Brookhaven, GA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Brookhaven runs a residential permit parking program under Division 2 of Chapter 17. Section 17-256 creates it: motor vehicles bearing a special parking permit can park in excess of the time limits posted on streets within designated residential permit parking areas. The director of public works administers the program.

Residents start it. Under section 17-258, a petition to the director must be supported by the signature of one adult resident from 65 percent or more of the residences in the area, with only one signature needed for each street address. An apartment building or other multiple-family dwelling counts as one residence, signed by the property owner or a person legally authorized to sign for the owner. The petition must define the boundaries of the area and identify a resident petition coordinator. Section 17-259 sets the size test: no less than 30 single-family street addresses or no less than 2,000 linear feet of street frontage, measured from the center of adjacent intersections. An approved area receives a unique identification letter.

Permits follow. The application lists the vehicle owner or operator, residential address, driver's license number and the vehicle make, model and license number, with proof of residency as the director requires (17-260). Resident permits share a common expiration date within each area, full-term permits are valid for one year, and the fee comes from the city fee schedule (17-261). Each eligible owner gets one resident permit and can receive three visitor permits free; additional visitor permits cost the scheduled fee, up to seven visitor permits in any 12-month period (17-262). The decal goes on the inside lower corner of the rear window, driver's side (17-263). The director can issue temporary permits valid for not more than one year to people providing health care or other essential services, but not to anyone serving a commercial activity conducted at a residence.

A permit is not a reserved space. Section 17-267 says the permit does not authorize parking where parking is prohibited and does not guarantee the holder a space. An area ends by a petition signed for 65 percent or more of the qualified addresses, with no refund of permit fees and a 24 month wait before the street section can rejoin (17-266).