Offical Website of
Town of Chapel Hill
Parking Services

Group 7

Residential Parking Permits

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Apply Online for 2022-23 Residential Parking Permits Here

The Town of Chapel Hill manages a Residential Parking Permit program in neighborhoods that see high levels of transient parking, especially those around the University of North Carolina, to ensure that residents have safe and accessible neighborhoods. The Residential Parking Permit program allows qualifying residents who live within the parking zone to obtain a permit to park during the posted time limits.

 

(IMPORTANT!) Notes on Processing and Payment:

  • Applications must be complete with all supporting documents, in order to be considered and processed.
  • All permits will be processed as they are received. The timestamp on the online application is your “place in line” for your address; to maintain the “first come first serve” process for addresses that receive multiple permits.
  • Guest permits are now $25 unless otherwise stated.
  • Residential Parking Permits will be fully digitized for the 2022-23 Permit Year and your license plate information will be used to validate your parking.
  • You will be notified of the decision for your application once your documents are reviewed.  Please allow up to 3-5 weeks for processing.  During this time, your pending application will serve as a temporary permit.
  • Guest permits will be mailed to the address on your application and will arrive within approximately 10 days of approval.
  • For administrative reasons, you may receive a bill for your permits at a later date via US Mail.  Please ensure your address and billing information are accurate!

If you are unable to apply online, or have questions, please email parking@townofchapelhill.org.

Additional Resources

Permit Information

Eligibility
The Town of Chapel Hill currently has 16 residential parking districts which require Residential Parking Permits for on-street parking. To be eligible, you must live in a designated residential parking district. Applicants may apply for a residential parking permit if:

  • an applicant resides on a street where parking is prohibited and
  • the applicant has no practical way of parking off of the street.

The number of permits may not exceed the number of licensed vehicles registered to the residence address and no more than five permits shall be in effect at the same time for the same lot, regardless of the number of housing units on the lot. Permits are permanently affixed to the vehicle and are not transferable. All residential permits must be displayed within the vehicle to which it is assigned.
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Terms and Fees
Residential Parking Permits are $25.00 per decal ($15.00 if purchased after January or later within the permit year). All permits will expire July 1st of each year no matter when the permit is received.
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New Applicants for a Residential Parking Permit
All applicants will be required to provide proof that they reside within the residential parking permit zone by providing proof of the following:

If you are renting or leasing the property:

  • Valid motor vehicle registration card, that has your name or the name of your parents
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Current lease agreement with names of tenants and signatures

If you own the property:

  • Valid motor vehicle registration card, that has your name or the name of your parents
  • Valid driver’s license
  • A current utility bill with your name and address OR a deed of ownership
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Restrictions and Exclusions
Permits are only valid in areas where signs are posted for permit parking, and only those posted with the zone letter for which the permit is issued. For example, a permit issued for Zone A is not valid in Zone C. Permit holders are exempt only from posted time limits in Residential Parking zones. They are still required to comply with all other regulations, such as no parking zones, fire hydrants, etc.

Parking is not allowed on sidewalks or lawns, nor in areas of the front and side yards that do not have concrete, asphalt, or other approved surfaces. Vehicles are required to be parked on paved driveways or approved parking areas.
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Enforcement
Parking Services personnel regularly monitor residential parking permit zones. If you wish to report parking violations, please call the parking services at 919-968-2758. It is illegal to create, use, or display a false permit.
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Guest Permits
Guest permits allow for short-term parking within the residential parking zone and are not to be used on consecutive days within a period of over 24 hours. It is a hang tag that is displayed from the inside rear view mirror that can be given to a guest when they come to visit. Keep the permit for your next guest that visits you!  Misuse of guest permits may result in fines and penalties in addition to forfeiture of both guest permits. Guest permits that are forfeited due to misuse will not be reissued for a period of 12 months.
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Special Events
If you are planning to have a special event, such as a wedding, party, or event, please contact the Parking Services at (919) 968-2758, at least five days in advance. Please let us know the date, time and the number of vehicles you expect. We’ll share the information with our parking enforcement and operations staff, because we do not want to give tickets to your guests!
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Annual In-Home Care Permits
Residents or family members who live any of the Town’s Residential Parking Permit Zones who have babysitters, caregivers, or who have disabilities or medical conditions requiring in-home care services may be eligible for In-Home Care Permits for a fee of $10.00.
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Changes to Residence or Vehicle
If a permit holder relocates to a different dwelling unit within the same residential parking zone, or within another residential parking zone, please notify us by calling 919-968-2758 or emailing parking@townofchapelhill.org. Necessary changes will be made to the applicable permits.

Please let us know if you sell your vehicle and no longer require a permit. A permit holder who changes vehicles or license plates must notify the Town and provide the required documentation. A new permit will then be issued.
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Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Permits
Please call our parking office at 919-968-2758 and provide an insurance claim, police report, or other documents confirming it was stolen.

Lost or damaged permits are replaced for $15, and there is a limit of one replacement per year.

 

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