Bozeman, MT Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Bozeman creates residential permit areas one ordinance at a time. Under § 36.04.330 the City Commission acts after a public hearing and must find that the area is predominantly residential in character, that its streets are regularly congested with vehicles parked by persons not residing there, and that limiting parking along the public streets better provides adequate parking for residents. The commission must also find that the area furthers at least one of four objectives: promoting tranquility among commuters and residents, reducing noise, reducing traffic hazards, or reducing litter. Signs must go up before enforcement begins.

Two districts are codified. The Montana State University district in § 36.04.360 is defined by a metes-and-bounds description that runs along streets near campus, including South 12th, South 5th and South 3rd Avenues and West Dickerson, West College and West Kagy. Parking there is unlawful from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, unless the vehicle shows a valid MSU residential permit, a temporary MSU visitor's permit for that location, or an MSU service provider permit. Emergency vehicles and clearly marked business vehicles serving persons or property in the district are exempt. The Bozeman Senior High School district in § 36.04.365 uses the same hours but applies only from August 15 to June 15 and runs on a permit year that begins August 1. The MSU permit year begins September 1.

Permits come from the city finance department. Under § 36.04.350 an applicant submits a form with proof of residence in the district and proof of registration or exclusive use and control of each vehicle. Fees are set by resolution and no part is refundable, and no permit issues for a vehicle with outstanding parking citations or other fines owed to the city. Each dwelling unit gets no more than two visitor permits a year, each business owner or employee in the district can buy one residential permit, and a permit does not guarantee a space. Residential permits go on the left rear bumper; visitor and employee permits hang from the interior rearview mirror.