Allentown, PA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Article XVI of Chapter 615, added by Ordinance No. 12708 in 1986, lets the Allentown Parking Authority designate streets as Residential Permit Parking (RPP) areas once City Council approves. , and 10% or more of the parked cars belong to people who don't live within three blocks; Central Business District blocks need 80% residential frontage and 80% resident-owned occupancy. Once approved, residents apply to the Parking Authority for a permit good for one year, proving residency and vehicle ownership, with a separate permit required per vehicle and commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight ineligible.

The initial permit costs $25, annual renewal is $20, and visitor permits cost $2, capped at two per household at any time and valid up to 14 days under § 615-87B. Permits must display on the driver's side rear bumper. A displayed permit exempts a resident's car from the zone's posted time and meter limits, but not from other restrictions like loading zones, handicapped spaces or street-cleaning bans. The Parking Authority can revoke a permit for a violation, and failing to surrender a revoked permit is itself a separate violation. The city currently maintains at least six numbered RPP zones covering parts of downtown and the West End.