TDM Toolbox

Subsector: Parking Management and Roadway Pricing
Residential Pricing and Permit
VMT Reduction Potential: 4
Cost: 2
ROI: 5
TAM Relevancy: 3
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Site
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities
Eligibility Status: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (2024), UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies Parking Pricing Guide, FHWA Congestion Pricing Toolkit
Eligibility Status: Feasible

Description

Residential permit parking programs in conjunction with parking pricing (meters) for on-street parking is typically implemented in transitional neighborhoods – near commercial corridors, universities, or entertainment districts. At these locations, demand is high and land use is mixed. It reduces vehicle circulation for parking, encourages turn over and encourages people to consider other alternative modes to driving.

Implementation Details

  • Pilot residential permit parking in locations near business districts.
  • Incorporate clear signage, a streamlined permit system for residents, and easy to use parking payment apps

Mitigation Potential

Implementing parking pricing in conjunction with residential permit parking increases the cost of driving to a location and reduces parking spillover into residential areas. Pricing parking disincentivizes the use of Single Occupancy Vehicle and encourages alternative forms of transportation, reducing VMT.

For more details, see CALTRANS SB743 Program Mitigation Playbook, Parking, pg. 39-41 and CAPCOA (2019), Residential Area Parking Permits, pg. 8 for VMT reduction quantification.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

To avoid placing cost burdens on low-income drivers or residents, pricing strategies should include a streamlined permit system for residents. Transparent community engagement is critical to ensure buy-in and equitable outcomes.

Funding Sources

Likely requires initial funding to monitor parking facilities, plus continued funding for staffing parking enforcement. Planning for alternative parking strategies can be funded through Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants and CMAQ. Proximity to transit and active transportation networks may impact eligibility to a broader range of funding programs.

Implemented in TAM Area

Current TDM Implementation

Marin has permitted residential parking programs in Kentfield, San Quentin Village, and Bolinas. Outreach and design are underway for a proposed residential parking program in San Rafael.

TDM Benefit Locations

This TDM measure will be particularly beneficial in areas with limited off-street parking supply, spillovers from commercial districts, and high visitor parking. This would include East San Rafael, neighborhoods surrounding the Larkspur ferry terminal, Downtown Novato near the SMART stations, and near Mill Valley trailhead areas.