Seattle enforces a 72-hour on-street parking limit on public streets. Vehicles parked more than 72 hours may be cited and towed. First-time violations in residential zones: $150; subsequent: $500. Managed by SDOT Parking Enforcement.
Under SMC 11.72, no vehicle may park on the same block of a city street for longer than 72 consecutive hours, regardless of posted signs. Moving to a different spot on the same block does not restart the clock. The Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) program limits all-day commuter parking near large commuting centers including hospitals, universities, business districts, and light rail stations. RPZ permits allow residents to park beyond posted time limits. Maximum 4 regular permits per household unit, plus 1 guest permit (SMC 11.16.315). Since December 2023, RPZ permits are digital (license plate-based). Disabled parking permits allow parking in RPZs up to the 72-hour limit. Report abandoned vehicles at (206) 684-8763 or via the Find It, Fix It app. Scooters and motorcycles park with RPZ privileges without a permit.
72-hour violation: towing. RPZ time limit violation: citation. Report at (206) 684-8763 or Find It, Fix It app.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle street parking limits.
See how Seattle's street parking limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.