Proposed Residential Parking Permit Changes
Proposed Residential Parking Permit Changes
A Community Guide to the Draft Ordinance
The City of St. Petersburg is considering changes to its Residential Parking Permit system.
These changes include:
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Updates to the existing downtown permit program, and
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Creation of a new program that could apply to neighborhoods outside downtown experiencing heavy overflow parking.
This page provides a comprehensive explanation of what is being proposed so residents can understand it clearly and form their own opinions before it returns to City Council for further consideration.
Why Is This Being Discussed?
City Council members requested staff explore whether neighborhoods outside downtown should have access to a tool similar to the downtown residential permit parking program.
The concern being addressed is overflow parking — situations where vehicles from outside an area (events, commercial activity, employment centers, beach traffic, nightlife, etc.) fill neighborhood streets to the point that residents struggle to park near their homes.
The proposal does not automatically create new parking districts. It creates a process that neighborhoods could use if certain thresholds are met.
Part 1: Updates to the Existing Downtown Residential Permit Program (RPPA)
The draft ordinance proposes several adjustments to the current downtown permit system.
Proposed Changes Include:
• Increasing the annual permit fee (from $15 to $30).
• Clarifying eligibility rules for residents near district boundaries.
• Allowing certain students to qualify without changing vehicle registration.
• Allowing small business owners in specific zoning districts to obtain permits (without visitor passes).
• Allowing denial of applications if the applicant has delinquent parking citations.
These changes primarily affect downtown permit areas that already exist.
Part 2: Creation of a New Program — Neighborhood Resident Only Parking Areas (NROPA)
This is the larger policy shift.
The proposal would allow neighborhoods outside downtown to apply for designation as a Neighborhood Resident Only Parking Area (NROPA) if they can demonstrate significant parking impacts.
If approved, curb parking in that area would become restricted to permitted vehicles, subject to specific rules.
How Would a Neighborhood Qualify?
This is not automatic.
Step 1: Petition Requirement
Before the City conducts a study, at least two-thirds (2/3) of households in the proposed area must sign a petition.
Key details:
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One signature per household
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Must be signed by an adult resident (owner or tenant)
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If the petition fails, the area cannot reapply for two years (unless traffic conditions significantly change)
This is a high threshold and is consistent with standards used for traffic calming programs.
Step 2: City Field Study
Even if the petition threshold is met, the City must determine whether the parking conditions justify restrictions.
The draft states the City would consider:
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Whether parking occupancy exceeds approximately 75% of available spaces
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Whether at least 25% of vehicles are not registered to residents of the proposed area
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Whether residents face an unreasonable parking burden
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Whether congestion or safety hazards exist
Only if both the petition and the study criteria are satisfied would the proposal move forward.
Important Limitation: Commercial Adjacency
The draft ordinance specifies:
Parking spaces directly abutting commercial properties may not be designated as resident-only.
This is intended to protect customer access to businesses and avoid restricting commercial activity.
What Would Life Look Like Inside a Resident-Only Area?
If a neighborhood successfully qualifies and is approved:
Parking Restrictions
Street parking would be prohibited at all hours without a valid permit.
This means:
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No overnight parking without a permit
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No daytime parking without a permit
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No general public parking within the designated area
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 would allow guests to park legally within the area.
Replacement cost for lost or stolen visitor permits would be set at $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 using the form by emailing us directly at:
president@stpetecona.org
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