Parking

The Office of Transportation is responsible for developing and implementing parking policies and programs that serve the needs of residents, employees, and visitors, while also supporting City transportation and environmental goals.

Parking Action Plan

The Palo Alto Action Plan presents comprehensive parking strategies for developing parking policy and implementation plans in the City of Palo Alto, coordinated by the Office of Transportation.

More information coming soon.

Residential Parking

Residential preferential parking districts, established by ordinance (Ordinance No. 5294), are intended to restore and enhance the quality of life in residential neighborhoods by reducing the impact of parking associated with nearby businesses and institutional uses. Learn more about the RPP programs in the following neighborhoods:

Employee / Employer Parking

Palo Alto Employers and employees may purchase permits to park on the street, or at any of the area off-street parking lots and garages. Learn more about the parking in the following districts and neighborhoods:

Visitor Parking

All day visitor parking permits are also available for all off-street parking lots and garages. Learn more about Palo Alto visitor parking.

Pay a Citation

Please visit the Administrative Services Department's Pay a Citation page.

Helpful Hints

Parking:

  • Parking is prohibited within 15 feet on either side of a fire hydrant as per California vehicle code.
  • Parking is prohibited in a wheelchair parking space and the access space next to it unless the parked vehicle displays the placard issued by the DMV.
  • Several motorcycle parking spaces are available in Downtown Business district where you may park for free for up to an entire day.

On-street bike and parking lanes:

  • On a five feet wide bike lane, parking is prohibited at all times.
  • On a seven to eight feet wide bike and parking lane, parking is prohibited from 7 AM to 7 PM all day.
  • On a twelve feet wide bike and parking lane, parking is allowed at all times.

Parking Programs/Links

 

Contact Us

Email: Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org

New Employee Off-Street and On-Street Employee Permit Sales

A new sales cycle for both off-street and on-street employee parking permits are now on sale. Learn more about RPP employee permits. Learn more about off-street permits in public lots and garages.

FAQs for Recent RPP Changes

This FAQs of the Recent RPP Updates provides background and context for recent changes to the RPP programs related to transitioning to License Plate Recognition and Virtual Permits, including information about the removal of the first free residential permit in Downtown and Evergreen-Park Mayfield districts.

Book an in-person appointment

Have questions about parking? Need help with your parking needs? Appointments are available at City Hall with Parking staff.

Book an appointment

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