Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Program
Important policy changes
The Residential Parking Policy was approved by Council in January 2021 following two years of engagement with Calgarians. Information about the updated policy can be found in Calgary Parking Policies. Corresponding bylaw changes can be found in the Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96, sections 20 to 26.
Please note: As part of the change, residents living in large multi-residential buildings (four stories or more in height or with more than 20 dwelling units) are no longer eligible for standard Residential Parking Permits. However, Council approved the introduction of a new type of permit called a Market Permit which allows citizens who live in large multi-residential buildings to park in a Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) within 150 metres of their address. There is also a Low-Income Market Permit option through Fair Entry.
In addition, a new fee structure for parking permits, approved by Council during the 2023-2026 Business Plan and Budget process in November 2022, will be implemented on August 1, 2023. By introducing new permit fees, the cost of administering the program will be recovered, thus contributing to the overall parking revenue allocation back into The City. This, in turn, provides increased opportunity for surplus revenue, which is directly invested in community improvements through the Parking Revenue Reinvestment Program.
In RPZs, parking permits are available to residents who qualify. The RPP program provides easier access to on-street parking to those who live in an area without on-site parking or homes near large venues or popular outdoor areas. Major parking generators such as hospitals, post-secondary facilities and LRT stations are common examples. In these areas, parking restrictions may be necessary to allow residents and their visitors reasonable access to on-street parking in their community.
On-street parking is a public asset intended for public use.
Managing the costs of parking permits encourages residents to consider off-street parking options as well as other transportation options, while balancing the need for providing convenient, parking options for citizens who need to drive.
The City strives to manage on-street parking so that there is a reliable and predictable amount of available space on each block. This means parking is readily available for residents, visitors and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Residential Parking Permit is my address eligible for?
The Select Permit will be available on August 1, 2023. Until then, continue to apply for your standard Residential Parking Permit(s) and Visitor Permit(s).
Why is the RPP program changing?
To balance the changing parking needs of residents, visitors, businesses, and neighborhoods, The City of Calgary updated the Residential Parking Policy in January 2021. As part of the policy changes, updates are required for the program to be aligned. The revised program aims to increase street use efficiency and fairness, support businesses, and be better positioned for long-term sustainability.
Why do parking permits have a fee now?
As with all street parking in Calgary, managing parking demand and encouraging the sharing of public space is the primary goal, not to generate revenue. Though The City has modernized permits and enforcement in RPZs to cut costs, the RPP program operates at a financial loss. By introducing new permit fees, the cost of administering the program will be recovered, thus contributing to the overall parking revenue allocation back into The City. This, in turn, provides increased opportunity for surplus revenue, which is directly invested in community improvements through the Parking Revenue Reinvestment Program.
How were the 2023 parking permit fees decided?
City Council approved the 2023 parking permit fees to achieve long-term financial sustainability of the RPP program. The fees were determined as the best possible fee structure to recover the cost of administering the RPP program while remaining comparable to other residential parking programs in the country. Managing the costs of parking permits encourages residents to consider off-street parking options and other transportation options while balancing the need for providing convenient parking options for citizens who need to drive.
How much does it cost to purchase a parking permit?
On August 1, 2023, a new fee structure for all parking permits will be introduced. Until then, there is only a fee to obtain a Market Permit or Low-Income Market Permit. The Select Permit will also be available on August 1, 2023.
When will the 2023 parking permit fees be implemented?
On August 1, 2023, a new fee structure for all parking permits will be introduced. Until then, there is only a fee to obtain a Market Permit or Low-Income Market Permit. The Select Permit will also be available on August 1, 2023.
What are the benefits of the changes?
Parking impacts how all citizens live, work and play in our city, and is an important part of the overall transportation system. A well-designed parking system that manages available street space effectively will improve traffic flow and enhance street conditions whether you walk, wheel, drive, or take transit. Changes to the program aim to reduce red tape, improve efficiency in parking, support businesses, achieve better value for citizens, and be better positioned for long-term sustainability. In addition, the changes will provide improved use of street space and support the objectives of the Municipal Development Plan/Calgary Transportation Plan.
Where can I park without a permit?
If you do not have a parking permit, you have parking options:
- In your building’s own parkade or lot
- On-street following posted signage and time restrictions:
- There is no charge and no time restrictions for parking in all pricing areas weekdays from 6:00 p.m until restrictions come into effect the next morning, Monday to Friday.
- There is no charge for parking on Sundays, statutory holidays and on Saturdays in some pricing areas.
- Long stay on-street parking is available in seven areas throughout Calgary including the Beltline, West and East Village, Victoria Park and Mission. Visit www.calgaryparking.com/long-stay-on-street-parking for more information on locations and rates.
- Off-street parking options
- Calgary Parking parkade or lot locations: www.calgaryparking.com/findparking/lotlocations
- Other parking providers
Residential Parking Zones (RPZ)
Residential Parking Zones (RPZs) are areas of the city with high parking congestion that employ certain parking exemptions for eligible residents of the zone. For example, many zones use two-hour time restrictions to manage short-stay parking, but permit holders are exempt from the time restriction.
RPZs are established by The City using data. They may be created when there is demonstrated, ongoing parking congestion in a residential neighborhood that is the result of a major parking generator.
The rules governing the application and use of Residential Parking Zones are contained in the Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96, sections 20 to 26. The City maintains an up-to-date record and map of the residential parking zones on its website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to establish a new RPZ
Requests for new zones can be made by residents, community associations, Council members or City Administration. In all cases, requests will be prioritized, and decisions based on data.
- The creation of a new zone is considered by the proximity of the area requested to a major parking generator which would typically see more than 1,500 vehicle trips per day (or per event for locations such as stadiums and arenas). Major parking generators such as hospitals, post-secondary facilities and LRT stations are common examples.
- A parking study will be conducted, and a new zone is warranted if occupancy of available on-street space is above 80%.
- If warranted, residents can request residential parking restrictions.
Residential Parking Permit qualifications
In Residential Parking Zones (RPZs), The City offers parking permits to residents who qualify.
Permits may be issued to a resident on a block with parking restrictions within a residential parking zone under one of the following classes:
| BUILDING TYPE | DEFINITION | PERMIT ELIGIBILITY |
|---|---|---|
| Large Multi-Residential Building | Four stories or more in height or with more than 20 dwelling units |
One Market Permit |
| Pre-1945 Large Multi-Residential Building | Four stories or more in height or with more than 20 dwelling units and built before 1945 |
One Select Permit Available mid-2023 |
| Small Multi-Residential Building | Less than four stories in height and has 20 or fewer dwelling units |
One Select Permit Available mid-2023 |
| Ground-Oriented Building | Detached, semi-detached and duplex houses, fourplexes, townhouses, rowhouses and some low profile multi-residential buildings | Maximum three Residential Parking Permits & two Visitor Permits |
How to request a new or modify restriction signs
Requests can be made by the public by calling 311 or filling out a 311 online request and selecting selecting ‘Sign – Parking Signs (Permanent Concern)’. Residential parking restriction signs can only be installed in existing residential parking zones, and only one parking restriction is permitted per block.
New restrictions and modifications to existing restrictions will follow a parking study process. Parking studies are conducted to determine occupancy in residential areas to address new parking issues that are identified from time to time. The minimum study area is one block and will include both sides of the street. Study periods will be based on peak times of the nearby parking generator.
Please note: Requests for changes to existing residential parking signage or new residential parking signage will be considered based on location.
New residential parking restriction signs:
- Parking study required, initiated by The City of Calgary.
- If the parking study shows occupancy is 80% or higher, two-hour parking except by permit signs can be added.
- Petition issued to resident of the affected block. This is so they can gather neighborhood support for the implementation of the recommended two-hour parking except by permit signs.
- If the petition is signed by 80% or more of the people who live in the area, signs will be installed, and residents are eligible to apply for permits from the Calgary Parking Authority.
Modify existing residential parking restriction signs:
- Parking study required, initiated by The City of Calgary:
- Where occupancy is 80% or higher, signage can be changed to a higher restriction. A petition is issued to residents of the affected block so they can gather support/signatures for the implementation of the recommended restriction.
- Where occupancy is between 50% and 80%, the existing signage is considered appropriate and remains unchanged. The requestor will be notified.
- Where occupancy is less than 50%, signage can be changed to a lower restriction. Residents of the affected block will be notified by The City of Calgary advising of the lower restriction and the timeline of installation/removal.
Signage restriction levels are:
- No Restrictions (least restrictive)
- Two-hour parking except by permit
- No Parking except by permit (most restrictive)
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