Residential Parking Permit FAQ
The City of Cincinnati is accepting applications for residential parking passes for residents in designated zones throughout the city. The permits are part of a program that allows residents the option to purchase an annual pass for on-street parking.
For more information, please see answers to frequently asked questions below.
Q: What is the Residential Parking Permit Program?
The Residential Parking Permit program allows on-street parking by residents who have an approved permit.
Some on-street residential parking areas are divided into zones. The residential zones are separate from on-street parking spaces with meters. Currently there are eight zones throughout the city. Each is designated with a letter, except Over-the-Rhine, which is designated as OTR.
Special signage also is posted on site to indicate the zones designated for residential parking. There are no defined spaces within the zones. Anyone with the Residential Parking Permit can park in any of the spots available in the designated zones on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Zones are created at the request of respective community councils. To start the process, 60 percent of the households in the area signing a petition is needed. Please contact Jon Childress at 513-352-379 with any questions about creating zones or boundaries.
Q: Are permit holders guaranteed a parking spot?
No. If no space is available, a resident with a permit will need to find alternative parking, such as a metered space or off street.
Q: Who can get a Special Parking Permit?
Any resident with proof of residency in the zone and proof of registration of a vehicle may obtain a permit to park in the designated zones. However, permits are limited to one per person and two per dwelling unit. Residents in all zones, except OTR, are allowed one visitor pass per residence.
The applicant must provide proof of residency (a copy of their lease or utility bill) and proof a vehicle is registered in their name. Applicants also need to complete an application online. It can be found on the city’s website on the Department of Transportation and Engineering’s page, under the DOTE Resource Center.
If you don't have Internet access, you can apply in person in the City’s Department of Transportation & Engineering, Right of Way Management, Room 425, City Hall, 801 Plum St.
Q. The car I drive isn’t registered to me. Can I get a permit for it?
No, the car must be registered in the name of the person applying for the permit. The applicant also must have a valid driver’s license.
Q: Can the residential permits be used in other Residential Parking Areas?
No, permits are only valid only in the zones indicated on the permit.
Q: How much does the permit cost?
The standard permit in OTR costs $60 annually; however, there is an affordable permit available for $25 for those who qualify as low income. All other zones are $30 for a full year, $15 for a half year. That cost applies to visitor passes also (OTR does not have visitor passes).
Payment may be made by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard. Checks should be made out to Treasurer- City of Cincinnati. Each permit is good for that calendar year and expire Dec. 31. The cost of a permit cannot be prorated based on the time of year it is purchased.
Q: What are the criteria to show proof of income status?
- A lease or other documentation from the resident’s landlord showing that the resident lives in subsidized and or tax-credit housing
- An Ohio Direction Card showing that the resident is eligible for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (“SNAP”)
- Participation in a Medicaid-managed care plan or fee-for-service card showing that the resident is eligible for Medicaid
- Ohio EPPICard showing that the resident is eligible for Ohio Works First (“OWF”) cash assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) award letter or other appropriate documentation showing that the resident is eligible for SSI
Q: How are the permits enforced?
The permit sticker/decal should be placed on the lower passenger side portion of the front windshield. Receipts and printed copies of applications in windshields are not accepted by Parking Enforcement and doing so could result in a citation. Enforcement issues should be directed to the City’s Parking Facilities Division at 513-352-4527.
Q: How long does it take to get a permit once the application is received?
Online applications are the quickest way to get your permit. All permits must be entered into the online tracking system so using a paper application may result in a longer time to process permits. Permits can be mailed to your residence or picked up in office.
Generally, permits can be issued same day if the application is submitted online and the applicant calls with a method of payment.
Q: When did the program go into effect?
The program went into effect Jan. 1, 2019.
Q: What happens if you don't have a permit?
Violators will be subject to a citation by the City’s Parking Enforcement Division under Cincinnati Municipal Code Section 514. All questions involving tickets and enforcement need to be directed to Parking Facilities at 513-352-4527.
Q: Where can visitors park without passes?
Visitors are not permitted to park in zones designated for residential permits unless they display a visitor’s pass (visitor passes are not available in OTR). Options include metered spaces, garages, and off-street parking.