Saint Paul offers special parking for people with disabilities including Residential Disability Parking Zones, which are signed parking spaces reserved for vehicles with disability license plates or hang tags, and free limited parking at meters.
To qualify for a special disability parking, you must have either a disability license plate or parking certificate (hang tag or placard) which are issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Disability Parking Rules at Meters
Those possessing a valid disability plate or certificate (hang tag or placard) may park at any city meter without a fee for up to 4 hours except for those meters marked with a 30-minute maximum. Once the time limit is reached, the vehicle must be moved at least two blocks away from the original space to qualify for free meter parking up to 4 hours.
If you need to park for an extended period of time, we encourage you to use off-street parking ramps or lots. Long-term parkers with disabilities may qualify for reduced monthly rates at Saint Paul parking ramps.
Residential Disability Parking Zones
Some residents with disabilities may qualify for a Residential Disability Parking Zone, which are signed parking spaces reserved for vehicles with disability license plates or hang tags.
There is cost to residents for the installation of a Residential Disability Parking Zone. The City pays for half of the cost and the resident pays for the other half. While the cost of installation varies, the cost to residents is approximately $274.
A Residential Disability Parking Zone sign may be installed near a qualified person’s residence if the following criteria are met:
- Resident has a disability license plate or disability parking certificate (hang tag or placard).
- Off-street parking is not available or accessible to the person with the disability.
- On-street parking is generally not available.
To apply for a Residential Disability Parking Zone installation, please complete the Residential Disability Parking Zone Application and email it to PW-TrafficGeometrics@ci.stpaul.mn.us or mail it to:
Traffic Engineering Division (ADA)
800 City Hall Annex
25 West 4th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed and you will be notified about the approval or denial of your application. If approved, we will also provide a quote for the cost of installation.
Special Needs Parking Permit for Long-term Meter Parking
People with a valid disability plate or certificate (hang tag or placard) may apply for a permit allowing on-street parking at a meter near their place of employment. Applicants must have severe mobility impairment which requires parking very close to their place of employment, and must regularly park over 4 hours without any other reasonable parking alternatives in the immediate vicinity.
This permit does not guarantee a specific metered parking space. This permit does not apply to 30-minute meters and during times when metered parking is prohibited such as with hooded meters, snow emergencies, and rush hour restrictions. The applicant, permit, and specified vehicle must be together and in the vicinity of the applicant’s place of employment to be valid. Permits are non-transferrable.
The fee for a Special Needs Parking Permit is 50% of the monthly rate in the closest public parking ramp to the applicant's place of employment.
A person may apply for a Special Needs Parking Permit if the following criteria are met:
- Applicant has a disability license plate or disability parking certificate (hang tag or placard).
- Applicant requires parking very close to their place of employment, and must regularly park over 4 hours without any other reasonable parking alternatives in the immediate vicinity.
To apply for a Special Needs Parking Permit, please complete the Special Needs Parking Permit Application, available by calling 651-266-6200, and email email it to PW-TrafficGeometrics@ci.stpaul.mn.us or mail it to:
Traffic Division
800 City Hall Annex
25 West 4th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
The applicant will be notified about approval or denial of their application. If approved, we will also provide the cost.
