Hampton, VA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- Hampton City Code §§ 21-161: 21-170
- Petition threshold
- 75% of block households
- Non-permit limit
- 2 hours on posted blocks
- Annual permit fee
- $5 per vehicle
- Visitor permit length
- 7 days, no fee
Summary
Hampton residents on a qualifying block can petition for two-hour parking signs plus resident permits under §§ 21-161–21-170, capping non-permit parking at two hours once 75% of households sign on and a traffic survey confirms congestion.
When a residential parking permit area has been designated by ordinance or by the procedure outlined in this division, the city traffic/transportation engineer shall cause two-hour parking signs to be erected in such area indicating conditions under which parking shall be permitted. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this division, it shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle in such area for longer than two (2) hours, when such signs are in place.
Residential parking permit areas without at least one-half (½) of the residential lots with off-street parking (driveways) shall cause the two-hour parking by non-permit holders to be eliminated.
(Ord. No. 983, 11-14-90)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
City Code §§ 21-161–21-170 create the Residential Parking Permit Program. A block qualifies when residents holding at least 75% of households petition the city manager and a seven-day survey shows vehicles filling 75% or more of curb space on five or more days, with at least a third of those vehicles belonging to non-residents. Once designated, the city traffic/transportation engineer posts two-hour parking signs; anyone without a permit is limited to two hours, and blocks lacking off-street parking for at least half their lots lose the two-hour allowance for non-permit holders entirely. Resident permits cost $5 a year, are issued only to vehicles normally garaged on the block, and must display on the rear bumper. Temporary (30-day) and visitor (7-day) permits are free.
Violations & Fines
Parking past the two-hour limit without a valid permit, displaying a permit on the wrong vehicle, or obtaining one by fraud violates the program, and the vehicle may be towed under § 21-170.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Hampton block get a residential parking permit zone?
How much does a Hampton residential parking permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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