Dubuque, IA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

To create a district, an adult member of at least 60 percent of the dwelling units on the block must sign a petition to the City Manager under Dubuque City Code Section 9-14-321.722, and the area must contain at least four adjacent block faces or 50 curb parking spaces (a waiver is available only if topography or a commercial buffer isolates the block, not for mere convenience). The City Manager then orders a parking study: a district is only recommended if at least 70 percent of curbside spaces are occupied and at least 25 percent of parked cars belong to nonresidents during the 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. peak period, confirmed on at least one of up to four site visits within 30 days.

The City Council then holds a public hearing before adopting the district by ordinance. Once a district exists, each dwelling unit may receive up to four resident permits and two guest permits per year under Section 9-14-321.725; the annual fee is set by the City Manager and is not refundable or prorated if surrendered early. Permits must be affixed to the inside lower left corner of the windshield and are void if sold or transferred. Marked service vehicles working in the district and cars in metered spaces are exempt under Section 9-14-321.729.

Dubuque has established Residential Parking Permit Districts A through H, including District A on Grace Street and District B around Bluff, Emmett and West 3rd Streets, each with its own restricted hours set in its own subsection. Residents can also petition to dissolve a district if 60 percent of dwelling units sign to withdraw it.