Discussion:
The intention for residential permit parking is to provide parking to residents in proximity to their home in areas where on-street parking is in high demand and regularly congested. These areas are generally characterized by narrow residential lots with a high percentage that do not have private driveways. Under the current Council Resolution regarding the Residential Permit Parking Policy, these areas have been defined as areas adjacent to the University of Windsor, the Central Business District and the areas adjacent to St. Clair College. Beyond restricting the areas eligible for residential permit parking in the current Residential Permit Parking Policy, Council further acknowledged the need for increased community support (95%) due to the associated restrictions, not the least of which are annual permit renewals, fees and quantity limitations.
Throughout the City of Windsor there are currently 12 areas designated as residential permit parking areas. The homeowners and tenants in these areas pay for up to three (3) permits to park on the street in the direct vicinity of their residence. Two permits being directly linked to vehicles through licence plate registration, and one Visitor permit, linked through residential address, for occasional use.
Based on CR1377/95, requests for new areas have been denied, with the exception of the St. Clair area being added in 2013. New streets within or adjacent to existing approved areas have been added using the petition process with the 95% approval requirement. While the St. Clair College area was approved as an area in 2013, no streets currently have residential permit parking implemented.
Below is a summary of similar Municipality’s permit requirements:
| Municipality | Type of Area Considered | How Areas Are Selected |
|---|---|---|
| City of Toronto | Zones and Streets | Residents (Petition) |
| City of Burlington | Zone | Municipality (Administration / Council) |
| City of Milton | Street | Residents (Petition) |
| City of Hamilton | Street | Residents (Petition) |
| City of Markham | Zone | Municipality (Administration / Council) |
| City of Vaughan | Street | Residents (Petition) |
| Town of Oakville | Zone | Municipality (Administration / Council) |
Typical areas in these Municipalities that have been approved for residential permits include areas such as those adjacent to Universities, hospitals, and downtown business districts.