The Northwest Parking District was created to bridge the gap between parking availability and demand, support a full range of transportation options within the context of neighborhood livability and economic vitality, efficiently manage parking, and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)
The mission of the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee is to advise the City on transportation and parking issues in the district (also called Zone M) and support a full range of transportation options within the context of neighborhood livability and economic vitality with the goal of efficiently managing parking and reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. The committee develops a list of transportation related projects and programs for the District to spend meter revenues and the permit surcharge.
The Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee meets monthly. Meetings occur on the third Wednesdays of the month from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM on Zoom. The public is encouraged to attend. Meeting agendas, summaries and materials are posted here.
Join our email list Learn About the Northwest Stakeholder Advisory Committee
Northwest Residential and Business Parking Permits (Zone M)
Part of Northwest Portland (also called Zone M) is an area with metered parking and parking for residential/business permit holders. Check the street signage where you park to make sure you are parking legally. For more information on parking in Portland, visit our On-Street Parking Guide. If you are interested in learning more about on-street parking management in Northwest Portland, please refer to this Management Plan Map, or read the full Northwest Portland Parking Management Plan.
Northwest Residential Parking Permits (Zone M)
Residential Overview
- Permits cost $195 ($75 permit + $120 surcharge).
- Permits are limited to one per licensed driver.
- The number of resident permits allowed per address is reduced proportionately by the number of off-street parking spaces available to that address. Applicants complete an off-street declaration form with their application.
- Residents with low incomes at 80% Area Median Income pay $75 for a permit. Residents who live in buildings with off-street parking are eligible to buy one parking permit at the low-income rate. Review income limits Here.
- Households in buildings with certificates of occupancy prior to August 7, 2013, are eligible to receive a minimum of one permit per household.
- Residents that have more than one permit are eligible to renew their permits at a tiered price (permit prices below). The off-street declaration form works in conjunction with this rule.Therefore, a current resident may be eligible for less permits if off-street parking is available to them.
- 1st permit: $195
- 2nd permit: $390
- 3rd permit and thereafter: $585
New Residential Applicants
If you are a brand new parking permit applicant and reside in a building that received a certificate of occupancy prior to August 7, 2013 to following restrictions apply:
- Limit of one permit per licensed driver, maximum of three permits per address.
- Permits cost $195 per permit.
- There is a low-income provisions available; if the resident meets 80% of the Area Median Income identified by the Portland Housing Bureau then they are eligible for a base rate Zone M permit ($75).
New Residential Buildings
- Residential buildings that obtained their certificate of occupancy after August 7, 2013 but before September 1, 2017 are limited to 0.6 permits per number of units in the building
- Residential buildings that obtained their certificate of occupancy September 1, 2017 or after are limited to 0.4 permits per number of units in the building
- The off-street parking declaration form and rules apply to residents in buildings that obtained their certificate of occupancy after August 7, 2013.
Information about building age and permit restrictions can be found here.
Residential Opt-Out Incentive
TheTransportation Wallet is a collection of passes and credits for use on transit, streetcar, bikeshare and e-scooters. If a resident chooses to not renew their parking permit, they can opt to receive a free Transportation Wallet.
Click here to apply for a Zone M Area Parking Permit.
Northwest Businesses Parking Permits (Zone M)
Business Overview
- Permits cost $195 ($75 permit + $120 surcharge)
- The maximum number of permits issued to any business is 50.
- Businesses requesting more than 30 permits must complete a mandatory survey on their transportation demand management strategy plans and practices, as well as about their off-street parking (go to survey).
- Businesses may request an exception (to buy more than 50 permits) by writing to the Northwest Parking District Liaison: Rae-Leigh.Stark@portlandoregon.gov. Decisions are made based on their strategies to reduce traffic demand and parking management practices (go to process document). If a business is issued an exception for more than 50 permits, the additional permits over the first 50 would cost $390 each
Business Opt-out Incentive
TheTransportation Wallet is a collection of passes and credits for use on transit, streetcar, bikeshare and e-scooters. If a business chooses to not purchase parking permits, they are eligible to receive free or discounted Transportation Walletsfor their employees. There is no limit to the number of eligible permit opt-outs. Free Transportation Wallets can be received for each parking permit not renewed based on a reduction of permits that were issued in 2018. Discounted Transportation Wallets can be received for each additional eligible permit exchanged, Transportation Wallet is available for $25 each.
Click here to apply for a Zone M Area Parking Permit.
On-Street Visitor Parking
Northwest Portland is a vibrant area of the City, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, nightlife activities, and family friendly activities. Due to high parking demand, the main commercial corridors of NW 23rd Ave and NW 21st Ave, are metered only. Nearby parking includes a residential permit area, known as Zone M. You will also have to pay for parking in these areas, and the signs in this area indicate that vehicles with residential or business permits can park without paying at the meter. Please keep in mind that no matter where you park, there is a time limit. Check the large sign near the paystation to confirm how long you can stay before you must move your car. Use the map below to research on-street parking in advance.
Want to skip the meter? Download the City's mobile pay app, Parking Kitty!
Looking for a disability parking stall? Click the link below for an interactive map. Standard disability stalls are marked with a "D" when you zoom in, and Wheelchair User Only stalls are marked with a "W". Need more information about disability parking in Portland? Click here to read about rules and regulations.
Off-Street Visitor Parking
Off-street parking in Northwest just got easier! Click here to learn about off-street options and find a map detailing the locations and hours of off-street parking lots, as well as locations for BIKETOWN bike corrals. BIKETOWN, Portland's bike share program, is a great alternative to parking and re-parking your car once here!
Northwest Reports
Timbers Parking
If you're thinking about driving and parking on-street for a Timbers game, please be aware there are limited locations to park for the duration of the game. The meters in Northwest Portland are designed to limit parking in the Northwest area to ensure there is enough parking for local residents (Restricted Event Parking on the map below). The meters near the stadium in Downtown Portland will have event pricing starting 3 hours before game start, and lasting 3 hours after game start (Event Parking on the map below).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Northwest Parking District Management Plan?
The Northwest District Parking Management Plan is a plan designed to address parking issues in the district. The plan is the result of several years of collaboration among city staff, residents and businesses. The plan’s goal is to manage the on-street parking system based on best practices and data. The plan created a metered area and expanded the permit district. It was adopted by City Council in July 2013.
Who administers the Northwest Parking District Management Plan?
The Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee advises the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) on changes to the management tools and expenditures of funds.
Who is the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee?
The Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee formed in 2014 and members were appointed by Commissioner Novick. The members include 4 representatives from Northwest District Association (NWDA), 4 representatives from Nob Hill Business Association (NHBA), and 5 At-large individuals. Find the full list of members here.
What is the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee's mission?
The mission of the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee is to advise the City on transportation and parking issues in NW and support a full range of transportation options within the context of neighborhood livability and economic vitality with the goal of efficiently managing parking and reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. The committee evaluates district transportation needs and priorities and sets forth priority projects and programs to support and facilitate more efficient transportation access. A current example is the Transportation Wallet. The Wallet is offered to permit holders that opt out of renewing their parking permits and are available for sale for $99 to residents and employees in the Northwest Parking District. The Golden Transportation Wallet is available for free to Honored Citizens and low income residents.
When are the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory meetings and what is typically discussed at these meetings?
The Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee meets monthly to discuss matters related to the Northwest District Parking Management Plan. Meetings occur on the third Wednesdays of the month from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM, typically at Friendly House, 1737 NW 26th Ave, but is currently on Zoom. They receive status updates on meters and permits and review requests/exceptions. They also develop a list of transportation related projects and programs for the District to use net meter revenues and the permit surcharge. Meeting agendas, summaries and materials can be found here.
What is the Portland Bureau of Transportation's (PBOT) role with the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee?
PBOT provides executive and administrative support to the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee. PBOT supports the committee with materials and updates, sends final agendas and meeting notes to interested parties, and leads the projects selected by the NW SAC.
What is the Zone M Area Parking Permit Program?
The Zone M Parking Permit program allows permit holders to exceed the signed visitor limit in the permit zone. Visitors have to follow the posted visitor limit whether that time is free or paid. Permits are not valid for pay to park only areas on or near NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenues and some future blocks on NW 18th and 19th Avenues. Currently the permit program hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday
Who can get a Zone M permit?
Residents and businesses in the Northwest Parking District can apply for parking permits. Check your address here to see if your location is within the boundary. Apply here.
Who administers the permits?
Portland Bureau of Transportation issues and enforces parking permits.
Where does the administration fee of $75 go?
The administration fee is the cost of issuing the permits and enforcing the permit area.
Why was there an increase in the permit fee in 2017?
To better manage on-street parking in Zone M, the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee recommended introducing a surcharge on parking permits for the permit year beginning September 1, 2017. The surcharge applies to both business and resident permits.
Is there a low-income provision?
Yes, if a resident meets 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) identified by the Portland Housing Bureau Here then they will not need to pay the surcharge of $120 and are eligible for a $75 permit. Low-income self-certification does not apply for residents renewing more than one vehicle.
Where does the permit surcharge of $120 go?
The surcharge is spent within the Northwest parking area on Transportation Demand Management strategies, also known as TDM to support the goal of decreasing parking demand. Funds from permit sales will go to improving transit, bicycling, and streetcar options for residents and employees in the Northwest District
What is Transportation Demand Management (TDM)?
Transportation demand management is the application of strategies and polices to reduce travel demand. Clear, consistent, performance-based Transportation and Parking Demand Management (TDM) can effectively reduce traffic and parking demand while increasing walking, bicycling, and transit use. TDM includes incentives such as reduced cost transit passes and bike share. Transportation Demand Management is one of the quickest, least expensive, and most effective strategies to reduce or prevent traffic and parking problems.
I don’t want to renew my parking permit, is there something I can get for opting out of a permit?
If a resident chooses to not renew their parking permit, they can opt to receive a Transportation Wallet. The 2020 Transportation Wallet includes:
- $250 TriMet Hop card (Central Eastside only)
- $100 TriMet Hop card (Northwest only)
- Portland Streetcar annual pass
- $25 BIKETOWN credit
- $30 scooter credit for use on with Spin scooter company
How can I provide input on the spending of the surcharge?
The Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee welcomes public input! You can attend meetings on the third Wednesdays of the month from 4:30 PM – 6 PM on Zoom. The committee also coordinates community outreach events for the project list which are open to the public. Meeting agendas, summaries and materials can be found here.
When does data collection and analysis occur?
Data collection and analysis occurs annually in the fall. A consultant conducts data collection, prepares data analysis and develops recommendations for reformatting the parking program based on best parking practices. Recent recommendations include changes to the on-street parking time stays, meters, hours of operation, and permit reduction.
Why are there upcoming permit changes for the Northwest Zone M Parking Permit Area?
Every fall, after data is collected and analyzed, it is reviewed by the Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee. Based on the analysis, recommendations are made to make changes to the on-street system and permit program. Recommendations might include expanding the metered area or reducing permits to both residents and employees. In December 2016 Council passed ordinance 188173 that allowed the northwest to develop a pilot program to implement additional tools to manage on-street parking. The additional tools include: Permit surcharge fee, capping the total number of permits issued, limiting annual issuance of residential permits and annual Transportation Demand Management (TDM) surveys.
How are residential permits being reduced to encourage alternative forms of transportation?
The number of resident permits allowed per address was reduced proportionately by the number of off-street parking spaces available to that address*. Residential permit applicants complete an off-street declaration form with their application.
- Households in buildings with certificates of occupancy after August 7, 2013 are eligible to receive a minimum of one permit per household.
- Permits may be issued to an address instead of a vehicle, allowing flexibility for sharing the permit between vehicles.
- Residents of buildings with paid off-street parking who meet the 80% Area Median Income are eligible to buy one parking permit at the low-income rate.
- For new residential applicants there is a limit of one permit per licensed driver, maximum of three permits per address.
*August 8, 2013 is when the NW Parking Management Plan was adopted, buildings developed before this date are exempt from permit restrictions.
What if I currently have more than one permit?
Residents that currently have more than one permit are eligible to renew their permits at a tiered price (permit prices below). The off-street declaration form will work in conjunction with this rule. Therefore, a current resident may be eligible for less permits if off- street parking is available to them.
- 1st permit: $195
- 2nd permit: $390
- 3rd permit and thereafter: $585
Where does the net meter revenue go?
Fifty-one percent of net meter revenue derived from the Northwest Parking District is allocated through the City budget process for projects, programs, and services that support transportation policies and objectives. Some examples of the projects include:
- Northwest in Motion Circulation and Safety Study
- Infrastructure projects such as curb extensions, improved crosswalks
- Shared parking projects such as improved signage and paystations
What are the time limits in Zone M?
The parking plan has three different “time stays”: four hours, two hours and 30 minutes. Four hours is the base time stay because it allows time for people to visit several businesses, eat a meal, see a movie, etc. On NW 21st and NW 23rd, about 80 percent of the meters are four hours. Two-hour time stays are mixed in to increase turnover in busy areas — so more people can find available parking. Residentially zoned streets will have one 30-minute short-term space at one corner of each block face. These are to make it easier for loading and unloading vehicles, and other short-term uses.
What are the enforcement times for permits and meters?
Permit and meter parking runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 3 hours before all regular season Timber soccer home games through 3 hours after kick off. Outside those hours, including all day on Sundays, anyone can park in any metered or permit-only space for free.
When will parking structures be built?
Parking structures are being evaluated for future construction. They are expensive capital projects. There is a subcommittee that looks for opportunities to share future parking built with developments. The Northwest Parking District Stakeholder Advisory Committee and Portland Bureau of Transportation will continue to manage the on-street system based on best practices and data. This includes implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM or strategies and polices to reduce travel demand), utilizing the current off-street parking supply, and utilizing additional tools to manage the on-street parking prior to moving forward with a parking structure. If interested, contact the Northwest Parking District Liaison: Rae-Leigh.Stark@portlandoregon.gov