At a Glance

1. Public space rental/Annual permit is mainly for businesses to park/occupy public space year around, or for seasonal needs.

2. Grants right to park vehicle or occupy space such as metered or non-metered curb lanes, travel lanes, sidewalks etc.

3. Permanent "No Parking" signs are available many events like Valet Staging Area, Intercity Bus etc.

4. A permit can be printed from any place, but the "No Parking Sign" sign printing is available only at Kiosks. Kiosk locations are listed further below.

5. Public space rental/Annual permits are renewable.

6. Most of the Public Space Rental/Annual Permits require an in advance application submission.
   Click here to view the number of lead days for each event.
   
   

Permit Types

Sidewalk Cafe	Parking on Public Space
Vaults	Event Venue Valet Permit
Farmers' Market	Valet Staging Area
Intercity Bus	Moving Container Company
Commuter Bus	Shuttle Service
Sightseeing Bus	Tour Bus

descriptions of Public Space Rental/ Annual Permits

Processing Time

Public Space/Annual Permits requiring Public Space Committee (PSC) approval needs minimum 45 days of processing time. Other Public Space/Annual Permits requires up to 20 business days for approval.Public Space Committee Meeting Dates
Once a permit is approved, you can pay online using Credit Card / Debit Card / eCheck which automatically issues the permit.

Kiosk Locations

There are 7 kiosks at MPD police stations, and 2 at the Permit Office. Occupancy signs can only be printed from Kiosks or obtained at Permit Office.

Kiosk Locations

Renewal

The Annual Permits can be renewed 30 days before expiration date. The renewal window is also open after expiration but number of days varies by permit types.

renewal windows for different Public Space/Annual Permits

Documents

Most of the Public Space Rental/Annual permit requires you to upload appropriate documents. A list of documents can be found using the "Find" button below. You are encouraged to upload them during application process so the permit can be processed faster. TOPS will provide you option to submit document at the permit office counter. If you do not upload all mandatory documents, your application will not be reviewed until permit office receives them. Application with pending document will lapse automatically after 15 days. The system will accept pdf, tif, jpg, png, gif and svg for photos and only pdf, tif for all other types of documents. Maximum size for one document is 20 MB.

Document Requirements

Fees

Application Fee

There is $50 application fee for public space rental/annual permit. A permit application processing can begin only after the application fee is paid.

Permit Fee

Public space rental/Annual permit fee depends on number of spaces and number of hours to occupy the spaces as described below.

Farmers' Market

$50/Block Face/Month
For permitting purposes, a month has been standardized to be 30 days long.

Valet Staging Area

Total rent is calculated at 50 Cents ($0.50) per Hour per car space.

InterCity Bus

Total rent is calculated at 50 Cents ($0.50) per Hour per Car Space (1 bus space = 5 car spaces).

Commuter Bus/Shuttle Service/Sightseeing Bus/Tour Bus

The permit fee is prorated for number of months permit is requested for.
Below are the annual permit fees-
New Sign On Existing Pole: $250 for each bus stop.
Existing Sign On Existing Pole: $250 for each bus stop.
New Sign and Pole Installation: $500 for each bus stop.

Sidewalk Cafe

Permit Fee is $260.

Meter Fee

If the permit location contains meters, meter fee will be charged based on the meter hours and their rates.

Technology Fee

There is a 10% technology fee in addition to the permit fee.

Payment Option

Once the on-line application is approved, payment can be made on-line using MasterCard or Visa - or by mailing a check or money order made payable to "DC Treasurer". The DC Treasurer is located at 1101 4th Street, SW in Washington, DC.

Application Status

A permit application starts with "Incomplete" Status, after submission it becomes "Pending Assignment" and then moves through several pre-defined statuses before it can get issued.

full list of Permit Application Statuses