Proposed Residential Parking Permit Changes
Proposed Residential Parking Permit Changes
A Community Guide to the Draft Ordinance
The City of St. Petersburg is considering amendments to its Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program.
The draft ordinance includes:
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Updates to the existing downtown Residential Permit Parking Area (RPPA) program, and
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Creation of a new Neighborhood Resident Only Parking Area (NROPA) option that could apply to areas outside downtown experiencing significant overflow parking.
This page provides a detailed explanation of what is being proposed, how it would work, and what it could mean for neighborhoods. The goal is to ensure residents have clear, accurate information so they can form their own opinions before the proposal returns to City Council for further discussion.
Why Is This Being Discussed?
In 2024, a City Council referral directed staff to explore whether neighborhoods outside of downtown should have access to a residential parking tool similar to the one currently used in downtown and parts of Old Northeast.
The issue being examined is overflow parking, situations where vehicles originating from outside a neighborhood (such as nearby commercial areas, employment centers, events, nightlife, or other destinations) occupy on-street spaces to the point that residents experience difficulty parking near their homes.
The draft ordinance does not automatically create new parking districts.
Instead, it establishes a structured process that neighborhoods could use if specific community support thresholds and parking impact criteria are met.
Part 1: Updates to the Existing Downtown Residential Permit Program (RPPA)
The draft ordinance proposes several adjustments to the existing Residential Permit Parking Area (RPPA) program, which currently applies in downtown and portions of Old Northeast.
These updates focus primarily on eligibility, administration, and fees.
Proposed Changes Include:
• Increasing the annual permit fee from $15 to $30.
• Clarifying eligibility rules for residents living near permit district boundaries.
• Allowing certain students to qualify for permits without changing vehicle registration, provided they can demonstrate residency.
• Clarifying that certain small business owners within designated permit areas may obtain a permit, but would not receive visitor passes. (This provision currently applies in areas such as Old Northeast and may not represent a substantive policy change.)
• Allowing denial of permit applications if the applicant has delinquent parking citations.
These changes primarily affect permit areas that already exist and do not create new districts.
Part 2: Creation of a New Program — Neighborhood Resident Only Parking Areas (NROPA)
The more significant policy proposal is the creation of a new option for neighborhoods outside of downtown.
Under the draft ordinance, neighborhoods experiencing significant overflow parking could apply to become a Neighborhood Resident Only Parking Area (NROPA) if they meet specific petition and study requirements.
If approved, on-street parking within that area would be restricted during posted hours to vehicles displaying a valid permit.
Importantly, restrictions would not automatically be 24 hours per day. The ordinance allows the City to tailor restrictions based on the nature of the intrusion.
For example:
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If overflow occurs primarily during weekday business hours, restrictions could apply Monday–Friday during those hours.
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If the issue is weekend event parking, restrictions could apply only on weekends.
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If impacts are more constant, broader timeframes could be considered.
When restrictions are not in effect, parking would remain open to the public.
How Would a Neighborhood Qualify?
The draft ordinance establishes a two-step process.
Both steps must be satisfied before any designation could move forward.
Step 1: Petition Requirement
Before the City conducts a parking study, at least two-thirds (2/3) of households within the proposed area must sign a petition supporting the request.
Key requirements include:
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One signature per household
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The signer must be an adult resident (owner or tenant)
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If the petition does not meet the 2/3 threshold, the area may not reapply for two years (unless traffic conditions significantly change)
This is a high support threshold and is consistent with standards used for neighborhood traffic calming programs.
The intent is to ensure that a substantial majority of residents support pursuing restrictions before City resources are used for further evaluation.
Step 2: City Field Study
Even if the petition threshold is met, designation is not automatic.
The City must conduct a field study to determine whether parking conditions justify restrictions.
The draft ordinance indicates the City would evaluate:
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Whether parking occupancy exceeds approximately 75% of available on-street spaces
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Whether at least 25% of vehicles observed are not registered to residents within the proposed area
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Whether residents are experiencing an unreasonable parking burden
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Whether congestion, circulation problems, or safety hazards are present
Only if both the petition requirement and the study criteria are satisfied would the proposal move forward for consideration.
Important Limitation: Commercial Adjacency
The draft ordinance specifies that:
Parking spaces directly abutting commercial properties may not be designated as resident-only.
This provision is intended to protect customer access to businesses and avoid restricting commercial activity immediately adjacent to retail or commercial uses.
What Would Life Look Like Inside a Resident-Only Area?
If a Neighborhood Resident Only Parking Area (NROPA) were approved, parking rules would reflect the specific nature of the overflow issue identified in the study.
Restrictions would be tailored to the intrusion pattern rather than automatically applying 24 hours a day.
Examples could include:
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Weekday daytime restrictions if the issue is employment-related overflow
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Weekend-only restrictions if the issue is event-related parking
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Broader timeframes if the intrusion is more consistent
When restrictions are not in effect, parking would remain open to the public.
The exact days and hours would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Resident Permits
Residents within the designated area could apply for permits for vehicles registered to that address.
Permits would be issued, suspended, or revoked under the same administrative process used for existing permit areas.
Visitor Permits
Each household could receive up to three annual visitor permits.
These permits would allow guests to park legally during restricted hours.
Replacement cost for lost or stolen visitor permits would be $30.
Contractors and Service Vehicles
Service vehicles (e.g., lawn care, pool maintenance, delivery, contractors) would be allowed to park for up to two hours without a permit.
If work requires longer than two hours, the resident would need to provide a visitor permit.
Review the Full Documents
This page is intended to provide a clear explanation of the proposed changes.
However, summaries cannot replace reviewing the full language.
We strongly encourage residents, neighborhood leaders, and stakeholders to read the complete documents before forming conclusions.
Download and review the full materials below:
Share Your Thoughts
Parking policy affects daily life, from residents and renters to visitors, small businesses, caregivers, and community events.
Before this proposal moves back to City Council, we want to hear from you.
Please share:
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Questions or clarifications you believe are needed
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Concerns about potential unintended impacts
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Suggestions for improvements or safeguards
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Whether you support, oppose, or are undecided about the proposal
You may submit feedback by emailing us directly at:
president@stpetecona.org
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