Street Parking Limits: Albany vs Colonie
How do street parking limits rules compare between Albany, NY and Colonie, NY?
Colonie has fewer restrictions than Albany.
Albany, NY
Albany County
Albany regulates on-street parking under City Code Chapter 359 (Vehicles and Traffic). Article VIII establishes a Residential Parking Permit System (RPPS) with three zones — Zone A west of the Empire State Plaza (Center Square, Hudson/Park, Park South, Washington Park), Zone B east of the Plaza and south of State Street (Mansion, Pastures), and Zone C east of the Plaza and north of State Street (Ten Broeck Triangle). In RPPS areas, non-permit vehicles are limited to two consecutive hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. Ordinance 20.62.24 expanded the system effective February 15, 2026.
View full Albany rules →Colonie, NY
Albany County
On-street parking in the Town of Colonie is governed by Chapter 181 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Town Code, adopted by the Town Board on May 5, 1988, together with the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (NY VAT). Article III (Parking, Standing and Stopping) requires parallel parking in the direction of lawful traffic and within marked lines. Schedule IX and Schedule X under § 181-38 list streets where parking is prohibited at all times or during posted hours.
View full Colonie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albany | Colonie |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Local Code | - | Chapter 181 (adopted 5-5-1988) |
| Article III | - | Parking, Standing and Stopping |
| Curb Distance | - | Within 12 inches (parallel) |
| All-Times Bans | - | Schedule IX (§ 181-38) |
| Hour-Limited Bans | - | Schedule X (§ 181-38) |
| State Law | - | NY VAT §1202, §1203, §1660 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albany FAQ
Which Albany neighborhoods are inside the Residential Parking Permit System?
Three zones are defined in Chapter 359, Article VIII. Zone A (west of the Empire State Plaza) covers Center Square, Hudson/Park, Park South, and Washington Park. Zone B (east of the Plaza, south of State Street) covers the Mansion neighborhood and the Pastures. Zone C (east of the Plaza, north of State Street) covers Ten Broeck Triangle. The system was expanded effective February 15, 2026 under Ordinance 20.62.24.
How long can a non-resident park on a permit street in Albany?
Two consecutive hours per day between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays (excluding holidays). Outside those hours and on weekends, no permit is required. Parking beyond two hours during enforcement hours without a permit is a $50 ticket under Article IX.
How do I get a residential parking permit in Albany?
Apply online at albany.cmrpay.com, or in person at the City Clerk's Office in City Hall Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Bring a valid driver's license and vehicle registration showing an address inside a Permit Area. The City Clerk accepts cash or check only — no credit or debit cards.
Can guests park on my street without a permit?
Each household is allowed one visitor permit. Activate and renew it online at permitvats.com. Visitor permits should not be used consecutively for more than one week (five business days) without prior approval from the City Clerk.
Colonie FAQ
How close to the curb must I park in Colonie?
Section 181-31 of the Town Code requires vehicles to park parallel with the edge of the roadway, headed in the direction of lawful traffic, with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb. Vehicles in marked spaces must be parked within the painted lines.
Where is parking prohibited in Colonie?
Section 181-38 of the Town Code prohibits parking at all times on the streets and parts of streets listed in Schedule IX, and during posted hours on the streets listed in Schedule X. Taxi stands in Schedule XIII are reserved for taxis. Always check posted signs at the curb.
Who enforces Colonie street parking?
The Town of Colonie Police Department enforces Chapter 181 on-street parking. Tickets are payable through the Town's parking violations bureau established under NY VAT §1690. Vehicles can be towed under Article IV of Chapter 181 during emergencies or when obstructing traffic.
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