This information is collected from anecdotal accounts of 26 Street residents. As more information becomes available, I will post updates and links.

Contrary to what many believe, when it comes to installing parking restriction signs, the initiative must come from residents. The community association does not get involved in these affairs.

Some of the rules:

Each side of each block must petition the City separately. If you live on a corner, one petition covers only one side (exceptions do exist, so inquire).

Residents of each affected stretch must agree on the type of restriction they want installed. In the case of our community, two solutions are recommended: Restricted hourly parking and  Residential permit parking.

To get the process started, please call 311 and not the transportation department.

Restricted Hourly Parking

This type of restriction is time based, so anyone can park in the area for the number of hours posted on the sign. Residents receive permits for unlimited parking. While this type of restriction is designed to prevent commuters from parking for some 9 hours a day, it is abused more frequently in residential areas because it is more difficult to police it. Enforcement officers would mark the tires of parked vehicles and return the posted number of hours later to check for violators. I assume that residents could call for enforcement, but overall, this solution is less desirable in residential areas. On the other hand, businesses with visitors would welcome this solution more, as they would not need to deal with permits for visitors.

Residential Permit Parking

 This type of restriction is entitlement based - only vehicles with a dosplayed permit matching the code on the sings can park in the area. It is by far more restrictive and is designed to completely prevent commuter parking and also practically guarantees a parking spot for all vehicles on the block. Residents receive a permit for each of the vehicles registered at that address, plus two visitor parmits per address and also permits for business vehicles operated by residents.

Common Features

Both types of restrictions make allowance for special gatherings (e.e. birthday parties) - all you need to do is call 311 and let parking enforcement know of the function and they will not ticket vehicles without permits.

Permits are renewable annually, but you do not need to apply or pick up in person. You can mail or fax in your application and the permits arrive in the mail.