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Phoenix, AZ Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
City Code Sec. 36-157
Program start
1987
Block petition threshold
70% of homeowners on one side
Permit cost
$10 resident / $5 visitor (max 3)

Summary

Phoenix's Resident Permit Parking Program, established in 1987, lets the City Council designate 'resident only' permit areas under City Code Sec. 36-157 where documented 'intruder parking' occurs. A block may petition with 70 percent of homeowners on one side of the street; residents then buy annual permits ($10 resident, $5 visitor).

Phoenix established the Resident Permit Parking Program (RPPP) in 1987 ... If a neighborhood street meets the requirements ... 'resident only' parking signs may be posted when at least 70% of the residents on the block sign a petition in favor of the restrictions. Residents are eligible to buy permit(s), which allow themselves or their visitors to park on the street during the restricted hours. ... City Council will be asked to amend City Code 36-157 to add a new permit parking area. ... At least seventy percent of the homeowners on one side of the street must sign in favor of 'resident only' parking. ... Resident Permits ... may be purchased for $10.00 each per year. Visitor Permits ... limited to three per address ... may be purchased for $5.00 each per year.

Full Breakdown

Preferential residential parking in Phoenix runs through the Resident Permit Parking Program (RPPP), administered by the Street Transportation Department and codified at City Code Sec. 36-157. After a fact sheet is distributed, at least 15 homeowners submit a Traffic Study Request, and a traffic study confirms 'intruder parking' (parking by people traveling to adjacent businesses, universities, or events outside the neighborhood), the City Council amends Code Sec. 36-157 to add a new permit-parking area. Once an area is established, an individual block may petition for 'resident only' signs with the signatures of at least 70 percent of the homeowners on one side of the street.

Residents and their visitors then purchase annual permits - $10 per resident permit and $5 per visitor permit (limit three per address) - to park during restricted hours. Permits do not guarantee a space, and a program can be abolished block-by-block by a 70 percent petition. Service/landscaping vehicles displaying commercial placards are not ticketed while actively working at a home.

Violations & Fines

Vehicles without a valid permit parked during restricted hours in an RPPP area are ticketed by Phoenix Police (report to (602) 534-7733 or traffic.complaints@phoenix.gov).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get resident-only parking on my street?
Phoenix must first establish an RPPP area by City Council amendment of Code Sec. 36-157 after a traffic study confirms intruder parking. Your block may then petition for 'resident only' signs with at least 70 percent of homeowners on one side of the street signing in favor.
How much do RPPP permits cost?
Resident permits are $10 per year each and visitor permits are $5 per year (limited to three per address). All permits must be renewed annually, and purchasing a permit does not guarantee a parking space.
Will my landscaper get a ticket in a permit zone?
No. Landscape and service vehicles may use your visitor permit, and police will not ticket vehicles displaying commercial placards while they are actively working at the home where they are parked.

Sources & Official References

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