Columbus, IN Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Section 10.28.070 of the Columbus Municipal Code is the city's closest equivalent to a residential parking district. In designated residential areas such as streets, alleys, highways or other public places, it is unlawful to park or stand a vehicle longer than two hours without the written consent of the owner or tenant of the property abutting the place where the vehicle is parked. Subsection C states the limit as parking continuously for two hours per day, unless the abutting owner or tenant gives permission. The section does not displace other rules: it does not permit parking or standing that any other provision of the title or code prohibits.

Enforcement runs on complaints. Under subsection B, the complaint must come from the owner or tenant of the abutting property, who signs the form or forms prescribed by the Columbus police department. The vehicle is then ticketed under this section and, or, other city ordinances. Subsection D requires proper signs in each designated area, and Section 10.28.350 repeats that a parking time limit is not effective unless signs are in place at the time of the alleged offense.

Subsection E carves out streets where parking is restricted to one side only: persons can park within the same city block of their residence and are exempt from the section.

Subsection F sends violations to Section 10.28.290(C). That schedule is zero dollars for the first violation in a calendar year and forty dollars for the second and each later violation in a calendar year. A violator who does not pay within seven business days owes an additional ten dollars as a late penalty, and the late penalty does not replace the parking fine. All fines are paid to the police department under Section 10.28.290(F). The section creates no permit-sticker program; the control is the abutting owner's written consent.