Duluth, MN Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Who authorizes zones
- City council by resolution, after hearing
- Resident permits per dwelling unit
- Up to 3
- Regular visitor permits per dwelling unit
- Up to 2
- Minimum applicant age
- 16 years old
- Permit year
- July 1 to July 1 (§ 33-127)
Summary
In the City of Duluth, the city council may create resident permit parking zones by resolution after a public hearing; once posted, only vehicles displaying a valid resident's permit, a visitor's permit, or an identified commercial delivery vehicle may park there, per Duluth Legislative Code § 33-124.
No person shall park a motor vehicle in any area designated as a resident permit parking zone, while such zone is limited to parking by permit only, unless: (a) A valid resident's permit, issued pursuant to this Article is displayed in or on the vehicle as required by this Article; or (b) The vehicle is a commercial service or commercial delivery vehicle which is then being used for service or delivery to a residence which abuts the zone and the exterior of the vehicle displays painted or embossed lettering or insignia which identifies the commercial person by whom or which the vehicle is being used for such service or delivery; or (c) A valid visitor's permit, issued pursuant to this Article is displayed in or on the vehicle as required by this Article, but only while the person who parked the vehicle is visiting the resident in the zone from whom the visitor's permit was assigned.
Full Breakdown
Article VIII of Chapter 33 creates Duluth's resident permit parking program. Section 33-124 bars parking in a designated resident permit parking zone unless the vehicle displays a valid resident's permit, is a marked commercial service or delivery vehicle actively serving an abutting residence, or displays a valid visitor's permit while the visitor is actually visiting the resident who was issued it. Section 33-125 reserves the designation power to the city council by resolution, requires the director of public works to post signs stating the zone and its effective hours, and conditions any designation on a prior council resolution announcing a public hearing with notice mailed to every abutting address.
Section 33-126 sets eligibility: a resident of an abutting property, at least 16 years old, may apply to the city clerk, verifying the address as a permanent or usual abode; up to three resident permits and one regular visitor's permit (capped at two per dwelling unit as defined in Chapter 29A) may issue per dwelling unit, plus any number of special visitor's permits, with additional permits available only on joint recommendation of police, the traffic engineer and the parking commission. Permits run on a July 1 to July 1 year under § 33-127, and the council may set a fee by resolution.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 33 sets no distinct fine for § 33-124, so the citywide general penalty in § 1-7 applies: up to $1,000 per offense, with continuing violations counted per day. A vehicle parked in a resident permit zone without a displayed, valid permit is subject to citation and, under § 33-98, may be towed and impounded at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Duluth neighborhood get resident permit parking?
Can visitors park in a Duluth resident permit zone?
How many resident parking permits can one Duluth household get?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Duluth
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