Allentown's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Allentown, Pennsylvania, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Street Parking Limits

On-street parking in Allentown is governed by Chapter 615, Part 3 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of the Codified Ordinances and enforced by the Allentown Parking Authority and Police, layered on top of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (75 Pa.C.S. Chapter 33). State law sets the baseline rules for where a vehicle may legally stop, stand or park, and the city posts metered, time-limited, and permit zones by signage and Traffic Control Maps.

Key details: City Code: Chapter 615, Part 3 (Stopping, Standing & Parking). State law: 75 Pa.C.S. Sec. 3351 & 3353. Fire hydrant clearance (state): 15 feet. Driveway: No parking in front of public/private driveway. Enforcement: Allentown Parking Authority + Police.

Parking citations are issued by the Allentown Parking Authority and the Bureau of Police and paid through the APA. A vehicle that receives three tickets within one year for handicapped space, loading zone, or timed-area violations, or that reaches 'scofflaw' status for unpaid tickets, is subject to immobilization (booting) and towing. Violations of the state stopping/standing rules under 75 Pa.C.S. Sec. 3353 are summary offenses carrying a fine of not more than $50 plus costs.

RV & Boat Parking

Allentown restricts on-street parking of recreational and oversized vehicles - including buses, dual-wheel motor homes, oversized vehicles, school buses, tractor trailers, trailers, and truck campers - within residential and most non-industrial zoning districts (Chapter 660, Zoning) under Chapter 615, Part 3, Article XIV. The Allentown Parking Authority issues only short-term (24-hour, renewable) permits to load or unload a truck camper.

Key details: City Code: Ch. 615, Pt. 3, Art. XIV (Parking of Trucks and Trailers). On-street RV/camper: Prohibited in non-industrial zones. Exempt zones: I-2 Limited & I-3 General Industrial only. Truck camper permit: 24-hour load/unload, renewable once. RV definition: Chapter 660 (Zoning).

Parking a prohibited oversized or recreational vehicle on a residential street is a violation enforced by the Allentown Parking Authority and Police; vehicles are subject to ticketing, immobilization, and towing. A vehicle left in one place on any street continuously for over 72 hours is also deemed 'stored' and may be impounded as abandoned.

Compared to other cities, Allentown takes a harder line on rv & boat parking. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Overnight Parking

Allentown does not impose a blanket residential overnight on-street parking ban, but a vehicle parked in one place on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours is treated as 'stored'/abandoned and is subject to ticketing, immobilization, and towing. Overnight enforcement otherwise follows posted street-cleaning windows, meter hours, and residential permit-parking zones.

Key details: Overnight ban: No blanket citywide ban. Stored/abandoned trigger: 72 consecutive hours in one place. Permit exemption: Does NOT waive 72-hour rule. Enforcement: Allentown Parking Authority + Police. Re-park rule: No moving within same block/side to reset limit.

A vehicle left in one place over 72 hours is subject to ticketing, booting, towing, and impoundment as abandoned/stored. Permit holders remain subject to the 72-hour rule and to street-cleaning, loading-zone, five-minute-zone, and meter restrictions.

Driveway Rules

Allentown requires vehicles not to block sidewalks per PA Vehicle Code §3353. Parking on unpaved surfaces may be prohibited. Driveway modifications need permits.

Key details: Sidewalk: Cannot block (PA VC §3353). Surface: Must be paved. Modifications: Permit required. Inoperable: Cannot store in driveway.

Sidewalk blocking: parking citation $25 to $150. Unpaved parking: code enforcement notice. Unpermitted driveway work: stop-work order.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Allentown bars heavy commercial vehicles from residential neighborhoods both on-street and on-lot. The Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 660-90.C) prohibits parking a tractor trailer, a truck with a Class 5 license or above, or any truck over 11,000 pounds GVW for more than 2 hours per day on a lot in a Neighborhood (N) zone, and Chapter 615 bars tractor trailers, trailers, buses, and oversized vehicles from on-street parking in non-industrial districts.

Key details: Zoning rule: Sec. 660-90.C (Truck Parking in N Zones). Weight threshold: Over 11,000 lbs GVW or Class 5+. On-lot limit: Max 2 hours/day in N (Neighborhood) zone. On-street rule: Ch. 615, Art. XIV - banned in non-industrial zones. Exempt zones: I-2 & I-3 Industrial.

Exceeding the 2-hour daily limit for heavy trucks on a residential (N-zone) lot is a zoning violation enforced by code enforcement, while on-street commercial-vehicle parking in a prohibited district is enforced by the Allentown Parking Authority and Police with ticketing, immobilization, and towing.

Compared to other cities, Allentown takes a harder line on commercial vehicle restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

EV Charging

Allentown regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new construction.

Key details: Permit: Electrical permit required. New Construction: EV-ready spaces may be required. HOA: Cannot prohibit owner installation. ADA: Public stations must comply.

Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required removal. HOA violations of EV access laws: legal remedies available to homeowners.

The rules around ev charging in Allentown lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Abandoned Vehicles

Allentown prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed after a notice period.

Key details: Street Limit: Typically 72 hours. Private Property: Must be enclosed or screened. Towing: At owner expense. Registration: Must be current.

Notice period typically 72 hours to 10 days. Towing and storage at owner expense ($150 to $500+). Additional fines for repeat violations.

The Bottom Line

Allentown is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Allentown, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Allentown can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.