Richmond, VA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum district size
- 10 contiguous block faces
- Peak utilization threshold
- 75% of curb spaces occupied
- Non-resident threshold
- 35% used by non-residents 2+ hrs
- Annual resident permit fee
- $25.00
- Temporary guest pass
- $10.00, up to 10 days
- Annual visitor pass
- $35.00, max 2 per address
- Overtime fine
- $55 (Sec. 27-218(b)(3))
Summary
Richmond lets neighborhoods petition for a residential restricted parking district covering at least ten contiguous block faces if a majority of owners or occupants support it and utilization thresholds are met. Annual resident permits cost $25, with $10 temporary and $35 annual visitor passes available.
The City Council may establish, change or terminate residential restricted parking districts within the City pursuant to the following criteria. Upon receiving an application from a neighborhood association or civic association for the establishment of a residential restricted parking district, the Director of Public Works shall administer the application process. The application for the establishment of a new residential restricted parking district shall include all of the following information: (1) Written documentation that outlines the proposed parking district, which should be a minimum of ten contiguous block faces; (2) Written documentation from a majority of the affected associations representing the properties within the proposed district and petitions from a majority of the property owners within the proposed district supporting the creation of the outlined parking district...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Richmond City Code § 27-279 lets the City Council establish, change or terminate a residential restricted parking district after a neighborhood or civic association applies to the Director of Public Works. The application must document a proposed district of at least ten contiguous block faces, majority support from affected associations and a majority of property owners (or, where fewer than 60 percent of properties are owner-occupied, majority support from associations and occupants instead), and evidence that outside land uses are straining on-street and off-street parking.
The Director must then verify that at least 75 percent of curb spaces are used during peak periods and at least 35 percent are used by non-residents parked two or more hours; if both thresholds are met, the Director prepares the establishing ordinance within 90 days and rolls out permits within 90 days of adoption. Once approved, districts are locked in for 12 months before a modification application can be considered, and the Carver district's modification deadline is September 30 while the Fan district's is March 31.
00 annually, with the Fan district running July 1 to June 30 and the Carver district running the calendar year. 00 each; no replacement visitor passes are issued.
Violations & Fines
Parking beyond the posted time limit in a restricted district without a valid decal, temporary pass or visitor pass draws a $55 fine under Section 27-218(b)(3). Obtaining a permit under false pretenses, letting another person use a lawfully issued permit, moving a permit to an unauthorized vehicle, or reselling a temporary or visitor pass is a Class 4 misdemeanor under Section 27-280(f).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Richmond neighborhood get a residential parking district?
How much does a residential parking permit cost in Richmond?
What is the fine for parking without a district permit?
Can I let a friend use my Richmond parking permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
Compare Richmond to another location·View the Virginia parking rules overview
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