Old Palo Alto Residential Parking Permits
The Old Palo Alto Residential Preferential Parking (RPP) Program requires all residents to have a permit to park on the street for more than 2 hours between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you are a resident of the area and interested in a parking permit, visit the permit portal. For additional help, consult this Step by Step Duncan Permit Purchasing Guide or check out the FAQ. On occasion, emails will be directed to your spam or junk folder. Please check this folder if you do not receive a message to your inbox. For technical or fulfillment issues, please contact our permit vendor for assistance. Reach out to Duncan Solutions at (866) 210-2417 and please listen carefully to the full list of menu options to reach the phone tree's permit section. You can also email Duncan at onlineissues@duncansolutions.com.
Annual Permit Types
Annual permits can be purchased by RPP Program area residents and intended for use by the residents of a specific property within the RPP Program district. Virtual Permits are vehicle-specific and are not transferable between vehicles. Virtual Permits are intended for use by the residents of a specific property within the RPP Program district. A vehicle’s license plate number shall serve as the RPP parking permit, uploaded into the City’s parking permit database, and enforced using License Plate Recognition (LPR) software. Customers must provide a current DMV motor vehicle registration for each vehicle requesting a virtual permit.
Hangtag Permits are permits hung from the rear-view mirror or fully displayed, face-up on the front dashboard and may be used for a nanny, baby-sitter, caregiver, household employee, or other regular visitor to the property. Annual RPP Permit Hangtags must be purchased by the resident of the property and may be transferred between motor vehicles. A DMV motor vehicle registration is not required when ordering hangtag permits.
Permit Prices for Residents
- Up to 5 virtual/digital permits and/or transferable hangtag permits per residential unit at $50 each
- Up to 50 daily visitor permits at $5 per year
Resident Parking Permit Eligibility
- A completed application form (online) in the residents’ name and address; and
- Provide a current DMV motor vehicle registration for each vehicle requesting a virtual/digital permit; and
- Provide proof of residency/ownership in the resident’s/owner’s name reflecting the permit address in the RPP Program area. Acceptable proof of residency shall be a driver’s license, the vehicle registration, a utility bill, car insurance policy, lease agreement or a preprinted personal check with the resident’s name and address.
To fully utilize the online system, we ask Old Palo Alto RPP participants to review the instructions to apply for a permit(s):
Visit the Permit Portal and create an account with the required information
- Secure your login credentials by email
- Enter vehicle information
- Order your permits - Online permit renewal for residents will begin the following year
- Customer will be charged a service fee for each permit
- Submit program eligibility documentation
- If applicable, pay for permits
- Monitor inbox for order confirmation
Residents creating new accounts will be required to upload proof of residency, i.e., driver’s license, Palo Alto utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, etc.
On occasion, emails from the permit vendor will be directed to your spam/junk folder. Please check this folder if you do not receive a message in your inbox. Once your purchase is complete, the payment receipt (email) will serve as a temporary permit, valid 30 days after purchase. Please print and fully display, face-up until your order arrives by mail. Old Palo Alto RPP Permits are processed and shipped out of state, and we recommend ordering your permits in advance to avoid shipping delays.
For technical or fulfillment issues, please contact our permit vendor for assistance. You can reach Duncan Solutions between 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. PST by calling (866) 210-2417; please listen very carefully to the full list of menu options to reach the phone tree's permit section. You can also email Duncan at Onlineissues@DuncanSolutions.com
If you have general questions on the RPP program, please contact the Office of Transportation by calling (650) 329-2520 or email Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park for more than 2 hours with no permit?
In RPP Districts with a time limit for non-permitted vehicles, vehicles not displaying a valid permit may park up to the posted time limit during the period designated by posted signage. After the maximum time limit period, vehicles will be prohibited from re-parking within the same district.
Parking in any RPP district for longer than 2 hours with no permit will result in a citation.
I'm a resident. Why do I need to pay for a permit?
The City Council Resolution explains the process and reasoning behind the Old Palo RPP.
Where are permits displayed on vehicles?
Transferable hangtags must be hung from the rearview mirror with the permit information visible from the exterior of the vehicle. Note – Hanging your permit incorrectly shall invalidate your parking exemption.
What are Old Palo Alto RPP regulation days and times?
The parking restrictions are enforced Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (City holidays are exempt). Refer to the City calendar for observed holidays.
Where can residents park with a permit?
Resident Parking Permits are valid anywhere with posted Old Palo Alto RPP parking restrictions.
Who provides enforcement?
Serco, Inc. has been contracted by the City to provide enforcement services for the Old Palo Alto RPP Program. Serco, Inc. employees wear uniforms with identification, and you may see them walking, biking, or driving throughout the Old Palo Alto RPP Program area.
Are the regulations enforced on holidays?
No, parking restrictions are not enforced on regular City holidays or on weekends. Refer to the City calendar for observed holidays.
How do I get a refund for my permit?
Refunds are issued for annual permits only. A refund of the unused portion will be given only through the third quarter prorated at the quarterly rate. Remove the permit from your vehicle (pieces are accepted) and send via US mail with the information of the party to receive the refund to Revenue Collections, Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301. Refunds are calculated from the date the permit is surrendered to Revenue Collections.
I got an RPP citation. What do I do?
Follow the instructions on the RPP citation to pay a citation. If you do not have the instructions available, call 650-814-4501 for assistance.