required Documentation:
- Proof of Residency
- Current utility or credit card bill; Or
- Current lease
- State Vehicle Registration showing the license plate number, make, model, and year of the vehicle.
- Proof of Residency
- Business Permit
- Cost: $33 per vehicle
- Required Documentation:
- Written letter from the business on the business's letterhead authorizing the person(s) applying.
- Application for each employee.
- Temporary Permit
- Cost: $10 per vehicle (1-30 days)
- Required Documentation:
- Residency within the Residential Parking Zone.
All parking tickets on a vehicle must be paid before a permit is approved.
To create a new zone, expand an existing zone, or establish restrictions on a street within an existing zone, a petition is required. The City will then conduct a parking study to determine whether the area in question has a parking problem and whether the problem is caused by cars registered within the zone. For more information regarding the petition requirements, parking study criteria, or permit eligibility, please view Rochester Code of Ordinances Section 11-10.
Once a permit is issued, the following rules apply:
- Permit holders must follow all City-wide parking requirements, such as seasonal and alternate-side parking, in the parking zones.
- The license plate on your vehicle serves as your permit.
- Parking control uses automated plate readers to enforce parking permit rules.
- To change your plate and/or vehicle information, call the City Clerk's Office at 507-328-2900. You cannot change this information online by yourself - it will delete your parking permit.
- See Rochester City Ordinance Chapter 11-10 for additional guidelines on residential parking permits.
Online
Complete the full application online for yearly permits. Payment can also be made online with a credit card. A convenience fee of $3.00 applies to online payments.
In-Person
You may purchase or renew a permit in person at City Hall. You must provide both proof of residency and your vehicle registration, and you can pay by cash, check or credit card.
City Clerk's Office: 201 4th St. SE Room 135, Rochester, MN 55904 (City Hall, 1st floor)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit for a caregiver to take care of a family member at my home?
Yes. A caregiver may purchase a business permit in the Parking Permit Portal. Business permit applications require proof of employment and vehicle registration information.
Do I need a physical permit on my vehicle?
No. The City uses license plate reading technology to track Residential Parking Permits. You must update your permit anytime your vehicle or license plate number changes.
What if I have a permit and I get a new vehicle?
Contact the City Clerk's Office at 507-328-2900 to change the vehicle associated with a permit.
Can I get a permit for someone else?
Each vehicle is issued its own Residential Parking Permit. Applications for an annual permit require proof of residency for the owner listed on the vehicle registration information.
Temporary parking permits are available for visitors. Temporary permits are available in the Parking Permit Portal. Contact the City Clerk's Office at 507-328-2900 for assistance.
Can I get a parking permit for my RV or trailer?
No. Oversized vehicles with an overall length of more than 23 feet or an overall width of more than 8 feet are not allowed to park on City streets. (Examples of oversized vehicles include: RVs, motorhomes, campers, trailers, boats and boat trailers.)
How are residential parking permit zones established?
The process for establishing Residential Permit Parking restrictions is outlined in Rochester Code of Ordinances Sec. 11-10-3.
How long is my residential parking permit good for?
A Residential Parking Permit is valid for a full year from the day of purchase.
Do visitors coming to my home need a permit?
Yes. Temporary permits are available for visitors and are valid for 30 days. Permits are available in the Parking Permit Portal. Contact the City Clerk's Office at 507-328-2900 for assistance.
Can a service vehicle park outside my home?
Yes. If you have requested service at your home, the service vehicle can park at your home if the service vehicle clearly displays a named logo.
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