Parking Facilities

Zones

There are eight approved residential permit parking areas and special permit parking areas that permit residential parking. Each zone is marked with specific signage.

OTR South Special Parking Permit Area (SPPA)_ 

OTR North Special Parking Permit Area (SPPA)

Pendleton Zone A – Map

Clifton_Zone B – Map

Walworth_Zone C – Map

Hyde_Park_Zone E – Map

Betts_Longworth_Zone_F – Map

Bellevue_Residential_Zone_H – Map

Types of Permits

All zones permit residents (owner or renter) of residential properties within the respective zone to seek a residential parking permit. Some zones also have established temporary and visitor parking permits that can be obtained for use in the zone as well.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Residential Parking Permit program, you must reside at an address within one of the designated zones. To verify your eligibility and check for permit availability, please register for an account and enter your address. Residents with proof of residency and vehicle registration can obtain a permit, limited to one per person and two per dwelling unit. Per section 514-7 of the CMC, all zones allow only one annual permit per resident and two per dwelling.

Spouses, partners, roommates, family, or other co-habitants are required to create their own accounts and apply for their own permits. All Residential Parking Permits are digital and do not have a physical sticker or placard.

How do I apply?

To create a digital account and apply for a digital permit, please go to the RPP portal and follow the steps laid out: www.cincinnati.thepermitportal.com

Be prepared to upload the following documents: proof of residency, vehicle registration, and proof of income eligibility* for reduced permits (if applicable). The available permit types include Annual Resident Permit, Semi-Annual Resident Permit, Annual Resident Reduced Permit, Visitor Permit, and Guest Permit

1. Complete the creation of your digital account. 
2. Click “Buy Permit,” select your permit zone and type. Click “Buy.” Fill out all required fields, select your vehicle from the dropdown, upload necessary documentation, and click “Submit.”
3. Wait for an email confirming approval. After approval, you can proceed with payment. The permit becomes valid once payment is processed. If your application is denied, read the explanation carefully and reapply with corrected information if possible.

You will receive email notifications at each step. Please note that permits are not valid until the approval process is complete and payment have been processed. Applications must include all required documentation, and account holders are responsible for updating their permit information, including vehicle license plate and address. If your vehicle's plate is not listed on the active permit, you will receive citations.

*If applying for reduced (low-income) RPP, the following are acceptable criteria to show proof of income status:

• A lease or documentation from the resident’s landlord confirming residency in subsidized or tax-credit housing. 
• An Ohio Direction Card indicating eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 
• Participation in a Medicaid-managed care plan or a fee-for-service card verifying Medicaid eligibility. 
• An Ohio EPPICard showing qualification for Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance. 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter or appropriate documentation verifying SSI eligibility. 

More details on residential permit parking areas can be found here: 

Chapter 514 - PARKING PERMITS | Code of Ordinances | Cincinnati, OH | Municode Library 

Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the permit cost? 

There are two tiers of fees depending on the Permit Zone.

The permit zones follow the following fee schedules:

*Visitor Permits are not issued within OTR South SPPA under current program rules

**Affordable/Reduced Permits are only available within the OTR South SPPA and OTR North SPPA zones under authorizing ordinances

Are RPP holders guaranteed a parking spot? 

No, RPP holders are not guaranteed a parking space. If no space is available, residents with a permit will need to find alternative parking, such as a metered space or off-street parking.

​Can I get a permit for a car that isn’t registered in my name? 

No, the vehicle must be registered in the name of the person applying for the permit. The applicant must also possess a valid driver’s license.

​Can residential permits be used in other Residential Parking Areas? 

No, permits are only valid in the zones specified on the permit.

​How are RPPs enforced? 

RPP zones are enforced by verifying the license plate registered at the time of application with the approved zone. Permit Holders who change their license plate after permit issuance must submit a request for a plate change to avoid a citation. For enforcement issues, contact the City’s Parking Facilities Division at 513-352-4527.

​What happens if you don't have a permit? 

Violators will receive a citation from the City’s Parking Enforcement Division under Cincinnati Municipal Code Section 514. For questions regarding tickets and enforcement, please contact Parking Facilities at 513-352-4527.

​How long does it take to get a permit once the application is received? 

The City’s  online application process allows residents the ability to apply for Residential Parking Permits (RPP), submit documentation, and make payments. Providing all required documentation is received at time of application, the  RPPs are processed and issued within 3-4 business days.

Where can visitors park without passes? 

Visitors cannot park in zones designated for residential permits. Alternative options include metered spaces, garages, and off-street parking.

​How is a new zone created? 

Cincinnati Municipal Code 514-5 sets the criteria for creating a new residential parking permit area through a petition from a majority of households within the proposed area. The creation of zones can be initiated by City Council or if at least 60 percent of the households in the area sign a petition. 

Updates + Policy

2022

As of July 1, 2022, the Parking Facilities department has taken over the administration of the Residential Parking Permit Program from the City’s Department of Transportation and Engineering. All Residential Parking Permits will now be digital, eliminating the need for a physical sticker or placard. All applicants must create a new digital account to apply for, manage, and pay for their residential parking permits. Each resident may apply for only one annual permit. Spouses, partners, roommates, family members, or other cohabitants must also create their own accounts and apply for their permits individually. According to section 514-7 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code (CMC), residential permits are limited to one per person and two per dwelling. For more details, please refer to the link provided.

​2025

​On October 23, 2024, City Council passed Ordinance 349-2024, which authorizes the creation of a Special Permit Parking Area (SPPA) in the northern section of Over-the-Rhine (OTR). A crucial part of this process involved a comprehensive review of the parking rates and hours for on-street paid parking within North OTR. By incorporating best practices, conducting local research, and gathering feedback from stakeholders, the Administration developed an SPPA with updated parking rates and hours for the North OTR neighborhood. To address the high parking demand in the North OTR SPPA, particularly around Findlay Market, parking rates will be increased to align with those in South OTR. The hours will also be adjusted based on feedback from key stakeholders, including small business owners and residents. Flex hours will allow both residents and the public to access spaces during specific times, with new rates and hours taking effect on January 1, 2025. The Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), the Department of Transportation & Engineering (DOTE), and the Department of Public Services (DPS) are collaborating to finalize signage and develop effective communication strategies for those potentially affected by these changes.