Olympia, WA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

OMC § 10.16.055 sets up the Residential Parking Program in the City of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington. It lists eight zones: three South Capitol Neighborhood zones (Zones 1, 2 and 3), Zone 4 East Jefferson Neighborhood, Zone 5 Union Avenue Neighborhood, Zone 6 East Plum Street Area, Zone 7 Downtown Neighborhood and Zone 8 Marina Residents.

To participate, a person must live in the zone with a residence adjacent to a timed or pay parking area, pay in full all Olympia parking citations on any vehicle to be registered, and pay the fees set in OMC Chapter 4.70. Parking Services can require proof of residency (for renters, official mail plus a current lease or notarized statement from the lessor; for homeowners, official mail), current vehicle registration showing the participant as owner at the address, proof of insurance, a valid driver's license and a Home-based Business Affidavit. Residents of Zones 1, 2 and 3 also sign an Off-street Parking Affidavit.

Vehicle limits: Zones 1, 2 and 3 allow up to three vehicles per household; Zone 4 allows up to four; Zones 5, 6, 7 and 8 allow one vehicle per licensed driver, up to four per household. The Parking Services Supervisor can allow more in special circumstances or hardship cases. No boat, trailer, camper, recreational vehicle or bus can be registered, nor any vehicle larger than a parking stall, and the vehicle must stay registered to the participant and operable.

A registered vehicle can use any legal on-street space in its zone and is exempt from time limits and pay charges, but it must be moved at least once every three days. Visitor exemptions last no more than 10 business days; Zone 1 has no cap on their number, while Zones 2 and 3 limit them to two vehicles per month from January 1 through April 30. Without an exemption, no vehicle can stay in a zone more than one hour between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except recognized holidays.